The aroma of crispy bacon sizzling in the pan brings back memories of lazy Sunday mornings where the kitchen buzzed with laughter and the promise of a delicious feast. Today, I’m excited to share my take on a classic — the Hearty BLT Quiche. This scrumptious dish effortlessly combines the nostalgic flavors of bacon, lettuce, and tomato into a fluffy, creamy delight that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dinner at home. Not only is it a breeze to whip up, but it also embraces your creativity with customizable ingredients, making it a perfect solution for meal prep. Plus, it’s sure to impress your family or guests, proving that homemade comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Are you ready to elevate your next meal?
Why is BLT Quiche the Perfect Dish?
Hearty Comfort Food: BLT Quiche brings together the delightful flavors of bacon, lettuce, and tomato in a warm, flaky crust. Easily Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or cheeses for a personalized touch. Meal Prep Friendly: Whip it up ahead of time and simply bake when ready to serve, making busy mornings a breeze. Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Whether for brunch or dinner, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table, just like my Cottage Cheese Quiche or a hearty Chicken BLT Crunchwrap. Rich and Flavorful: With its creamy filling and crispy toppings, each bite is a comforting experience that you won’t soon forget!
BLT Quiche Ingredients
For the Crust
• 9-inch unbaked pie shell – This crust provides a sturdy base for your quiche; a pre-baked crust can also be used for a crispier texture.
For the Filling
• 2-3 in-season tomatoes – These add freshness and moisture; ensure they are deseeded and drained to prevent a soggy quiche.
• 4 slices thick sliced bacon – A smoky and savory star in your quiche; cook in advance for quicker prep!
• 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped) – Adds vibrant color and nutrition; feel free to substitute with kale or Swiss chard if desired.
• ½ cup green onions (chopped) – Enhances flavor with a mild onion essence that blends beautifully.
• 4 eggs (room temperature) – Acts as the primary binding agent; helps achieve that light, fluffy texture we adore.
• ⅓ cup cream – Provides richness and a creamy mouthfeel; swap with half-and-half for a lighter take.
• ¼ cup feta cheese crumbles – Introduces a tangy depth that pairs perfectly; goat cheese is a great alternative here!
• ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese – This adds a sharp, cheesy goodness that complements the other flavors beautifully.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances overall flavor for a perfectly seasoned quiche.
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper – Just a hint for light heat!
• ⅛ teaspoon ground mustard – Creates a slightly tangy depth of flavor, tantalizing your taste buds.
• Pinch red pepper flakes – Offers a mild kick; adjust to taste for your desired spice level.
With these ingredients on hand, you’re well on your way to making a delectable BLT Quiche, perfect for any occasion!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for BLT Quiche
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Begin by baking your 9-inch unbaked pie shell according to the package instructions until it’s lightly golden, about 10-15 minutes. Allow the crust to cool fully on a wire rack, ensuring it provides a sturdy base for your delicious BLT Quiche without becoming soggy.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
While the crust cools, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature will help achieve the perfect golden finish on your quiche, allowing it to bake evenly and thoroughly. Be sure to allow the oven to fully preheat for best results.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
Sauté the four slices of thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, you can bake them on a sheet pan for a hands-off approach. Once cooked, drain the bacon on paper towels and chop it into bite-sized pieces, ready to layer in your quiche.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients
In the cooled pie crust, sprinkle the feta cheese crumbles evenly across the bottom. Next, layer on the deseeded and drained tomatoes, chopped spinach, green onions, and the crispy bacon pieces. This process builds the hearty flavors of your BLT Quiche, creating a beautiful, colorful mosaic.
Step 5: Mix the Egg Filling
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the four room temperature eggs with ⅓ cup of cream, ¼ teaspoon of salt, ⅛ teaspoon of black pepper, ⅛ teaspoon of ground mustard, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Beat until the mixture is fluffy and well combined, bringing all the elements together for a creamy filling.
Step 6: Assemble the Quiche
Carefully pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients in the pie crust. Ensure an even distribution so each slice of your BLT Quiche is packed with flavor. The egg mixture will seep into the layers, binding everything into a delightful union.
Step 7: Bake
Place the assembled quiche in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Enjoy the aroma wafting through your kitchen as it nears completion!
Step 8: Rest Before Serving
Once baked, remove the BLT Quiche from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the filling to set, making it easier to slice and serving up beautifully when you’re ready to enjoy this comforting dish.
Make Ahead Options
These BLT Quiches are ideal for meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop the spinach, green onions, and tomatoes up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Cook the bacon ahead of time as well; it can be kept for up to 3 days in the fridge. To ensure quality, assemble the quiche but hold off on adding the egg mixture until you’re ready to bake it, preventing sogginess. When you’re ready to enjoy your quiche, simply pour in the egg mixture and bake according to the recipe instructions. You’ll have a hearty, delicious breakfast in no time, with minimal effort!
BLT Quiche: Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with this BLT Quiche, allowing your taste buds to direct the way!
- Veggie-Loaded: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to boost the veggie count and add vibrant colors.
- Sausage Swap: Substitute bacon with cooked sausage for a heartier, flavorful twist that offers a different meat profile.
- Cheese Medley: Use a combination of cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda to create a unique taste experience. Every cheese brings its own personality to the dish!
- Gluten-Free Crust: Opt for a gluten-free pie crust or make a hash brown crust to keep things crispy while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
- Crustless Delight: Skip the crust altogether if you’re looking for a lighter option! This quiche can be baked directly in a greased pie dish for a quick and easy meal.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for a fiery burst of flavor; this brings a new dimension to every bite!
