Bacon-and-Cheddar Grits Quiche Recipe

Bacon-and-Cheddar Grits Quiche Recipe

Spread cheese to the edge of the warm, bacony grits "crust" to prevent any custard from seeping out while the quiche bakes.

Ingredients

  • 6 thick bacon slices
  • 2.25 cups milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • .5 cup uncooked stone-ground grits
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt

    divided

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

    divided

  • 2.5 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

    divided

  • 6 large eggs
  • 2.5 cups half-and-half
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • .33 cup sliced green onions

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon; drain and crumble. Transfer 2 tsp. bacon drippings to a saucepan.

  2. 2

    Bring drippings, milk, and butter to a boil over medium heat. Gradually whisk in grits, 1 tsp. salt, and ½ tsp. pepper; cook, whisking constantly, 15 minutes or until very thick. Remove from heat; let stand 10 minutes. Stir in 1 cup cheese; let stand 10 minutes. Stir in 1 egg; spread in a 9-inch springform pan coated with cooking spray.

  3. 3

    Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes or until set and browned. Sprinkle remaining 1 ½ cups cheese over warm grits, spreading to edges. Let stand 15 minutes.

  4. 4

    Reduce oven temperature to 325°F. Combine half-and-half, cream, onions, and remaining 5 eggs, 1 tsp. salt, and ½ tsp. pepper. Pour over grits; sprinkle with crumbled bacon. Place pan on a foil-lined baking sheet.

  5. 5

    Bake at 325°F for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until lightly browned and just set. Let stand 20 minutes. Run a sharp knife around edges of quiche; remove sides of pan.

Bacon-and-Cheddar Grits Quiche Recipe

Bacon-and-Cheddar Grits Quiche Recipe

4.8(25)

Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 25 ratings

southernliving.com
4.8(25 reviews)
View original recipe

Rating Breakdown

About this Recipe

Craving a comforting, savory dish that’s perfect for brunch or a hearty breakfast? This Bacon-and-Cheddar Grits Quiche brings together the best of creamy, cheesy grits with a rich, custardy filling, all in one satisfying bite.

Why This Quiche Works

The secret to this standout quiche lies in its clever construction: a bacony grits "crust" fortified with sharp Cheddar. The description highlights a critical technique: spreading cheese to the edge of the warm grits crust. This creates an essential barrier, ensuring the creamy egg custard stays perfectly contained and doesn’t seep out during baking, delivering a beautifully defined and flavorful base.

What to Expect

Prepare for a truly decadent experience. Each slice of this quiche offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. You’ll first encounter the robust, savory depth of the bacon-infused grits crust, hearty and full of sharp Cheddar. Above it, the rich custard, made from a blend of eggs, half-and-half, and heavy cream, promises a silky-smooth and utterly creamy mouthfeel. The savory bacon notes meld seamlessly with the tangy sharp Cheddar throughout the dish, punctuated by the subtle, fresh bite of green onions.

Customization & Variations

While this recipe shines in its original form, you have a few ways to tailor it. The recipe calls for sharp Cheddar, but you can explore different ages of sharp Cheddar to adjust the cheese intensity—an extra-sharp variety will lend a bolder flavor. The fresh green onions add a welcome piquancy; feel free to adjust their quantity based on your preference, perhaps even reserving some for a garnish after baking.

Serving & Context

This Bacon-and-Cheddar Grits Quiche is a showstopper, ideal for a leisurely weekend brunch or a substantial breakfast. It also makes for a wonderful, comforting light dinner. Serve it simply on its own, letting its rich flavors be the star of the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions