Hash Brown Crust Bacon and Cheddar Quiche: A Savory Delight

A quiche is always a crowd-pleaser, and when you add a crispy hash brown crust, it becomes even more irresistible. This Hash Brown Crust Bacon and Cheddar Quiche combines all the classic quiche elements, like creamy eggs, cheese, and bacon, but takes it to a whole new level by replacing the traditional pastry crust with a crunchy hash brown base. The result is a rich and satisfying dish that’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or even dinner. The crispy hash brown crust gives every bite an extra burst of texture, while the cheesy, bacon-filled filling is creamy and decadent. The combination of sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and the mild tang of sour cream makes this quiche a flavorful and hearty meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a cozy meal for yourself, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. And with its balance of rich and savory flavors, it’s guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Unique Hash Brown Crust

The crispy hash brown crust adds a delightful crunch and flavor, making this quiche stand out from the crowd. It’s an exciting twist on the classic quiche crust and a great way to incorporate more potatoes into your meal.

2. Loaded with Bacon and Cheddar

This quiche is packed with savory bacon and sharp cheddar cheese, giving it a rich, comforting flavor. The combination of these ingredients in the filling creates a perfectly balanced taste with every bite.

3. Perfect for Any Meal

This quiche works for any occasion—whether it’s a special brunch, a weeknight dinner, or even a make-ahead dish for a holiday gathering. It’s versatile enough to be served at any time of day.

4. Easy to Make

With just a few simple ingredients and steps, this recipe is easy to prepare. The hash brown crust can be made in advance, and the filling is quick to assemble.

5. Hearty and Satisfying

Packed with protein from eggs and bacon, along with creamy sour cream and cheese, this quiche is both hearty and satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that keeps you full and happy for hours.

Ingredients

Crust

• Cooking spray
• Frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
• Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• Unsalted butter, melted
• Garlic powder
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Filling & Assembly

• Cornstarch
• Large eggs
• Sour cream
• Whole milk
• Dijon mustard
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Bacon, cut into pieces
• Scallions, sliced
• Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the bacon and add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the filling.
• Herbed Crust: Add dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the hash brown crust for an added burst of flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to the filling for a little heat.
• Different Cheeses: Substitute the cheddar with other cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a pie dish with cooking spray. In a bowl, combine the frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pie dish to form a crust. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, eggs, sour cream, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon pieces until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess fat.

Step 4: Assemble the Quiche

Once the crust has cooled slightly, scatter the cooked bacon pieces and sliced scallions (white parts) over the hash brown crust. Pour the egg mixture over the bacon and scallions. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (reserve about ¼ cup) evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake the Quiche

Bake the quiche at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil and continue baking.

Step 6: Serve

Let the quiche cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with the remaining green parts of the scallions for a fresh touch.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Drain the Hash Browns: Make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the hash brown potatoes to prevent a soggy crust.
• Cook the Bacon Crisp: The bacon should be crisp to ensure it stays crunchy in the filling. Drain excess fat before adding it to the quiche.
• Use a Pie Dish: A 9-inch pie dish works perfectly for this recipe. If you don’t have one, a tart pan or casserole dish will work as well.
• Avoid Overmixing the Filling: When mixing the eggs and sour cream, whisk gently to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause the quiche to puff up too much during baking.

How to Serve

This quiche is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side salad of mixed greens or fresh fruit. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables or a bowl of soup for a more filling meal. It’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover quiche in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Freezing

This quiche can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat, place the quiche in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes until warm. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave for a quick meal.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh hash browns, but make sure to squeeze out all excess moisture before using them in the crust.

2. Can I make the crust in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the hash brown crust a day ahead. Simply store it in the fridge after baking, and assemble the quiche when you’re ready.

3. Can I make this quiche without bacon?

Absolutely! You can substitute bacon with sausage, ham, or even vegetables for a meat-free version.

4. What can I substitute for sour cream?

You can use Greek yogurt or crème fraîche as a substitute for sour cream for a slightly tangier taste.

5. Can I freeze this quiche before baking?

Yes, you can assemble the quiche and freeze it before baking. Just bake it from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

6. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, goat cheese, or Gruyère for a unique flavor.

7. How can I avoid a soggy crust?

Make sure to bake the hash brown crust until it’s golden and crispy. This step is key to avoiding sogginess.

8. Can I use half-and-half instead of whole milk?

Yes, half-and-half will work in this recipe, and it will make the filling even creamier.

9. How do I know when the quiche is done?

The quiche is done when the filling is set and no longer jiggles in the center. The top should be lightly golden brown.

10. Can I use a different type of mustard?

Dijon mustard is ideal for this quiche, but you can substitute it with yellow mustard or even spicy mustard for a different flavor.

Conclusion

This Hash Brown Crust Bacon and Cheddar Quiche is a savory, satisfying dish that combines crispy hash browns with a creamy, cheesy filling. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, it’s a dish that everyone will love. The combination of bacon, cheddar, and a touch of mustard creates a flavorful bite in every slice, while the hash brown crust adds a delightful crunch. Whether you make it for a special occasion or a weeknight meal, this quiche is sure to impress.

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