Summer Zucchini and Bacon Quiche with Gruyere
This delightful Summer Zucchini and Bacon Quiche is a perfect way to celebrate the bounty of summer gardens. With its golden crust, savory layer of crispy bacon, and rich, creamy filling infused with the fragrant notes of sautéed onions and melting Gruyere cheese, this quiche is not just a feast for the eyes but also a comforting meal for any occasion. Serve it as a brunch centerpiece or a light dinner alongside a fresh salad, and watch as it disappears in no time. Enjoy the delightful balance of flavors that will remind you of sunny days and fresh produce.
N/A
Servings
146
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
pie shell
1 (Pre-prepared or homemade)
unpeeled zucchini
2 1/2 cups (Coarsely grated (about 4-6 medium zucchini))
salt
to taste (For seasoning zucchini)
bacon
4 slices (Cut into small pieces)
onion
1/2 cup (Chopped)
butter
1 1/2 tablespoons (For sautéing onion (if not using bacon drippings))
flour
1 tablespoon (For thickening zucchini mixture)
gruyere cheese
6 ounces (Grated)
eggs
3 (Lightly beaten)
half-and-half
1 1/2 cups (Light cream)
black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Prepare the zucchini by grating it coarsely (about 2 1/2 cups) and placing it on a piece of foil. Sprinkle with salt and let it sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
3
While the zucchini is draining, cut the bacon into small pieces. In a heavy skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove it from the pan and drain on paper towels.
4
In the same skillet, using the leftover bacon drippings or the butter, sauté the chopped onion over medium heat for 5-10 minutes, until tender and golden brown.
5
After 30 minutes, squeeze the zucchini to remove as much moisture as possible, then add it to the pan with the sautéed onions along with the flour. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring to combine.
6
Spread half of the grated Gruyere cheese and half of the cooked bacon evenly over the bottom of the pre-prepared pie shell.
7
In a bowl, lightly beat the eggs with a wire whisk. Add the half-and-half and black pepper, stirring well to combine, then fold in the zucchini and onion mixture.
8
Carefully pour this custard mixture into the pie shell, then sprinkle with the remaining cheese and bacon on top.
9
Place the pie shell on a cookie sheet to catch any drips while baking.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is puffed and brown, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
11
Remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes to set before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy the deliciousness!
Nutrition Information
9.7g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Summer Zucchini and Bacon Quiche with Gruyere.
What are the main ingredients for this quiche?
The main ingredients include a pie shell, unpeeled zucchini, bacon, onion, Gruyere cheese, eggs, and half-and-half.
How do I prepare the zucchini for this recipe?
Coarsely grate about 2.5 cups of unpeeled zucchini, sprinkle it with salt, and let it sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture.
Why is it important to salt and drain the zucchini?
Salting and draining the zucchini helps remove excess moisture to prevent the quiche from becoming watery.
How long should the zucchini sit with salt?
The zucchini should sit for 30 minutes before being squeezed dry.
How should the bacon be cooked?
Cut the bacon into small pieces and cook it in a heavy skillet over medium heat until it is crisp.
What should I do with the bacon after cooking?
Remove the cooked bacon from the pan and drain it on paper towels.
Can I use butter to sauté the onions?
Yes, you can use 1.5 tablespoons of butter if you are not using the leftover bacon drippings.
How long do I sauté the onion?
Sauté the chopped onion for 5-10 minutes until it is tender and golden brown.
When do I add the flour to the mixture?
Add the flour to the pan along with the squeezed zucchini and sautéed onions, cooking for about 1 minute.
How much Gruyere cheese is required?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of grated Gruyere cheese.
How do I layer the ingredients in the pie shell?
Spread half of the grated Gruyere cheese and half of the cooked bacon over the bottom of the pie shell before adding the custard.
How many eggs are needed for the custard?
You will need 3 eggs, lightly beaten.
What kind of liquid is used for the custard base?
The recipe uses 1.5 cups of half-and-half or light cream.
What seasoning is added to the egg mixture?
The egg mixture is seasoned with 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper.
What is the initial oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
Do I change the oven temperature during baking?
Yes, bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for the remainder of the time.
How long is the second stage of baking?
The quiche should bake for an additional 20-25 minutes after the temperature is reduced.
How can I tell if the quiche is fully cooked?
The quiche is done when the top is puffed and brown, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Should I use a cookie sheet for baking?
Yes, place the pie shell on a cookie sheet to catch any potential drips while baking.
How long should the quiche cool before slicing?
Let the quiche cool on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes to allow it to set.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are approximately 146 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains about 9.7 grams of fat.
How many grams of protein are in a serving?
Each serving provides about 6 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are approximately 7.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is the zucchini peeled for this recipe?
No, the recipe calls for unpeeled zucchini.
How many medium zucchinis make 2.5 cups?
Approximately 4 to 6 medium zucchinis are needed to get 2.5 cups of grated zucchini.
Can I use a store-bought pie shell?
Yes, you can use a pre-prepared or homemade pie shell.
Is this recipe considered a summer dish?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a summer recipe because it utilizes fresh garden zucchini.
What are some suggested serving ideas?
It can be served as a brunch centerpiece or a light dinner alongside a fresh salad.