Ultimate Bacon, Roasted Broccolini & Gruyere Quiche: Your Go-To Brunch Recipe
This Bacon, Roasted Broccolini & Gruyere Quiche is a culinary masterpiece, overflowing with the rich, savory goodness of crispy bacon, perfectly roasted broccolini, and luxuriously gooey Gruyere cheese. More than just a recipe, it’s a heartfelt tribute to family, making it an ideal choice for Mother’s Day, spring gatherings, or any summer celebration.
Life has a wonderful way of reminding us what truly matters, often through a blend of exhilarating adventures and comforting homecomings. Fresh back from an unforgettable five-day stint in Vegas, I’m slowly easing back into the rhythm of Denver life. While the bright lights and endless energy of the Strip were an absolute blast, a little too much indulgence can leave one feeling, shall we say, a bit… overstimulated. A few days of clean eating, focused workouts, and trading sparkling wine for sparkling water have me feeling much more grounded and ready to tackle the exciting projects ahead.
Yet, amidst the post-vacation reset and a busy work schedule, the true reason we’re gathered here isn’t to recount my Vegas escapades or my quest for inner balance. It’s to celebrate something far more profound and delicious: a truly exceptional quiche. And not just any quiche, but *the* ultimate quiche – a recipe that holds a special place in my heart, primarily because it’s my incredible mother’s absolute favorite.
A Culinary Hug: Honoring Mom with the Perfect Quiche
With Mother’s Day approaching, my thoughts naturally turn to my mom. The past ten months have brought significant changes and challenges into my life, and through it all, my mother has been an unwavering pillar of support. Her steadfast love, whether it’s offering a place to stay, showering my dog Kya with affection, or simply expressing genuine appreciation for my cooking, has been my constant comfort. She truly shows up when it matters most, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
As I pondered the perfect culinary gift for Mother’s Day, a vivid memory resurfaced: a quiche I made for her once that she declared “one of the best she’d ever had.” That glowing review stuck with me. Knowing her love for rich, savory flavors, I decided to revisit that beloved recipe, elevating it with even more crispy bacon and the delightful addition of perfectly roasted broccolini. The result? A quiche that is not just a meal, but a warm, savory hug in every bite.
Why This Quiche Stands Out: A Symphony of Flavors and Textures
What makes this Bacon, Roasted Broccolini & Gruyere Quiche so utterly irresistible? It’s the harmonious blend of high-quality ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating a truly memorable dish:
- Crispy Bacon: The smoky, salty crunch of bacon bits woven throughout the creamy egg custard adds an incredible depth of flavor and texture. It’s the ultimate savory foundation.
- Roasted Broccolini: Unlike steamed broccoli, roasting broccolini brings out its natural sweetness and a subtle nuttiness, while giving it a tender-crisp texture. It introduces a delightful earthy balance to the richness of the other ingredients.
- Gooey Gruyere Cheese: This Swiss cheese is a star in quiches. Its mild, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor melts into a wonderfully smooth, creamy texture that binds all the components together beautifully. Gruyere’s excellent melting properties ensure every slice is a decadent experience.
- Flaky, Homemade Crust: While store-bought crusts can save time, a homemade crust elevates this quiche to another level. Its buttery, tender flakiness provides the perfect contrast to the rich filling, proving that a little extra effort yields immense rewards.
This quiche is more than just the sum of its parts; it’s a perfectly balanced dish that satisfies on every level. The savory notes from the bacon and cheese are complemented by the fresh, slightly bitter edge of the broccolini, all enveloped in a custardy embrace within a golden crust.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From Brunch to Dinner
While this recipe was born from a desire to create a perfect Mother’s Day brunch, its versatility knows no bounds. This Bacon, Roasted Broccolini & Gruyere Quiche is truly an all-day delight:
- Brunch Star: Serve it alongside fresh fruit, a crisp green salad, and a mimosa for an elegant and satisfying brunch that will impress any guest.
- Hearty Breakfast: A warm slice makes for a substantial and delicious start to your day.
- Light Lunch: Pair it with a simple salad for a sophisticated midday meal.
- Effortless Dinner: Yes, quiche for dinner! It’s surprisingly filling and makes a fantastic, easy weeknight meal, especially when accompanied by a light side.
