Ingredients
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients — fresh, simple, and full of flavor. I always recommend using good-quality bacon and fresh onions because they really elevate the quiche without needing any fancy add-ins. When it comes to cheese, I like a sharp cheddar or Gruyère to deepen that savory profile. And don’t skip on the eggs and cream — they’re the heart of the quiche’s creamy texture. Over time, I’ve found that a homemade crust makes a difference, but store-bought works beautifully when time’s tight.
- 1 frozen pie crust (9-inch) or homemade pie crust
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar or Gruyère cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
If you prefer a lighter option, you can swap half-and-half for the heavy cream, or use turkey bacon for a leaner twist. For dairy-free alternatives, almond or oat cream can work, though the texture will be slightly different.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare your pie crust by fitting it into a 9-inch pie dish. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Reserve a bit of the bacon fat for the onions.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter with a teaspoon of bacon fat over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized — about 25-30 minutes. Patience here really pays off for deep flavor.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and thyme if using. Stir in the caramelized onions, bacon pieces, and shredded cheese.
- Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden. A knife inserted into the middle should come out clean.
- Let the quiche cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the filling firm up and makes for cleaner cuts.
One trick I’ve learned is to keep an eye on the crust edges—if they brown too quickly, tent them with foil halfway through baking to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Caramelized Onion and Bacon Quiche, recipe, cooking, food
