Hash Brown Bacon Egg and Cheese Quiche (gluten-free)

This Hash Brown Bacon Egg and Cheese Quiche is truly the greatest quiche recipe you will try. If you love all things hash browns and bacon egg and cheese – you will obsess over this recipe too. Plus it is gluten-free, grain-free and so great for a make-ahead breakfast idea.

Looking for a brunch showstopper? This Hash Brown Bacon Egg and Cheese Quiche is perfect for breakfast lovers and those who crave comfort food with a twist. The unique crust made from hash browns and root vegetables sets this dish apart, creating a crispy, flavorful base that complements the creamy, savory filling. Packed with eggs, bacon, cheese, and caramelized onions, this quiche is a crowd-pleaser for any meal.

Why Make a Hash Brown Crust?

Traditional quiche crusts use pie dough, but this hash brown crust offers a hearty and gluten-free alternative, bringing in extra flavor and texture. The hash browns add a satisfying crunch, and using root vegetables as a part of the mix introduces subtle earthy flavors. It’s perfect for those who want a more nutrient-dense crust and is ideal for anyone looking to avoid traditional grains.

What ingredients you need for Hash Brown Bacon Egg and Cheese Quiche:

• Frozen hash browns – Feel free to use a mix of root vegetables for extra flavor and color! he hash browns form the unique crust for this quiche. They provide a crispy, golden base that’s a flavorful alternative to traditional pie crust, adding texture and heartiness to the dish. By using a mix of root vegetables, you’ll get added nutrients and a subtle earthy flavor.
• Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese – Cheese acts as a binder, helping to hold the hash browns together while adding a layer of creamy, savory flavor to the crust. Cheddar offers a sharp, tangy taste, while mozzarella has a milder, creamy flavor—both are great choices!
• Unsalted butter – Butter is used to caramelize the onions, adding richness to the filling. 
• White onion – Caramelized onions add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the quiche. The thin slices cook down to become soft and golden, enhancing the overall flavor profile with a slightly sweet, savory taste.
• Whole eggs – I always use Happy Egg! Eggs are the main base of the quiche filling, providing structure and creaminess. 
• Whole milk or cream – Adding milk or cream to the eggs helps create a lighter, fluffier texture. Cream makes the quiche richer and silkier, while milk gives a lighter finish. 
• Cooked bacon – Bacon brings savory, salty flavors to the quiche and a hint of smokiness. Turkey bacon is a great alternative for a lighter option. It adds protein and a satisfying crunch to the filling.
• Scallions or chives – Fresh scallions or chives add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor. 

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Hash Brown Crust

If your hash browns seem a bit too moist, you’ll want to remove the excess moisture to get a nice, crispy crust.

• Squeeze the hash browns: Place the thawed hash browns into a clean kitchen towel and squeeze to remove any extra moisture. This will help the crust stay crispy as it bakes.
• Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the squeezed hash browns, shredded cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
• Press into pan: Grease a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray. Using your hands, press the hash brown mixture into the bottom of the pan, ensuring it reaches up the sides as well. The sides will help hold in the filling and give the quiche a beautiful shape.
• Freeze the crust: Place the crust in the freezer for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This helps the crust hold its shape while baking.

2. Par-Bake the Crust

• Preheat oven to 425°F. Take the crust out of the freezer and place it on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips.
• Bake: Par-bake the crust for 15 minutes. This step ensures that the hash browns firm up and don’t get soggy when the filling is added.

3. Prepare the Filling

• Caramelize the onions: Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes until they are soft and golden brown. Set aside.
• Whisk the eggs and cream: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk (or cream) until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This will help create a light, airy filling.
• Add mix-ins: Fold in the caramelized onions, chopped bacon, shredded cheese, and chopped scallions or chives. Add salt and pepper to taste, remembering that the cheese and bacon will already add some saltiness.

4. Assemble and Bake the Quiche

• Lower oven temperature: Reduce the oven to 375°F.
• Add the filling: Pour the egg mixture into the par-baked crust, spreading it evenly. Place the springform pan back onto the baking sheet and return it to the oven.
• Bake: Bake on the middle rack for 25-30 minutes, or until the eggs are just set in the center. You want the quiche to be slightly firm but still have a bit of jiggle.
• Crisp the crust: Carefully loosen the sides of the springform pan from the crust and place the quiche back in the oven for an additional 10 minutes or until the crust is as crispy as you like.

5. Cool and Serve

• Allow the quiche to cool slightly before slicing. This will help it set and make slicing easier.
• Serve warm and enjoy! This quiche is delicious on its own or with a side of fresh greens or fruit for balance.

Tips for the Perfect Quiche:

• Don’t Skip the Freezing Step for the Crust: Freezing the crust before baking helps it retain its shape, ensuring it doesn’t collapse when the filling is added. This is especially important with hash browns, which are more delicate than traditional pie crusts.

• Check the Moisture of Your Hash Browns: Too much moisture can result in a soggy crust. Be sure to squeeze out any excess water from the hash browns before mixing them with the cheese, salt, and pepper.

• Experiment with Cheese Choices: While cheddar or mozzarella are delicious options, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, Swiss, or fontina. Each will bring a unique flavor to the quiche.

• Add Vegetables: Want to pack in more nutrients? Add spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the filling. Just be sure to sauté them first to remove any extra moisture.

• Serve Warm or at Room Temperature: This quiche is best enjoyed warm but is also delicious at room temperature, making it a great make-ahead option for gatherings or busy mornings.

Why This Hash Brown Bacon Egg and Cheese Quiche Recipe Works:

The beauty of this Hash Brown Bacon Egg and Cheese Quiche lies in its simplicity and versatility. The hash brown crust provides a unique base that holds up well to the creamy, rich filling, creating a satisfying contrast of textures. By caramelizing the onions, we add a hint of sweetness that balances the savory elements, while the bacon brings that crave-worthy umami flavor. Cheese not only adds creaminess but also brings everything together, making each bite feel indulgent and comforting.

Serving Suggestions:

This quiche is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, consider these side dish ideas:

1. Fresh Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a simple vinaigrette balances the richness of the quiche.
2. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits like berries, grapes, and citrus adds a refreshing contrast.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Roast some asparagus or cherry tomatoes for a colorful and nutrient-rich addition.

How to Store and Reheat:

If you have leftovers, store slices of quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave slices for a quick option, but the crust may lose some of its crispiness.

If you are making and freezing ahead of time: bake as instructed here then allow the quiche to cool completely. Cover completely with foil or plastic wrap then freeze. When ready to serve, bake on baking sheet at 425 degrees F for 30 to 35 minutes or until quiche is warmed and slice and enjoy!

This Hash Brown Bacon Egg and Cheese Quiche is a recipe you’ll want to keep on hand for weekend brunches, special occasions, or simply when you’re craving something comforting and homemade. It’s customizable, easy to make, and incredibly delicious, making it a dish everyone will come back to for seconds.

A few other delicious breakfast recipes to try:

Gluten-free Cottage Cheese Pancakes

Chocolate Chip Pancake Casserole

French Onion Sheet Pan Eggs (gluten-free)

Cinnamon Roll Sheet Pan Pancakes