A simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the Bacon Cheddar and Chive Quiche.
Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus add heartiness and a zesty touch with a squeeze of lemon.
A fresh fruit plate with seasonal fruits, such as strawberries, melons, and kiwi, balances the savory richness of the quiche with their natural sweetness.
Savory cheese scones bring a buttery, soft texture that pairs perfectly with the quiche’s crispy hash brown crust.
These delightful pairings will enhance your quiche experience, offering a wonderful mix of textures and flavors.
Imagine hosting a brunch where your guests are greeted by the warm, inviting aroma of bacon and cheese wafting through your kitchen.
This quiche performs that magic effortlessly. The combination of crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and the subtle hint of chives creates a flavor profile that lingers fondly in your memory. And the hash brown crust? It’s like a comforting hug on a plate.
What makes this quiche stand out is its unique crust. By utilizing hash browns, you get a delightful crunch that holds all the creamy goodness inside. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience—one where every bite tells a story of flavor and texture.
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What is Bacon Cheddar And Chive Quiche With A Hash Brown Crust?
At its core, this quiche combines a custard base filled with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh chives, all anchored in a savory hash brown crust. The beauty of the quiche lies not merely in its ingredients but in how those components come together.
What’s the process?
First, you create the crust by pressing thawed shredded potatoes into a pie dish. Then, the filling comes together by mixing eggs, cream, bacon, and cheese.
After pouring the mixture into the hash brown crust, it bakes into a golden masterpiece. It’s traditional yet innovative—a dish that any home chef would be proud to serve.
What Does It Taste Like?
Picture this: the moment you take a bite, you experience layers of flavor. The crispy crust crunches beneath your fork.
The cheesy filling is rich and creamy, carrying the smokiness of the bacon. The chives provide a fresh, herbaceous note, rounding out the flavor profile.
This quiche is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
You can savor the rich, savory filling against the crispness of the crust, each morsel leaving you wanting more. It’s filling yet not overwhelming, making it an ideal centerpiece for any brunch gathering.
Why This Recipe Works?
1. Hash Brown Crust
This crust is a game-changer. By using hash browns, you get a contrast between textures. The crust’s crispiness beautifully complements the creamy filling.
Plus, it saves a step, as there’s no need to make a traditional pastry.
2. Flavor Depth
Crispy bacon adds a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the sharp cheddar cheese. The addition of chives introduces a fresh, oniony note that keeps things interesting. This dish pleases any palate.
3. Simple Yet Elegant
The ingredients are straightforward but collectively create a refined dish. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to impress your friends—just a love for cooking and a pinch of creativity.
4. Versatility
This quiche can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for brunches or picnics. You can experiment with ingredients based on what you have in your pantry without compromising on taste.
Ingredients For Bacon Cheddar And Chive Quiche With A Hash Brown Crust
Filling
4 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
½ small yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 large eggs, lightly whisked
½ cup heavy cream or full-fat milk
1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped, plus extra for garnish
Pinch of smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Hash Brown Crust
½ cup shredded white cheddar cheese
20 ounces frozen shredded potatoes, thawed
¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon sea salt
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven means a perfectly baked quiche, and we want that crust to be golden brown.
Step 2: Prepare the Hash Brown Crust
In a large bowl, combine the thawed shredded potatoes with the salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix it well. Now, press the mixture into a greased pie dish, covering the bottom and sides evenly. Make sure to compact it well; this will help it hold together.
Step 3: Pre-bake the Crust
Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it—the goal is a lightly golden crust. Once it looks good, remove it from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 4: Cook the Bacon and Onion
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and cook until translucent. After about 5 minutes, toss in the crumbled bacon. Let it sauté together for a couple of minutes to meld those flavors.
Step 5: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and cream. Add the cooked bacon and onions along with the shredded cheese, chives, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir this mixture well to combine.
Step 6: Assemble Quiche
Pour the filling into the pre-baked hash brown crust. Spread it evenly, ensuring the ingredients are well distributed.
Step 7: Bake and Enjoy
Return the quiche to the oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is bubbly and slightly browned. When it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh chives and high-quality cheese. The flavor boost is worth it.
- Cooling Time: Don’t skip letting the quiche cool for a bit before slicing. This helps it set up nicely and makes serving much easier.
- Cook Bacon to Your Liking: If you enjoy a little more crunch, let the bacon crisp up more before adding it to the mix.
- Experiment with Cheese: Cheddar is fantastic, but feel free to mix in mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Make It Ahead: This quiche is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it the night before, store it in the fridge, and bake it fresh right before serving.
Nutrition Information
Bacon Cheddar And Chive Quiche With A Hash Brown Crust Recipe Nutrition Facts
How To Store The Leftovers?
