Name: Cowboy Bacon Onion Quiche Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (9-inch) pie crust, homemade or store-bought; 4 cups diced onion (about 2 large onions); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 7 large eggs; 1 cup milk; ⅓ cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 10 cooked bacon strips, chopped; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 112 reviews

If you’re hunting for a hearty, comforting brunch or a cozy dinner idea, you’ve got to try this Cowboy Bacon Onion Quiche Recipe. Trust me, it’s a fan-freaking-tastic dish that brings together sweet caramelized onions, smoky bacon, and melty cheddar cheese all wrapped in a flaky crust. I absolutely love how it turns out every time and how easy it is to customize, so keep reading and I’ll walk you through every step to make sure yours is just as amazing.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deep, Rich Flavors: Slow-cooked onions add a natural sweetness that balances the salty bacon perfectly.
Perfectly Custardy: The egg and cream mixture bakes into a tender, fluffy texture that’s simply irresistible.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of what you need already, making it a stress-free meal to prepare.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this quiche—I’m pretty sure it’ll be a hit at your table too.

Cowboy Bacon Onion Quiche Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic here happens with simple, accessible ingredients working in harmony. The caramelized onions add sweetness that pairs beautifully with smoky bacon and sharp cheddar, while the creamy custard binds it all up in a flaky crust. Pick the best quality bacon you can find and fresh eggs for the best outcome—I promise it makes a difference!

Cowboy Bacon Onion Quiche Recipe - Ingredients

Pie crust: Homemade if you have the time, store-bought works perfectly to save you time and melt-in-your-mouth buttery goodness.
Onions: Use yellow onions for their natural sweetness; they’ll caramelize beautifully over low heat.
Unsalted butter: Controls the salt level and helps the onions cook slowly without crisping.
Eggs: Large eggs give the quiche that classic custard texture.
Milk: Whole milk ensures creaminess without weighing down the quiche.
Heavy cream: Adds richness and depth; don’t skip this for that silky mouthfeel.
Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder: Simple seasoning to enhance all the flavors perfectly.
Bacon strips: Cooked until crisp so you get smoky, crunchy bites in every slice.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp or medium cheddar adds that melty, tangy finish that brings everything together.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Cowboy Bacon Onion Quiche Recipe just as is, but sometimes I like to switch things up based on what’s in my fridge or the season. It’s a great base for experimentation, so don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Mushrooms and Spinach: I add sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach for a veggie-packed version that still feels indulgent.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños for a cowboy quiche with a little heat.
Cheese Variations: Swap the cheddar for pepper jack, gruyère, or even a smoky gouda for a unique twist.
Crustless Option: If you prefer to go gluten-free, this quiche works beautifully without a crust—just increase the baking time slightly.

How to Make Cowboy Bacon Onion Quiche Recipe

Step 1: Slowly Caramelize the Onions

This step sets the flavor foundation. Cook your diced onions in butter over low heat for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll want to keep stirring occasionally so they don’t burn but brown evenly—your kitchen will start to smell irresistible. If you want them sweeter and more deeply caramelized, go for an extra 25-30 minutes of slow cooking; it’s worth the wait!

Step 2: Prepare Your Pie Crust

While those onions are doing their thing, press your pie crust into the pie pan and pop it back in the fridge. Keeping it cold helps avoid soggy crust, especially once the filling goes in. If you’re using store-bought, neat little tip: let it thaw just enough to be pliable but still chilled.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk your eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth and combined. This mixture is the heart of your quiche, so make sure it’s well mixed—it’ll result in a beautiful, tender custard after baking.

Step 4: Layer the Flavors

Spread the caramelized onions evenly in the pie crust, then layer on the crispy bacon and shredded cheddar cheese. Pour your custard mixture right over the top. I like using a fork to gently press everything down, making sure the filling settles evenly.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden Perfection

Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 35-40 minutes. The top should be lightly browned and the filling set—not wobbly at all. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing, which helps everything settle and slice much cleaner. I promise the wait is worth it!

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Pro Tips for Making Cowboy Bacon Onion Quiche Recipe

Low and Slow Onions: Patience here pays off—slowly cooking onions unlocks their natural sugars for that melt-in-your-mouth flavor.
Keep Crust Cold: Chilling the crust before filling prevents shrinkage and sogginess during baking.
Check Doneness with a Toothpick: Insert it near the center; if it comes out clean or with only a slight custard residue, it’s done.
Avoid Overbaking: Pull the quiche out once the center is just set to keep it creamy and not dry.

How to Serve Cowboy Bacon Onion Quiche Recipe

Cowboy Bacon Onion Quiche Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I usually finish my quiche with a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or dill for a pop of color and mild oniony freshness that balances the dish nicely. A dollop of sour cream or a light drizzle of hot sauce adds that extra zing if you’re feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

This quiche loves company! I like pairing it with a simple mixed greens salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette for brightness or some roasted potatoes for extra comfort food vibes. Fresh fruit on the side works perfectly if you want to keep things lighter.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunches or special occasions, I’ve served individual mini quiches using a muffin tin—super cute and party-friendly. You can also cut the quiche into wedges and arrange over arugula with a drizzle of balsamic reduction for an elegant look that wows guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover quiche wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge; it stays good for up to 4 days. This recipe holds up amazingly well, so don’t hesitate to double it for meal prep.

Freezing

Freezing works like a charm here. I slice the cooled quiche, wrap each piece in plastic wrap and foil, then stash them in a freezer bag. When I’m ready, I thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently—perfect for busy mornings or last-minute meals.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked feeling, I reheat slices in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the crust is crisp again. Microwaving works but can make the crust soggy, so oven reheating is my secret for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese in the Cowboy Bacon Onion Quiche Recipe?

Absolutely! While cheddar adds a nice sharpness, you can experiment with gruyère, mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda. Each brings its unique flavor and texture, so feel free to pick your favorite or what you have on hand.
How do I prevent the quiche crust from getting soggy?

One trick I use is to chill the crust thoroughly before adding the filling, which helps keep it firm. You can also blind bake the crust for 5-7 minutes before filling it to create a moisture barrier. Lastly, make sure your fillings aren’t too wet.
Can I prepare the Cowboy Bacon Onion Quiche Recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the quiche the night before and keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready, just bake it fresh. This makes it super convenient for busy mornings or entertaining.
Is it possible to make this recipe crustless?

Yes! If you’d like a gluten-free option or just want to reduce carbs, you can skip the crust. Just grease your pie dish well and bake the quiche 5-10 minutes longer until the custard sets firmly and edges are golden.
Can I substitute the bacon with another protein?

Of course! Turkey bacon, sausage, or even smoked ham chunks work well here. Just make sure your meat is cooked and drained to prevent excess grease making the quiche soggy.

Final Thoughts

This Cowboy Bacon Onion Quiche Recipe has been a go-to in my kitchen for years because it’s reliably delicious, comforting, and simple enough to pull together even on a busy morning. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—I really think you’ll find it becomes a staple in your recipe box, especially once you taste that caramelized onion and smoky bacon combo. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out; I’d love to hear your favorite twists!