Winter Squash Quiche
A savory winter squash quiche with crispy bacon, Swiss cheese, and tender onion, perfect for brunch or a cozy dinner, offering warm, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bake the pastry shell and keep it warm.
- In a small skillet, cook the bacon until crisp.
- Drain bacon on paper towels and finely crumble.
- Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings.
- Cook the chopped onion in the bacon drippings until tender.
- Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese, crumbled bacon, and cooked onion into the warm pastry shell.
- In a bowl, combine the beaten eggs, milk, mashed winter squash, salt, nutmeg, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture into the pastry shell.
- Bake in a 325°F oven for 40 to 50 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding grated parmesan cheese or sautéed spinach to the quiche mixture. You can substitute the winter squash with pumpkin or sweet potato for a different taste. If you're short on time, a pre-made pastry shell works perfectly. Ensure the bacon is crisp for optimal texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. This quiche pairs beautifully with a light salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Grandma Potatoes. It also makes a great brunch dish, perfect for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 30 seconds or heat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This quiche also freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Winter Squash Quiche contains roughly 649 calories, with 22g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (44% of the Daily Value), calcium (43% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 521mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this quiche ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the quiche a day in advance. Bake it, allow it to cool, then cover and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven before serving. This method enhances the flavors and makes it convenient for busy mornings or brunch events.
What can I use instead of bacon?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can replace the bacon with sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika for a similar depth of flavor. Alternatively, use turkey bacon or crumbled tofu if you prefer a lower-fat or meat-free alternative.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese adds a nice flavor, you can experiment with cheddar, feta, or gouda for different taste profiles. Each cheese will lend its unique characteristics to the quiche, allowing for personalization based on your preferences.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).