There is something incredibly comforting and satisfying about a homemade Sausage Breakfast Quiche Recipe that brings warmth and cheer to any morning table. This dish combines savory breakfast sausage, fresh veggies, and creamy eggs baked to golden perfection in a flaky crust, making it a versatile crowd-pleaser for weekend brunches or special family breakfasts. From the first bite, you’ll appreciate the harmony of textures and flavors, with every ingredient playing a deliciously important role in this classic yet effortless recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple and fresh ingredients is key to a standout breakfast quiche. Each component is essential: the pie crust provides a flaky base, sausage adds hearty flavor, and veggies bring freshness and color, while eggs and cheese tie everything together with creamy richness.
- Pre-made pie crust: Convenient and flaky, or swap with your favorite homemade dough for a personal touch.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps sauté the veggies evenly.
- Red onion (½, diced): Offers a mild sweetness and a pop of color.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Infuses the dish with wonderful aromatic depth.
- Red bell pepper (1, diced): Brings sweetness, crunch, and vibrant red hues.
- Ground breakfast pork sausage (½ pound): Provides savory, spiced flavor with a juicy texture.
- Baby spinach (2 cups): Adds freshness and a touch of earthiness while wilting beautifully in the skillet.
- Large eggs (5): The heart of the quiche, creating a creamy, custard-like filling.
- Skim or 2% milk (½ cup): Lightens the custard without overpowering richness.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (½ cup shredded): Offers tangy depth and melts perfectly into the egg mixture.
- Sea salt (½ tsp): Enhances every flavor with a touch of seasoning.
- Ground black pepper (¼ tsp): Adds a gentle, warming spice finish.
How to Make Sausage Breakfast Quiche Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176 Celsius). This steady medium heat cooks the quiche evenly, allowing the custard to set slowly and the crust to crisp to golden perfection without burning.
Step 2: Ready the Pie Crust
Whether you’re working with a pre-made crust or your own homemade dough, roll it out to fit a 9-inch pie plate. If using frozen store-bought crust, make sure to follow thawing instructions carefully so it bakes evenly and the edges do not overcook. Once shaped, set it aside, ready to hold the savory filling.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat to kick things off with a lovely sizzle. Adding diced red onion first, saute for a few minutes until it softens. Next, toss in minced garlic and diced red bell pepper to build layers of flavor—the garlic’s warmth and bell pepper’s sweetness marry beautifully here.
Step 4: Brown the Sausage and Wilt the Spinach
Time for the star ingredient—the ground breakfast sausage. Crumble it into the skillet with the softened veggies and cook until browned and fragrant, stirring often to ensure no large clumps remain. Finally, stir in the baby spinach and cook just until it wilts, adding freshness without overwhelming other flavors.
Step 5: Assemble the Filling in the Crust
Spread that savory sausage, onion, pepper, and spinach mixture evenly over the base of the prepared pie crust. This layer provides a hearty foundation that will infuse every bite with deliciousness.
Step 6: Whisk the Egg Mixture
Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk until the yolks and whites are fully combined. Pour in the milk along with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, sea salt, and ground black pepper. Whisk again until the mixture is smooth and creamy—this custard will bake into the quiche’s signature soft, luscious texture.
Step 7: Pour and Bake
Carefully pour the egg mixture over the sausage-veg base in the pie crust. Gently shake the pie plate to distribute evenly. Transfer to the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set, no longer jiggling, and the crust turns a lovely golden brown around the edges.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Patience is a virtue here—let the quiche cool for 5 to 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This resting time helps the filling firm up just enough for clean slices that hold together beautifully when plated.
How to Serve Sausage Breakfast Quiche Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like chives or parsley atop your slices for a fresh, green pop of color and flavor. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce can also amp up the flavor if you like a little extra zest.
Side Dishes
Pairing your sausage breakfast quiche with light sides keeps breakfast balanced and exciting. Consider a crisp mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or fresh fruit salad to contrast the richness with bright, juicy notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this classic dish into a showstopper by serving it in individual mini-quiche tins for brunch parties or by slicing it into squares for a delightful finger-food option at gatherings. You can also accompany it with small bowls of homemade jam or chutney for added flavor dimension.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap leftover quiche tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator. It stays delicious for up to 3 days, making it a perfect next-day breakfast or lunch option that’s ready to grab and enjoy.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze slices individually wrapped in foil and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. This quiche freezes beautifully and can be kept frozen for up to 2 months without loss of flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through and the crust regains crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy and the texture rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage for this quiche?
Absolutely! While ground breakfast pork sausage adds traditional flavor, you can substitute with turkey sausage, spicy Italian sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage for a twist that suits your taste.
Is it necessary to use sharp cheddar cheese?
Sharp cheddar adds a wonderful tang and melts smoothly, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or pepper jack to customize the flavor profile.
Can I make the quiche dairy-free or gluten-free?
Yes, swap regular milk for a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk, and use a gluten-free pie crust to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
How do I know when the quiche is fully cooked?
The quiche is done when the center no longer jiggles when gently shaken and the crust has turned golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out mostly clean.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
You can prepare the sausage and vegetable mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready, spread it in the crust, add the egg mixture, and bake. This saves time on busy mornings.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Sausage Breakfast Quiche Recipe feels like passing along a little morning magic to friends and family. It’s straightforward to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and truly delicious—perfect to brighten up any breakfast table. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how simple ingredients come together to create such comfort and joy.