- Pesto Perfection: Swirl in a couple of tablespoons of pesto with the egg mixture to infuse a lovely herbaceous note into your quiche. Perfect for pesto lovers!
- Herbal Essence: Enhance the flavor profile with fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley—once baked, they add a fragrant freshness to the dish.
Enjoy experimenting with these variations, just like you would with my delightful Cottage Cheese Quiche or the mouthwatering Chicken BLT Crunchwrap. Whether you tweak the meat, swap the cheese, or explore herb combinations, every change makes this dish uniquely yours!
Expert Tips for BLT Quiche
- Crust Perfection: Blind bake your pie crust to achieve a nice, crispy texture, preventing it from becoming soggy once filled.
- Fresh Ingredients: Opt for in-season tomatoes for maximum flavor; deseed and drain them to prevent excess moisture in the BLT Quiche.
- Cooling Time: Make sure all cooked ingredients, such as bacon and spinach, cool before adding them to the crust to avoid scrambling the eggs.
- Fill Carefully: Avoid overfilling the quiche. Leave a little space at the top to ensure it doesn’t overflow during baking.
- Whisk Well: Beat the egg and cream mixture until frothy for a light and airy filling; this ensures a delightful texture in your quiche.
How to Store and Freeze BLT Quiche
Fridge: Store leftover BLT Quiche in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This helps preserve its creamy texture and robust flavors.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap the cooled quiche tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: For best results, reheat individual slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes to restore the quiche’s wonderful texture.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the quiche filling a day in advance and assemble it before baking, ensuring an easy, delicious meal when you need it.
What to Serve with Hearty BLT Quiche?
Elevate your breakfast or brunch experience with delightful pairings that harmonize beautifully with this savory dish.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful medley of seasonal fruits adds sweetness and a refreshing contrast to the richness of the quiche.
- Crispy Green Salad: Tossed greens with a light vinaigrette provide a crisp and tangy balance, enhancing the comforting flavors of the quiche.
- Roasted Potatoes: Golden, crispy potatoes seasoned with herbs contribute a hearty texture that pairs well with the fluffy quiche.
- Savory Scones: Buttery, flaky scones offer a delightful accompaniment, perfect for soaking up any leftover flavors from your plate.
- Herbal Tea: A warm cup of mint or chamomile tea can add a soothing finish to your meal, enhancing the overall experience.
- Chilled Rosé Wine: The light, fruity notes of rosé complement the savory flavors of the BLT Quiche while adding a touch of elegance to your table.
- Creamy Coleslaw: This crunchy side brings a tangy brightness, contrasting beautifully with the richness of the quiche and making each bite refreshing.
- Mini Quiches: Serve a variety of mini quiches alongside for an entertaining twist, allowing guests to sample different flavors and fillings.
- Coffee or Espresso: A classic breakfast beverage that’s comforting and aromatic, enhancing the experience of enjoying your quiche.
- Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, a light and airy chocolate mousse can be a delightful way to finish your meal, balancing savory and sweet flavors perfectly.
BLT Quiche Recipe FAQs
What tomatoes are best for BLT Quiche?
Absolutely, using ripe, in-season tomatoes can elevate your BLT Quiche! Look for tomatoes that are firm yet slightly squishy and vibrant in color. Avoid any that have dark spots all over, as they’ll impact the overall freshness of your dish. For convenience, I often use Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes, but cherry tomatoes work perfectly if you prefer a burst of sweetness!
How should I store leftover BLT Quiche?
Store any leftover BLT Quiche in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will keep your quiche fresh and maintain its creamy texture. If you find yourself with an overabundance, feel free to enjoy it cold or reheat gently in the oven when you’re ready to indulge again!
Can I freeze my BLT Quiche?
Certainly! To freeze your quiche, allow it to cool completely first. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, which can keep it fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. This method preserves the delightful texture immensely!
What if my quiche is too watery?
If you find that your quiche turns out too watery, it could be due to excess moisture in your vegetables, particularly the tomatoes. To avoid this, be sure to deseed and drain the tomatoes thoroughly and try pre-cooking your spinach to release moisture before adding it to the quiche. Don’t forget to let all cooked ingredients cool before adding them to the filling!
Is there a way to make this quiche gluten-free?
Yes! For a gluten-free version of your BLT Quiche, simply substitute the regular pie crust with a pre-made gluten-free pie shell or try making a crust with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers. This way, you can enjoy the fabulous taste without worrying about dietary restrictions while still savoring that classic quiche experience.
Can I make BLT Quiche without bacon?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a vegetarian option or simply want to skip the bacon, you can replace it with sautéed mushrooms or even some roasted red peppers for a hearty flavor. Just feel free to get creative – the beauty of quiche is how customizable it can be!
Savory BLT Quiche: A Comforting Bite for Every Occasion
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by baking your 9-inch unbaked pie shell according to the package instructions until it's lightly golden, about 10-15 minutes. Allow the crust to cool fully on a wire rack.
- While the crust cools, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté the four slices of thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In the cooled pie crust, sprinkle the feta cheese crumbles evenly across the bottom. Next, layer on the deseeded and drained tomatoes, chopped spinach, green onions, and the crispy bacon pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the four room temperature eggs with ⅓ cup of cream, ¼ teaspoon of salt, ⅛ teaspoon of black pepper, ⅛ teaspoon of ground mustard, and a pinch of red pepper flakes until fluffy and well combined.
- Carefully pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients in the pie crust. Ensure even distribution to bind everything.
- Place the assembled quiche in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the quiche and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to set.
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