One of the best qualities of this quiche, beyond its incredible taste, is how well it holds up. The leftovers are truly exceptional, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors meld and deepen. It’s also a fantastic make-ahead option, perfect for entertaining or meal prepping for a busy week.
Tips for Quiche Perfection: Mastering the Art of the Savory Pie
Making a quiche from scratch might seem daunting, especially if you’re new to baking, but with a few simple tips, you can achieve a perfect result every time:
- Blind Baking is Key: Don’t skip blind baking the crust! This crucial step prevents a soggy bottom, ensuring your quiche has a delightfully flaky foundation. Use pie weights, dried beans, or even rice to weigh down the parchment paper while baking.
- Don’t Overfill: While tempting to pack in as much filling as possible, leave a little room at the top. The egg custard will puff up slightly during baking.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the filling, eggs and milk/cream (if adding) will combine more smoothly if they’re at room temperature.
- Evenly Cooked Fillings: Ensure your bacon is crispy and your onions are translucent before adding them to the egg mixture. Roasted broccolini adds the best flavor and texture, so don’t just toss in raw florets.
- The Wiggle Test: To check for doneness, gently jiggle the quiche. The edges should be set, but the center might have a slight, almost imperceptible wiggle. It will continue to cook slightly as it cools. Overbaking can lead to a rubbery texture.
- Rest Before Slicing: Allow the quiche to rest for at least 10-15 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the custard to fully set, making for cleaner slices and preventing the filling from spilling out.
With these pointers, you’ll be well on your way to creating a quiche that looks as good as it tastes. The effort of making it from scratch, especially the homemade crust, will truly show and impress your loved ones.
Table of Contents
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Bacon, Roasted Broccolini & Gruyere Quiche
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- 6 large eggs
- 6 oz gruyere shredded
- 1/2 yellow onion chopped and sautéed
- 5 slices of bacon cooked crispy and chopped
- 1 bunch broccolini trimmed and roasted
- 2 tsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
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Prepare Broccolini: Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 C). Add trimmed broccolini stalks to a large rimmed sheet pan and drizzle generously with olive oil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the broccolini is fork-tender and slightly charred. Remove from oven and let cool completely before roughly chopping.
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Cook Bacon & Onion: In a small skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium-high heat until it is beautifully crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain, reserving some of the bacon fat in the skillet. Add the chopped yellow onion to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat and cook over medium heat until the onion becomes translucent, approximately 3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
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Make the Crust: Reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees F (190 C). In the bowl of a food processor, or using your stand mixer with a beater attachment, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, sugar, and cold, cubed unsalted butter. Pulse (or beat) until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs and the dough just begins to come together. Add 1-2 tablespoons of ice water, if needed, to form a cohesive dough.
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Blind Bake Crust: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it up the sides. Crimp or twist the edges for a decorative finish, if desired. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights (or dried beans/rice). Bake for 20 minutes, or until the crust is just starting to turn a light golden color. Remove from oven and remove pie weights and parchment paper; let cool slightly.
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Maintain Oven Temperature: Keep the oven at 375 degrees F (190 C) for the final bake.
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Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the large eggs until they are thoroughly beaten and light. Stir in the shredded Gruyere cheese, cooled sautéed onion, crispy chopped bacon, and chopped roasted broccolini. Season lightly with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Pour this delicious filling mixture into the pre-baked and slightly cooled pie crust.
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Bake Quiche: Bake the quiche for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer wobbly when gently shaken, and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean. Remove from the oven and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving immediately.
A Heartfelt Gift: More Than Just a Meal
Ultimately, this Bacon, Roasted Broccolini & Gruyere Quiche is more than just a recipe; it’s a labor of love. The time and care you put into crafting a homemade dish speak volumes, especially when it’s for someone as special as your mother. Imagine the look on her face when she tastes this rich, flavorful quiche, knowing it was made with such thoughtful intention.
So, as you plan your menu for Mother’s Day, or simply look for a show-stopping dish to brighten any spring or summer day, consider this quiche. It’s savory, utterly delicious, and creates the kind of memorable moments that only shared food can. It’s a wonderful way to say “I love you” through the universal language of good food.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible mothers out there! May your day be filled with joy, love, and perhaps a slice (or two!) of this glorious quiche.