Easy & Delicious Breakfast Quiche: A Leek, Egg, and Bacon Delight
Kickstart your day with a burst of flavor and a comforting, satisfying meal! While breakfast is often hailed as the most important meal, it’s not always the most exciting. But with this incredible breakfast quiche featuring tender baked leeks, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked eggs, you’ll find a delightful reason to embrace your morning. This recipe is a fantastic way to elevate your everyday breakfast into a special occasion, whether it’s a relaxed Sunday brunch or a thoughtful weekday treat.
This isn’t just any quiche; it’s a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create something truly extraordinary. Imagine a flaky, golden puff pastry crust cradling a rich, savory filling. The sweetness of the leeks perfectly complements the salty crunch of the bacon, while the eggs bind everything into a creamy, flavorful sensation. It’s hearty enough to keep you full until lunch, yet elegant enough to impress guests.
Why This Breakfast Quiche Will Become Your New Favorite
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this leek, egg, and bacon quiche. For starters, it’s incredibly versatile. While we’ve crafted a perfect combination here, you can easily adapt it to your preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. It’s also a fantastic make-ahead option, meaning you can prepare it in advance and simply warm it up for a quick, delicious meal, making busy mornings a breeze.
Beyond its practicality, the flavors are simply unparalleled. The baked leeks soften and sweeten, adding a subtle oniony depth that contrasts beautifully with the robust, smoky notes of the bacon. The eggs provide a creamy base, making each bite a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. It’s a complete meal in one slice, offering protein, vegetables, and a delightful pastry base.
This quiche is especially perfect for those leisurely weekend brunches where you want something a little more special than toast and cereal. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad, a side of fruit, or even a mimosa. It’s also an excellent way to use up leftover ingredients and prevent food waste, as many vegetables and meats can find a happy home within its eggy embrace.
Â
Every bite is a delightful experience!
Â
Recipe: Irresistible Breakfast Quiche with Egg, Bacon, and Leek
Ready to bake your own? This recipe guides you through creating a simple yet spectacular breakfast quiche that will surely become a staple in your home. We use puff pastry for a wonderfully flaky crust, making the preparation surprisingly quick and easy. Follow these steps for a perfect quiche every time.
📖 Recipe
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
Equipment
-
A conventional oven is used. When using a convection oven (with air fan) decrease the temperature with 30 °F / 20 °C
-
Baking tray
-
Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 4 sheets puff pastry , thawed (ensure it’s completely defrosted for best results)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 leek , washed thoroughly and cut into thin strips
- 4 slices bacon
- 4 eggs , size S (use large eggs if preferred, they might take a minute longer to set)
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking from the start.
-
Line a sturdy baking tray with a sheet of parchment paper. This prevents the quiches from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
-
Carefully place each thawed puff pastry sheet onto the prepared baking tray. To create a defined edge for your quiche, gently fold the edges of each puff pastry square upwards by about 1.5 cm (0.6 inches), pressing lightly to seal them into a ‘box’ or tart shape.
-
Using a fork, prick several holes all over the bottom of each puff pastry ‘box’. This crucial step allows steam to escape during baking, preventing the crust from puffing up too much and ensuring a perfectly flat base for your filling.
-
Place the baking tray with the puff pastry into the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. This initial bake, known as “blind baking,” helps to crisp up the pastry and create a barrier against a soggy bottom once the wet ingredients are added.
-
While the pastry is baking, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium pan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced leeks and stir-fry them for about 5 minutes, or until they have softened and become slightly translucent. This brings out their natural sweetness.
-
Remove the cooked leeks from the pan and set them aside. In the same pan, fry the bacon slices until they are beautifully crispy and golden brown. This usually takes a few minutes per side. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess fat, then crumble or chop it into smaller pieces.
-
Carefully remove the partially baked puff pastry trays from the oven. Evenly divide the stir-fried leeks and crispy bacon among the pastry bases. For each quiche, gently crack one egg directly over the leek and bacon mixture. You can use a spoon to slightly spread the egg white around while keeping the yolk intact, if desired.
-
Return the baking tray to the oven and continue to bake for another 15 minutes, or until the eggs are completely set and the puff pastry is golden brown and flaky. The yolks should be firm but can be slightly jammy if you prefer. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade breakfast quiche!
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!
Pro Tip for a Decadent Quiche: For an extra layer of richness and flavor, consider sprinkling a generous amount of grated cheese over the leek and bacon mixture before cracking the eggs. Sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or even a blend of Italian cheeses would work beautifully. A scattering of fresh herbs like chives or parsley after baking can also add a fresh, aromatic finish.
Tips for the Perfect Breakfast Quiche
- Preventing a Soggy Bottom: Pricking the puff pastry and blind baking it for 10 minutes is key! For extra protection, you can brush the pricked base with a thin layer of egg white before blind baking. This creates a seal that prevents moisture from soaking into the pastry.
- Don’t Overcook the Eggs: Keep an eye on the quiches during the final bake. You want the egg whites to be set and firm, but the yolks can still be slightly runny or jammy depending on your preference. Overcooked eggs can become rubbery.
- Even Cooking: Ensure your leeks are sliced thinly and evenly so they cook consistently. This helps them become perfectly tender without burning.
- Crispy Bacon: Cook your bacon until it’s nice and crispy. The texture contrast adds a wonderful element to the quiche. Draining excess fat is also important.
- Customization is Key: This recipe is a fantastic base for experimentation. Don’t be afraid to adjust it to your taste!
Variations to Explore
One of the best things about quiche is its adaptability. Here are a few ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:
- Vegetarian Delight: Skip the bacon and add other sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach (ensure it’s well-drained), bell peppers, or asparagus. A sprinkle of feta cheese or goat cheese can add a tangy kick.
- Cheesy Goodness: Experiment with different cheeses! Besides cheddar, try Swiss, Gouda, Parmesan, or a blend. A smoked cheese can add a lovely depth of flavor.
- Herbaceous Twist: Incorporate fresh or dried herbs into your leek mixture or sprinkle them over the egg before baking. Thyme, rosemary, chives, or a hint of nutmeg can enhance the flavors beautifully.
- Meat Lover’s Dream: Instead of bacon, consider cooked ham, sausage crumbles, or even shredded chicken for different flavor profiles.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a subtle warmth if you enjoy a little heat.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile breakfast quiche is delicious on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a light meal, serve it alongside a fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette, or a bowl of mixed berries and sliced melon. A warm cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of orange juice completes the perfect breakfast or brunch experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
This quiche can be baked entirely in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Individual slices can also be gently reheated in a microwave, though the pastry might lose some of its crispness.
Conclusion
There you have it – a truly easy and utterly delicious breakfast quiche recipe that’s guaranteed to brighten your mornings and impress your guests. With its flaky puff pastry crust and savory filling of leek, egg, and bacon, it’s a dish that offers both comfort and elegance. Whether you’re making it for a special brunch or a simple family breakfast, this quiche is a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. Don’t hesitate to make it your own with different additions and seasonings. Enjoy baking and bon appétit!