Elegant Bacon & Leek Quiche
Indulge in this delightful Bacon & Leek Quiche, a savory masterpiece that brings together the rich flavors of crispy bacon and tender leeks, enhanced by a hint of nutmeg. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner, this quiche is not only easy to prepare but also excellent for meal prep—double the recipe for a larger gathering, freeze leftovers, or enjoy them reheated in the microwave. Serve it warm, at room temperature, or cold, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this quiche is sure to impress your family and friends with its creamy texture and savory taste.
N/A
Servings
60
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Deep dish pie shell
1 (9-inch, unbaked and chilled)
Bacon
3 slices (cooked until crisp)
Leeks
3 (cleaned and sliced thinly (use white part and about 1-1/2 inches of green))
Whole eggs
3 (beaten)
Egg yolk
1 (beaten)
Egg white
1 (slightly beaten)
Half-and-half
1/2 cup (none)
Heavy cream
1/2 cup (none)
Italian cheese blend
1 cup (shredded)
Dried herbes de provence or Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Fresh ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Paprika
to taste (optional)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Be careful not to overcook it to avoid a burnt taste.
2
Once cooked, remove the bacon and place it on paper towels to drain excess grease. Leave a light coating of fat in the skillet for cooking the leeks.
3
In the same skillet, add the sliced leeks and sauté them over medium heat until they are wilted and soft, about 5-7 minutes. Avoid browning the leeks; remove them from heat and set aside to cool.
4
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
5
While the oven preheats, brush the interior of the chilled pie crust with the beaten egg white to create a barrier against sogginess.
6
Chop the cooled bacon finely and sprinkle it evenly over the bottom of the pie crust.
7
Next, layer the cooked leeks over the bacon, followed by an even sprinkle of the Italian cheese blend.
8
In a mixing bowl, combine the whole eggs, egg yolk, half-and-half, heavy cream, herbes de provence (or Italian seasoning), and fresh ground nutmeg. Whisk until the mixture is well blended, slightly thick, and a light lemon-yellow color.
9
Carefully pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients in the pie crust, ensuring the cheese is submerged. Press down any cheese that floats to the surface.
10
If desired, sprinkle a light dusting of paprika on top for a pop of color.
11
Bake the quiche in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
12
Let the quiche sit for 30 minutes before slicing to allow it to set properly. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled for a refreshing option.
13
For a vegetarian version, feel free to omit the bacon while still enjoying the delicious leeks and creamy filling.
Nutrition Information
23g
Fat
6g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Elegant Bacon & Leek Quiche?
It is a savory dish featuring crispy bacon, tender leeks, and a creamy egg custard enhanced with a hint of nutmeg, served in a deep-dish pie crust.
What ingredients are needed for the filling?
The filling requires bacon, leeks, Italian cheese blend, whole eggs, an egg yolk, half-and-half, heavy cream, nutmeg, and herbes de provence.
How should I prepare the bacon?
Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, then drain on paper towels and chop finely.
What part of the leeks should I use?
Use the white part of the leeks and approximately 1-1/2 inches of the green part, sliced thinly.
How do I cook the leeks?
Sauté the sliced leeks in a small amount of bacon fat over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until wilted and soft, but not browned.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking the quiche.
How do I prevent the pie crust from getting soggy?
Brush the interior of the chilled, unbaked pie crust with a slightly beaten egg white to create a protective barrier.
Can this quiche be made vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the bacon while keeping the leeks and creamy filling.
What type of pie shell is required?
A 9-inch deep dish unbaked and chilled pie shell is recommended for this recipe.
What kind of cheese works best?
The recipe calls for one cup of shredded Italian cheese blend.
How many eggs are used in the custard?
The custard uses three whole eggs and one additional egg yolk.
What liquid ratio is used for the custard?
The recipe uses an even mix of 1/2 cup half-and-half and 1/2 cup heavy cream.
What spices are added to the egg mixture?
The mixture is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon herbes de provence (or Italian seasoning) and 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg.
What order should I layer the ingredients?
Layer the chopped bacon first, followed by the cooked leeks, then the shredded cheese, and finally the egg mixture.
Should the cheese be on top of the egg mixture?
No, the cheese should be submerged. If any cheese floats to the surface, press it down before baking.
Can I add color to the top of the quiche?
Yes, you can sprinkle a light dusting of paprika on top before baking for a pop of color.
How long does the quiche need to bake?
Bake for approximately 35 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
How long should the quiche rest after baking?
Let the quiche sit for 30 minutes before slicing to allow the filling to set properly.
At what temperature should the quiche be served?
This quiche is versatile and can be served warm, at room temperature, or cold.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep as leftovers can be refrigerated or frozen and easily reheated.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Leftovers can be reheated quickly in the microwave.
Can I freeze this quiche?
Yes, the quiche freezes well, making it a great option for future meals.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 60 calories.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 23 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
The quiche contains 6 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does it provide?
Each serving provides 5 grams of protein.
What should the whisked egg mixture look like?
It should be well blended, slightly thick, and a light lemon-yellow color.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, doubling the recipe is recommended if you are hosting a larger gathering.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is designed to be easy to prepare for both seasoned cooks and beginners alike.
What tool do I use to check if it's cooked?
Insert a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, the quiche is fully baked.