A quiche with bacon and cheese, or "quiche szalonnával és sajttal" in Hungarian, is a savory and satisfying dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner. Here’s a classic recipe for making a delicious bacon and cheese quiche:
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups (150 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (115 g) cold butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) ice water
For the Filling:
- 6 strips of bacon
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or a mix)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or whole milk
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup (50 g) chopped onions, spinach, or mushrooms (pre-cooked)
Instructions:
Preparing the Crust:
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Make the Crust Dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
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Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
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Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to fit a 9-inch (23 cm) pie or tart pan. Gently transfer the dough to the pan, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough.
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Blind Bake the Crust: Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove the weights and paper and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Let it cool slightly.
Preparing the Filling:
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Cook the Bacon: While the crust is baking, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the pan, crumble into pieces, and set aside.
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Prepare the Filling Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, dried thyme (if using), salt, and pepper.
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Assemble the Quiche: Spread the crumbled bacon and shredded cheese evenly over the baked crust. If using, add any additional ingredients like onions, spinach, or mushrooms. Pour the egg mixture over the filling.
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Bake the Quiche: Bake the quiche in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
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Cool and Serve: Allow the quiche to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to cut clean slices.
Tips:
- Customization: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and add-ins to suit your taste.
- Crust Alternatives: If you prefer, you can use a store-bought pie crust or a gluten-free option.
- Storage: Leftover quiche can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven.
Enjoy your savory quiche szalonnával és sajttal!