Caramelized Onion and Bacon Quiche

Quiche is one of those magical dishes that can go from breakfast to brunch to dinner without skipping a beat. This Caramelized Onion and Bacon Quiche is the ultimate savory indulgence, combining the sweetness of caramelized onions, the smoky crunch of bacon, and a luscious custard filling in a buttery crust.

The inspiration for this recipe came from my weekend tradition of making something special for breakfast. One morning, I had a fridge full of onions and bacon, and the idea for this quiche practically created itself. With a little patience and love (hello, caramelized onions!), the result was a show-stopping dish that’s become a household favorite.

What makes this quiche truly shine is its balance of flavors. The sweet, slow-cooked onions pair perfectly with the salty, savory bacon, while the creamy custard and flaky crust bring everything together. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—serve it warm, room temperature, or even chilled for a quick meal.

Every time I make this, it disappears almost instantly. Whether it’s for a lazy Sunday morning, a fancy brunch, or a weeknight dinner, this quiche is guaranteed to please. Let’s get started and create something delicious!

Recipe Resume: Todd Wilbur Style

• This Caramelized Onion and Bacon Quiche combines smoky, savory bacon with sweet, slow-cooked onions in a rich, creamy filling.
• Encased in a buttery, flaky crust, it’s a versatile dish that works for any meal of the day.
• Easy to make ahead and customizable with your favorite add-ins, this quiche is a must-try.
• With its perfect blend of textures and flavors, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

Why This Caramelized Onion and Bacon Quiche?

1. Sweet & Savory: The caramelized onions and bacon create a perfect balance of flavors.
2. Rich & Creamy: The custard filling is velvety and indulgent.
3. Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
4. Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes just as good reheated as it does fresh.

What You Need for Caramelized Onion and Bacon Quiche

For the Crust (Optional)

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3–4 tbsp ice water

For the Filling

• 6 strips bacon, diced
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (optional, for caramelizing)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust based on bacon’s saltiness)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère or sharp cheddar cheese

How to Make Caramelized Onion and Bacon Quiche

Step 1: Make the Crust (Optional)

1. In a bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the cold butter and cut it into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
3. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch tart pan or pie dish. Press it into the dish, trim the edges, and chill again for 15 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Blind bake the crust: Line the crust with parchment paper, fill with pie weights or dried beans, and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the weights and parchment, and bake for another 5 minutes. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.

Step 3: Caramelize the Onions

1. Add the sliced onions to the skillet with the bacon fat. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 25–30 minutes, until the onions are golden and caramelized. Add the butter for extra richness, if desired. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Prepare the Custard

1. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

Step 5: Assemble the Quiche

1. Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the bottom of the crust. Sprinkle the crispy bacon and shredded cheese on top. Pour the custard mixture over the fillings.

Step 6: Bake the Quiche

1. Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden. Allow to cool slightly before slicing.

Tips for Caramelized Onion and Bacon Quiche

• Caramelize Slowly: Low and slow is key to perfectly caramelized onions—don’t rush the process.
• Blind Baking: Pre-baking the crust ensures it stays crisp and doesn’t get soggy.
• Cheese Choice: Gruyère is classic, but sharp cheddar or Swiss cheese also work wonderfully.

Substitutions and Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
• Dairy-Free: Use a non-dairy milk and cream alternative, and substitute cheese with a dairy-free option.
• Herbs: Add fresh thyme or chives for an extra layer of flavor.

Make a Healthier Version

• Use whole-wheat flour for the crust.
• Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter custard.
• Use turkey bacon or reduce the amount of bacon for a lower-fat option.

Closing: Todd Wilbur Style

And there you have it! A rich, savory Caramelized Onion and Bacon Quiche that’s perfect for any meal of the day. With its flaky crust, creamy custard, and irresistible combination of onions and bacon, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget to share your creations and explore more of our delectable recipes. Bon appétit!

Frequently Asked Questions for Caramelized Onion and Bacon Quiche

1. Can I make this quiche ahead of time?
   Yes! Quiche tastes great reheated or served at room temperature.
2. How do I store leftovers?
   Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
3. Can I freeze quiche?
   Absolutely! Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
4. What’s the best crust for quiche?
   A buttery, flaky pie crust works best, but a store-bought crust is a great shortcut.
5. Can I skip blind baking the crust?
   It’s not recommended, as blind baking prevents a soggy crust.
6. What type of bacon is best?
   Thick-cut bacon adds a hearty, smoky flavor, but any type works.
7. What other cheeses can I use?
   Try cheddar, Swiss, or a blend of your favorites.
8. Can I make this crustless?
   Yes! Simply grease the pie dish and pour the filling directly into it.
9. Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
   Yes, but fresh-cooked bacon adds better flavor and texture.
10. What’s the serving size?
    This recipe makes about 6–8 servings.
11. How can I prevent overbaking?
    Check the quiche at 30 minutes and remove it when the center is just set.
12. Can I use sweet onions?
    Yes, sweet onions like Vidalia work beautifully for caramelization.