Bacon Gruyere Crustless Quiche - Easy 30-Minute Baked Breakfast
A rich, protein-packed quiche without the fuss of pastry, featuring smoky bacon, nutty Gruyere cheese, and aromatic herbs. The creamy custard base made with eggs and half-and-half creates a satisfying breakfast or brunch dish that's naturally gluten-free. Perfect for meal prep, weekend entertaining, or when you want the flavors of traditional quiche without rolling dough. The bacon grease adds extra depth while green onions and garlic provide fresh contrast to the rich cheese.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F
- 2
Whisk eggs and half and half in medium bowl until well blended
- 3
Add cheese, salt, red pepper flakes, and dried basil to egg mixture and mix well
- 4
Fry bacon in skillet until cooked, then drain on paper towels and let cool
- 5
Crumble cooled bacon and set aside
- 6
Drain grease from pan, leaving 2 tablespoons bacon grease
- 7
Saute green onions and garlic in bacon grease for 1-2 minutes
- 8
Add crumbled bacon and green onion mixture to egg mixture and gently combine
- 9
Spray 9-inch pie plate with cooking spray
- 10
Pour mixture into prepared pie plate
- 11
Bake for 30 minutes or until egg mixture is set
- 12
Let stand 10 minutes before serving
Tips
Save 2 tablespoons of bacon grease to saute the vegetables - this adds incredible flavor to the quiche base.
Let the quiche rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the custard to fully set before slicing.
Use freshly shredded Gruyere rather than pre-shredded for better melting and richer flavor.
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in microwave for 30-60 seconds.
Can be made 1 day ahead and reheated. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight.
Serve warm or at room temperature. Excellent with fresh fruit or simple green salad.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the 10-minute resting time to avoid a runny center when slicing.
Use cooking spray generously to prevent sticking to the pie plate.
Don't overcook the bacon initially as it will continue cooking in the oven.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this quiche up to 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then reheat portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or warm the whole quiche in a 300F oven.
What if I don't have Gruyere cheese?
Swiss cheese makes an excellent substitute with similar nutty flavors. Sharp cheddar or Gouda also work well, though they'll change the flavor profile slightly.
How long will this keep in the refrigerator?
This crustless quiche will keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture is best when reheated gently rather than eaten cold.