Hash Brown Bacon Cheddar Quiche (Print Version)

Crispy hash brown crust stuffed with bacon, cheddar, and egg filling, ideal for brunch or a comforting meal.

# Ingredients:

→ Hash Brown Crust

01 - 20 ounces frozen hash browns, thawed
02 - 1/2 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper

→ Filling

05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
06 - 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
07 - 6 large eggs, lightly beaten
08 - 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
09 - 4 rashers bacon, crispy cooked and crumbled
10 - 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
11 - 1 tablespoon chives, thinly sliced
12 - Salt and pepper, to taste

# Steps:

01 - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the thawed hash browns in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly to remove excess moisture. In a bowl, combine the hash browns, shredded white cheddar cheese, salt, and cracked black pepper. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish or quiche pan to form a crust. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove from the oven and cool slightly.
02 - While the crust bakes, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized. Remove from heat.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream (or milk), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in the sautéed onions, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and chives.
04 - Pour the prepared egg mixture into the baked hash brown crust. Spread the filling evenly with a spoon.
05 - Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Bake the quiche for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is slightly golden. Test doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
06 - Cool the quiche for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with additional chives and serve warm.

# Helpful Notes:

01 - Squeezing excess moisture from the hash browns is essential for achieving a crispy crust.
02 - Use a sharp knife to test the quiche's doneness for the perfect texture.