If you end up with leftover quiche (unlikely, but it happens!), simply cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container.
Store it in the refrigerator, where it’ll keep well for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring it remains crispy.
Sides For Bacon Cheddar And Chive Quiche With A Hash Brown Crust
1. Mixed Green Salad with Vinaigrette
A simple side highlighting mixed greens dressed lightly with olive oil and vinegar provides a fresh contrast. Crunchy veggies work wonders against the creamy quiche.
2. Crispy Roasted Potatoes
These are easy to make and always welcome. Toss potato wedges with olive oil, garlic, and your favorite herbs, then roast until golden.
3. Fruit Salad with Citrus Dressing
Combining seasonal fruits and drizzling them with a citrusy dressing creates brightness. It acts as a palette cleanser, refreshing the palate.
4. Savory Muffins
Cheese muffins or herb-infused varieties can provide a great addition. They add texture and are perfect for picking up any leftover quiche.
Alternative Choices for the Ingredients
1. Cheese Alternatives
If cheddar isn’t available, try mozzarella or goat cheese. Each brings a unique flavor and creaminess that can enhance the quiche.
2. Vegetable Options
No chives? Fresh parsley, dill, or even spinach can work beautifully as alternatives, providing taste and color.
3. Cream Substitutions
If you’d like to lighten it up, replace heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half. It will still work well and create a lovely custard.
4. Bacon Substitutes
For a vegetarian twist, use sautéed mushrooms or spinach. Both can bring a delightful earthiness to the dish.
Bacon Cheddar And Chive Quiche With A Hash Brown Crust Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
Ingredients
Filling
- 4 slices bacon cooked crisp and crumbled
- ½ small yellow onion thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 large eggs lightly whisked
- ½ cup heavy cream or full-fat milk
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives finely chopped, plus extra for garnish
- Pinch of smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Hash Brown Crust
- ½ cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 20 ounces frozen shredded potatoes thawed
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven means a perfectly baked quiche, and we want that crust to be golden brown.
Step 2: Prepare the Hash Brown Crust
- In a large bowl, combine the thawed shredded potatoes with the salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix it well. Now, press the mixture into a greased pie dish, covering the bottom and sides evenly. Make sure to compact it well; this will help it hold together.
Step 3: Pre-bake the Crust
- Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it—the goal is a lightly golden crust. Once it looks good, remove it from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 4: Cook the Bacon and Onion
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and cook until translucent. After about 5 minutes, toss in the crumbled bacon. Let it sauté together for a couple of minutes to meld those flavors.
Step 5: Mix the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and cream. Add the cooked bacon and onions along with the shredded cheese, chives, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir this mixture well to combine.
Step 6: Assemble Quiche
- Pour the filling into the pre-baked hash brown crust. Spread it evenly, ensuring the ingredients are well distributed.
Step 7: Bake and Enjoy
- Return the quiche to the oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is bubbly and slightly browned. When it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh chives and high-quality cheese. The flavor boost is worth it.
- Cooling Time: Don’t skip letting the quiche cool for a bit before slicing. This helps it set up nicely and makes serving much easier.
- Cook Bacon to Your Liking: If you enjoy a little more crunch, let the bacon crisp up more before adding it to the mix.
- Experiment with Cheese: Cheddar is fantastic, but feel free to mix in mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Make It Ahead: This quiche is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it the night before, store it in the fridge, and bake it fresh right before serving.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I freeze the Bacon Cheddar and Chive Quiche?
Absolutely! This quiche freezes well. Make sure it’s fully cooled, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
2. Can I make this quiche without the crust?
Yes! You can skip the crust altogether for a crustless version. Just pour the filling into a greased pie dish and bake as directed. It’s great for lower-carb diets!
3. What other fillings can I add?
Feel free to add other ingredients like diced bell peppers, spinach, or even cheese like feta. Just be sure not to overcrowd the filling, so it sets properly.
4. Can I prepare this quiche the night before?
Certainly! You can prepare the entire quiche in advance and refrigerate it. Just pop it into the oven the following day. This makes it perfect for brunch gatherings where you want to minimize cooking time on the day of.
Conclusion
Bacon Cheddar and Chive Quiche with a Hash Brown Crust brings together comfort food and sophistication. It’s delightful at any meal and can easily transition from a brunch to a light dinner.
You won’t just satisfy your cravings; you’ll also impress guests. Best of all, this recipe allows for flexibility while maintaining its essence.
Take a leap into the kitchen and try this recipe out. You might just end up finding a new favorite in your kitchen rotation.
Cooking is a joy that can foster connections, storytelling, and lasting memories at your dining table. Enjoy every bite!