The Bacon and Cheese Crustless Quiche is the ultimate answer to anyone craving a rich and satisfying breakfast without the carbs. Packed with smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and creamy eggs, this dish delivers a high-protein, flavor-loaded experience that’s perfect for busy mornings or laid-back weekend brunches. It’s an ideal meal prep recipe easy to make, easy to reheat, and totally customizable. You can add in spinach, mushrooms, or even swap in different cheeses for variety. Whether you’re following a low-carb or gluten-free diet, or you just want a no-fuss dish that everyone will love, this crustless quiche is a go-to crowd-pleaser.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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6 large eggs
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1 cup whole milk
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
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6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
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1/2 cup diced onion
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)
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Butter or nonstick spray for greasing
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Grease a 9-inch pie dish with butter or nonstick spray.
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In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside on paper towels.
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In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion until soft and lightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and cream.
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Stir in cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, cooked bacon, sautéed onions, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
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Pour the egg mixture into the greased pie dish.
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Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden.
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Allow to cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped chives if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Ultimate Guide to Bacon and Cheese Crustless Quiche
Introduction: A Classic Made Simpler
The Bacon and Cheese Crustless Quiche is a modern take on a French classic, offering all the creamy, savory goodness of traditional quiche without the hassle—or carbs—of a crust. This dish is more than just a delicious breakfast or brunch option. It’s a celebration of simple ingredients, comforting flavors, and smart cooking that suits busy lifestyles and dietary needs.
While traditional quiche Lorraine includes a buttery crust, this crustless version appeals to a wider range of eaters: those who are gluten-free, low-carb, keto, or simply trying to lighten up their meals without sacrificing taste. It’s a fuss-free, family-friendly option that’s just as suitable for a casual weekend breakfast as it is for an elegant brunch table.
A Brief History of Quiche
The word “quiche” is derived from the German word “kuchen,” meaning cake. Although many associate it with French cuisine—especially the famous Quiche Lorraine from the Lorraine region in France—its roots actually date back to medieval Germany.
The original quiche featured a simple custard of eggs and cream baked in a bread dough crust. Over time, it evolved into the more refined dish we know today, often baked in a buttery pastry crust and filled with cheese, meats, and vegetables.
The crustless quiche is a much more recent invention, popularized in the late 20th century as part of health-conscious eating trends. It maintained all the essential flavors and textures of quiche while removing unnecessary carbs and fats. Today, it’s a go-to recipe in keto, paleo, gluten-free, and low-carb meal plans.
What Makes This Recipe So Special?
1. Simplicity Meets Elegance
One of the biggest advantages of the Bacon and Cheese Crustless Quiche is how simple it is to make. With just a few everyday ingredients—eggs, milk, cream, bacon, cheese, and onion—you can whip up a satisfying meal that looks impressive but requires minimal effort.
The balance of smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, creamy eggs, and savory onions creates a flavor profile that is universally loved. Whether you’re serving picky eaters or sophisticated palates, this dish wins every time.
2. Perfect for Dietary Needs
This recipe is a savior for anyone avoiding gluten or cutting down on carbs. By eliminating the crust, you significantly lower the carbohydrate count without compromising flavor or texture. It’s a keto-friendly, diabetic-friendly, and low-calorie meal that keeps you full for hours thanks to its high protein and healthy fat content.
3. Meal Prep Magic
This quiche stores beautifully and reheats like a dream. Make it ahead on Sunday, and you’ll have a ready-to-eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner for several days. It also freezes well, making it ideal for batch cooking.
4. Customizable to the Max
While the bacon and cheese combination is classic and comforting, you can easily tweak the ingredients to match your preferences:
- Add spinach, kale, or broccoli for a veggie boost.
- Swap in mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Use Swiss, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or feta for different flavor profiles.
- Replace bacon with turkey bacon, sausage, or even smoked salmon for a twist.
Health Benefits of a Crustless Quiche
Despite being indulgently creamy and cheesy, this quiche actually boasts several health benefits, especially when compared to traditional pastries or breakfast casseroles.
1. High in Protein
With eggs, cheese, and bacon, this dish is loaded with high-quality protein. Protein is essential for muscle maintenance, hormone production, and metabolic health. A high-protein breakfast can also curb hunger and reduce snacking throughout the day.
2. Low in Carbohydrates
Eliminating the crust means removing a significant source of carbohydrates. This makes the dish ideal for people on ketogenic or low-carb diets. It helps stabilize blood sugar levels and avoids the energy crashes associated with carb-heavy meals.
3. Rich in Nutrients
Eggs are packed with vitamins A, D, B12, and choline—important for brain function and immune health. Cheese adds calcium for strong bones, while onions and bacon bring flavor and small amounts of additional nutrients like selenium and zinc.
4. Gluten-Free
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those with celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or those who are simply choosing to reduce gluten intake.
Tips for Perfecting Your Crustless Quiche
Even though this dish is simple, a few tricks can take it from good to absolutely amazing:
1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Let your eggs and dairy come to room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend better and cook evenly in the oven.
2. Drain Excess Bacon Fat
While bacon fat is flavorful, too much can make the quiche greasy. After cooking your bacon, place it on paper towels to absorb the extra oil.
3. Don’t Overbake
Overcooked eggs become rubbery. The quiche should be just set in the center when you take it out of the oven—it will continue to firm up slightly as it cools.
4. Let It Rest
Always allow your quiche to cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This makes it easier to cut and lets the flavors meld.
Creative Serving Ideas
The Bacon and Cheese Crustless Quiche is incredibly versatile. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Brunch Board: Serve slices alongside avocado, fresh berries, and roasted potatoes for a colorful brunch spread.
- Lunch Box Hero: Pair with a side salad and a vinaigrette for a protein-rich midday meal.
- Dinner Delight: Make it heartier by serving with soup or sautéed greens and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Appetizer Style: Bake in a mini muffin tin for bite-sized quiches that are perfect for parties.
Why It’s the Best Crustless Quiche Recipe
There are hundreds of crustless quiche recipes online, so why is this one the best?
- Balance of Ingredients: The combination of whole milk and cream creates a custard that’s light yet luxurious. Cheddar and parmesan bring both meltability and umami depth, while the bacon delivers smoky richness.
- Flavorful Simplicity: With just the right amount of seasoning (smoked paprika, salt, pepper), every bite is flavorful without being overwhelming. The onions add a touch of sweetness and texture.
- Consistency and Texture: The result is a golden, puffy, beautifully set quiche that slices cleanly and reheats well—never watery or soggy.
- Flexible and Forgiving: Whether you’re missing an ingredient or cooking for dietary needs, this recipe adapts to you. It’s hard to mess up and always delivers comfort on a plate.
Reader Favorites & Testimonials
Here are some common comments and reviews this recipe often receives:
“I made this for my family brunch and everyone asked for seconds—even the kids!”
“As someone on a keto diet, this is my weekly go-to. I change up the cheese sometimes, and it’s always amazing.”
“So easy to make and it keeps in the fridge all week. Total lifesaver during busy mornings.”
Conclusion
The Bacon and Cheese Crustless Quiche is a timeless, feel-good dish that fits into almost any lifestyle. It’s practical, healthy, versatile, and downright delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a special brunch, prepping meals for the week, or just looking for a satisfying way to start your day, this recipe has your back. Give it a try and you’ll see why it earns a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
