Cowboy Quiche: A Hearty Deep Dish Favorite from The Pioneer Woman
Smoky bacon and sweet caramelized onions come together for a flavorful family staple.
Cowboy Quiche: Deep Dish Classic from The Pioneer Woman
If you’re searching for a rich, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, the Cowboy Quiche from The Pioneer Woman is your answer. Bursting with smoky bacon, deeply caramelized onions, and sharp cheddar cheese, this hearty quiche delivers robust flavors and substantial comfort in every bite. It’s inspired by rustic, cowboy-style cooking but elevated with French quiche tradition, making it the ultimate deep-dish delight for any occasion.
Why Cowboy Quiche?
Typical French quiches like Quiche Lorraine often feature lighter ingredients and gentle flavors, but Cowboy Quiche reimagines the classic with bold, down-home staples. Sweet onions caramelized to golden perfection set a rich base, thick-cut bacon brings a hearty, smoky punch, and sharp cheddar cheese adds tangy depth. The result is a substantial meal that keeps you satisfied—ideal for potlucks, brunches with friends, or fueling a busy day.
- Hearty, filling, and flavorful
- Perfect for any meal: breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner
- Easy to prepare ahead for crowds or meal prep
- Combines French technique with all-American ingredients
Ingredient Spotlight
This Cowboy Quiche is both simple and flexible, calling for pantry and refrigerator basics. Each ingredient plays a starring role in the final flavor and texture.
| Ingredient | Role in the Dish |
|---|---|
| Unbaked deep dish pie crust | The sturdy vessel for the rich filling; use homemade or store-bought |
| Yellow onions (2 whole) | Caramelized for deep sweetness and complex flavor |
| Butter (2 Tbsp.) | Essential for slow-cooking the onions until golden brown |
| Bacon (8 slices) | Gives the quiche a signature smoky, savory bite |
| Eggs (8 large) | Bind the quiche and form a custard base |
| Heavy cream or half-and-half (1 1/2 cups) | Adds richness and a creamy, luxurious texture |
| Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups, grated) | Delivers bold, tangy flavor and melty goodness |
| Salt and black pepper | Balances and enhances every layer of flavor |
Step-by-Step Directions
- Caramelize the Onions:
In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt butter and add sliced yellow onions. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 15–20 minutes (or longer if needed), until onions are deeply golden and sweet. Set aside to cool. - Cook the Bacon:
In the same skillet, fry bacon slices until chewy but not crispy. Chop into large bite-sized pieces and set aside to cool. - Preheat and Prepare Crust:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out your pie crust and press it firmly into a deep tart pan or pie dish, crimping the edges. Keep chilled until filling is ready. - Mix the Filling:
Whisk eggs, cream, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until smooth. Stir in the cooled caramelized onions, cooked bacon, and grated cheddar cheese. - Fill and Bake:
Pour the filling into the prepared crust. Place the pan on a rimmed baking sheet (to catch overflow), cover loosely with aluminum foil, and bake for about 40–45 minutes. Remove foil, then bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the quiche is set but still jiggly in the center and the crust turns golden brown. - Cool and Serve:
Remove quiche from oven and allow it to rest for 10–15 minutes. Slice with a serrated knife and serve warm—or cool completely for a firmer slice.
Expert Tips for Cowboy Quiche
- Patience with onions: The caramelization process is key. Don’t rush—slow, steady cooking builds real flavor.
- Bacon doneness: For best texture, keep bacon chewy, not crisp. It will continue cooking slightly in the oven.
- Oven variations: All ovens are different. Start checking quiche at the 45-minute mark.
- Resting matters: Letting quiche cool helps it set for clean slices and best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Cowboy Quiche is rich and filling, so it stands alone beautifully. Still, you can enhance your table with simple sides:
- Fresh fruit salad or sliced melon
- Green salad with vinaigrette
- Oven-roasted potatoes or hash browns
- Scones or crusty bread
Make-Ahead and Storage
- Prep ahead: Caramelize onions and cook bacon the day before. Store in the fridge for easy assembly.
- Chill and reheat: Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices gently in the oven for best texture.
- Freeze for later: Once baked and cooled, the quiche can be frozen whole or in slices. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat until warmed through.
Variations and Substitutions
- Cheese swaps: Try Swiss or Gruyère for a more classic Lorraine flavor, or pepper jack for a spicy twist.
- Add vegetables: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition and variety.
- Crust options: For gluten-free, use a gluten-free crust or make a crustless version.
- Meat substitutes: Omit bacon for a vegetarian variation and add extra caramelized onions or cooked vegetables.
What others are reading
Nutritional Highlights (Approximate, per serving)
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 16g |
| Fat | 34g |
| Carbohydrates | 19g |
(Actual nutrition may vary depending on ingredient brands and portioning.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Cowboy Quiche difficult to make?
No, Cowboy Quiche is straightforward, though caramelizing onions requires patience. Most steps are simple mixing and baking.
Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Yes, a good-quality store-bought deep-dish pie crust works well, saving time without sacrificing flavor.
Can Cowboy Quiche be made ahead?
Absolutely! It can be fully baked, cooled, and refrigerated for several days or frozen for up to two months. Reheat in the oven before serving for best results.
What makes this quiche different from others?
Cowboy Quiche stands out for its hearty dose of smoky bacon, sweet caramelized onions, and sharp cheddar, offering richer and bolder flavors than most traditional quiches.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, especially if you use a milder cheddar and chop the onions finely—the creamy, cheesy texture is usually popular with families.
Recipe Summary Table
| Prep Time | 30 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 1 hour |
| Total Time | ~1 hour 30 minutes |
| Servings | 8–10 |
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
Cowboy Quiche Recipe Card (Print-Friendly)
- 1 unbaked deep dish pie crust
- 2 yellow onions, sliced
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 8 slices bacon
- 8 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Caramelize onions in butter over medium-low heat until deep golden, set aside.
- Fry bacon until chewy, chop and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Roll crust into a deep pie dish.
- Whisk eggs, cream, salt and pepper, then fold in onions, bacon, and cheese.
- Pour into pie crust, bake covered for 40–45 min. Remove foil and bake 10–15 min more.
- Let rest 10–15 min. Slice and enjoy!
Expert Storage, Freezing, and Serving Tips
- Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
- Wrap leftovers tightly to avoid drying out.
- Reheat slices in a low oven (325°F) for even warming.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
Final Thoughts
With its savory depth and satisfying texture, Cowboy Quiche is a celebration of comfort food—blending French tradition with American heartiness. Whether for weekend brunches, weekday dinners, or make-ahead breakfast, it is sure to be a family favorite. Enjoy the best of both worlds in every cheesy slice!
References
- https://houseofnasheats.com/pioneer-woman-cowboy-quiche/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11074/cowboy-quiche/
- https://12tomatoes.com/pioneer-womans-cowboy-quiche/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jO045KtVMW0
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g43263692/quiche-recipes/
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