Introduction

This Hash Brown Crust Bacon and Cheddar Quiche combines a crispy potato crust with a rich, cheesy filling loaded with bacon and caramelized onions. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner.

A round quiche with a golden brown crust on the outside, filled with creamy yellow egg custard mixed with small pieces of green herbs and orange bits of cooked vegetable or meat. One slice is cut out and lifted slightly out of the white plate, showing a smooth but slightly uneven texture inside. The quiche sits on a white marbled surface with a white cloth napkin partly visible underneath. The light is soft and natural, highlighting the crust's crisp edges and the custard's moist inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

20 ounces frozen hash browns, thawed
1/2 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 onion, thinly sliced
6 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
4 rashers bacon, crispy cooked and crumbled
1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
1 tablespoon chives, thinly sliced (plus more for garnish)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the thawed hash browns in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
Step 2: In a bowl, combine the hash browns, 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese, salt, and cracked black pepper. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish or quiche pan to form the crust.
Step 3: Bake the crust for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 4: While the crust bakes, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onion and sauté until softened and lightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 5: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream (or milk), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in the sautéed onions, crumbled bacon, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped chives.
Step 6: Pour the egg mixture into the baked hash brown crust, spreading evenly.
Step 7: Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Bake the quiche for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden. Check doneness by inserting a knife into the center—it should come out clean.
Step 8: Let the quiche cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with additional chives and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture.
Substitute white cheddar with aged cheddar or a mix of cheeses like Gruyère for a richer taste.
You can use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon alternatives for a lighter or meat-free option.
If fresh chives aren’t available, green onions work well as a substitute for garnish and filling.

Storage

Store leftover quiche covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices gently in a microwave or oven until warmed through. For crispier edges, reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

How to Serve

A round quiche with a thick golden brown crust sits on a white plate on a white marbled surface. The quiche has three visible layers: a crust layer around the edge, a creamy yellow filling with small pieces of herbs and green vegetables spread evenly inside, and a top layer with browned cheese and scattered green herbs. One wedge is cut out and slightly pulled away from the rest, showing the soft, moist inside texture. The scene is bright and softly lit, giving a fresh look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this quiche ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the crust and filling separately and assemble the quiche just before baking. It also reheats well, making it convenient for meal prep.

What can I use if I don’t have hash browns?

If hash browns aren’t available, you can shred fresh potatoes, squeeze out excess moisture, and use them instead to make the crust. Alternatively, frozen hash browns from different brands also work well.