Ingredients
- 4 strips thick-cut bacon (optional)
- 2 cups homemade or store bought croutons, plain or seasoned
- 1 cup grated cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (4 ounces)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk, preferably whole (but any kind will do)
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon dried dill (optional)
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
- Salt (if needed)
Preparation
Step 1
If using the bacon, cook it in a skillet until crisp, about 15 minutes, turning once to cook both sides. Drain on paper towels and crumble. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate until needed. Butter a 2-quart baking dish. Combine the croutons and the cheese in the dish. In a bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, dill and pepper. If using plain, unsalted croutons, add about ½ teaspoon salt. Poor the mixture over the croutons and cheese. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours or up to 24. Bring the dish to room temperature before baking. If using the bacon, sprinkle it on top. Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake uncovered for 50 minutes until puffed and golden and set in the center (a table knife inserted in the center will come out moist but clean). Remove from oven, cool slightly and serve.
Note: 1 cup of cubed cooked ham or crumbled cooked sausage can be substituted for the bacon. Add into the egg mixture before pouring it over the croutons.
Lillian Chou
Getting rid of the crust for this clever play on quiche Lorraine is a win-win: The cooking process is simplified, and you're left with the very best part of the quiche.
Yield: Makes 4 servings
Active Time: 10 min
Total Time: 30 min (not including cooling)
1 1/2 tablespoons fine dry plain bread crumbs
1 cup frozen chopped onions
1 cup diced cooked ham (1/4 pound)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 (8-ounce) package shredded Swiss cheese (2 cups)
4 large eggs
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
Equipment:
Equipment: a 10-inch quiche dish or 10-inch glass pie plate
Accompaniment: green salad
Preheat oven to 425°F with rack in middle.
Butter quiche dish, then sprinkle all over with bread crumbs.