Irresistible Asparagus, Bacon, and Cream Cheese Quiche: Your Ultimate Brunch & Dinner Recipe
This delightful quiche is truly a showstopper, generously packed with the fresh crispness of spring asparagus, the savory crunch of crispy bacon, and surprisingly, luscious chunks of cream cheese. It’s an incredibly versatile dish that transcends mealtime boundaries – equally perfect for a hearty breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or an elegant dinner. Get ready to discover your new favorite way to enjoy a classic quiche!
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Flavorful Quiche
Every time a quiche comes out of the oven, golden and fragrant, I find myself pondering why I don’t bake them more often. Seriously, they’re so good, I could easily have them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! The beauty of quiches lies in their incredible adaptability. You can take almost any combination of delicious ingredients, nestle them into a flaky pie shell, cover them with a rich egg and cream mixture, and voilà—you’ve created something truly wonderful.
When I first envisioned this particular asparagus, bacon, and cream cheese quiche, I had a strong feeling it would be a hit. Since first sharing this recipe years ago, it has become a staple, and for good reason. There’s something undeniably special about the way the creamy chunks of cream cheese melt into the filling, creating pockets of rich, tangy goodness. Then there’s the crispy, salty bacon, perfectly complementing the tender, slightly sweet asparagus – a true celebration of spring flavors. And, of course, a perfectly flaky pie crust provides the ideal foundation for all these incredible tastes and textures. It’s a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Mastering the Art of Quiche: Expert Tips for Success
While quiches are forgiving, a few simple tips can elevate your baking from good to absolutely phenomenal. Achieving that ideal balance of a creamy yet firm filling and a perfectly cooked crust is key to a truly memorable quiche experience.
baking tip:Getting a perfectly creamy but firm quiche
The secret to a luscious, set quiche lies in the precise ratio of eggs to cream. I’ve found that a ratio of 1 egg to 1/3 cup of cream delivers a firm quiche with an abundance of flavor and a wonderfully rich texture. The eggs provide the structure, thickening the filling as it bakes, while the cream contributes an incredible richness and silky mouthfeel.
Beyond the dairy, ingredient preparation is crucial. Whatever vegetables or other fillings you’re adding, such as the asparagus and onions in this recipe, ensure they are free of any excess liquids. Sautéing vegetables beforehand not only enhances their flavor but also cooks off moisture that could otherwise make your quiche watery or prevent it from setting properly. For bacon, cook it until crispy and drain it well on paper towels to remove grease.
Finally, patience is a virtue when it comes to serving. I always let my quiches cool completely before slicing. This crucial step ensures the filling sets entirely, allowing you to achieve beautiful, clean slices without a crumbly mess. As you might notice in some photos, rushing this step can lead to less-than-perfect slices, but it won’t impact the delicious taste!
The Importance of a Flaky Crust and Blind Baking
A great quiche starts with a great crust. For this recipe, I recommend using half of my favorite homemade pie crust recipe for that truly authentic, flaky texture. Whether you use homemade or store-bought, blind baking (or par-baking) your pie crust is a non-negotiable step. This prevents the dreaded “soggy bottom” and ensures your crust is perfectly cooked and golden brown, providing a sturdy and delicious base for your rich filling. You can find a detailed tutorial on blind baking a pie crust here.
Customize Your Quiche: Creative Variations
One of the joys of making quiche is how easily you can adapt it to your preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
- Vegetable Swaps: Not a fan of asparagus or want to add more greens? Try wilted spinach, sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or even roasted broccoli florets. Just remember to cook them down to remove excess moisture.
- Cheese Combinations: While cream cheese is the star here, a sprinkle of Gruyere, sharp cheddar, or even a tangy goat cheese can add another layer of flavor.
- Protein Alternatives: If bacon isn’t your preference, consider cooked ham, crumbled sausage, or even smoked salmon for a sophisticated twist. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the bacon and focus on the vegetables and cheese.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like chives, dill, or parsley can brighten up the flavors. Stir them into the egg mixture just before pouring into the crust.
Serving Suggestions and Make-Ahead Tips
This asparagus, bacon, and cream cheese quiche is wonderfully versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:
- For Breakfast or Brunch: Serve warm or at room temperature alongside fresh fruit salad, a simple green salad, or a mimosa for a special occasion.
- For Lunch: A slice of quiche with a light side salad makes for an incredibly satisfying and elegant lunch.
- For Dinner: Pair it with a vibrant seasonal salad or a simple soup for a comforting and light dinner.
- Make Ahead: Quiche is fantastic for meal prepping! You can bake it entirely, let it cool, and then store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or for a whole quiche, warm it in a 350-degree F (175°C) oven for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
- Freezing: Baked quiche freezes well. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Quiche Perfection
Having the right tools can make your quiche-making experience even smoother. While not all are strictly necessary, these items can certainly help you achieve the best results.
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Asparagus and Bacon Quiche with Cream Cheese
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Ingredients
- 1 9-inch pie crust , I halved my favorite pie crust recipe
- 4 strips of bacon
- Half of a small onion , finely chopped
- 4 ounces cream cheese (113 grams), at room temperature and broken into chunks
- ½ lb asparagus (226 grams), chopped in 1-inch pieces
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ⅓ cup heavy cream (315 ml, 11 fl oz)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
To parbake the pie crust:
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Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
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Prepare pie crust according to recipe, then roll out and transfer to a 9-inch pie dish. Freeze for at least 30 minutes before baking. Line the pie crust with greased foil and fill with pie weights or dried beans or uncooked rice all the way up to the edge.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges begin to turn brown. Remove weights and foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.
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Decrease oven temp to 400 degrees F.
To prepare the filling:
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Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a wide skillet until browned on both sides. Remove to a paper towel to drain, then chop into strips.
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Remove all but one tablespoon of bacon grease from the skillet and set over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and asparagus and cook until onions are softened but not browned, about 4 minutes.
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Layer the bacon, onions, and asparagus into the parbaked pie shell. Scatter the chunks of cream cheese on top.
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In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, and salt and pour into the pie shell.
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Place the pie on a sheet pan and bake until golden brown on top and center is set when jiggled, 30-40 minutes.
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Cool completely before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature. To reheat, place in a 350 degree oven for 20-30 minutes. Leftovers should be stored in the fridge.
Notes
- See my full tutorial on blind baking a pie crust.
This recipe first appeared on Completely Delicious April 2013.
Savor Every Slice: Your New Go-To Quiche Recipe
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, preparing a quick weeknight dinner, or simply craving a delicious and satisfying meal, this Asparagus, Bacon, and Cream Cheese Quiche is guaranteed to impress. Its rich flavors, delightful textures, and adaptable nature make it a perfect addition to any home cook’s repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a slice of pure culinary bliss. Don’t forget to share your creations and leave a review – we love to see your delicious results!