Subscribe to my newsletter!

Cowboy Quiche: A Hearty Twist on a Classic That Eats Like a Full Meal

No ratings yet

Cowboy Quiche is not your delicate, café-style quiche. This is a bold, filling, no-nonsense dish packed with sausage, bacon, cheese, and eggs—designed to fuel busy mornings, lazy brunches, and even weeknight dinners. It takes the creamy, custardy base of a traditional quiche and layers it with smoky, savory flavors that feel comforting, familiar, and deeply satisfying.

Whether you bake it in a flaky crust or go crustless for simplicity, Cowboy Quiche delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It is sturdy enough to slice cleanly, rich enough to feel indulgent, and versatile enough to serve any time of day. One bite tells you exactly why this recipe has earned its name.

The first time I made Cowboy Quiche was for a casual weekend brunch when I needed something filling that could sit on the counter without fuss. It disappeared faster than anything else on the table. Since then, it has become my go-to for feeding a crowd without stress. It feels homemade, generous, and reliable—everything a good comfort recipe should be.

A hearty quiche packed with sausage, bacon, cheese, and eggs for a bold, satisfying meal.
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 1 unbaked pie crust (optional)
  • 8 oz breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups milk or half-and-half
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika or cayenne (optional)

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • pie dish or baking dish

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare crust or grease dish for crustless version.
  2. Cook sausage and bacon until browned. Drain excess fat.
  3. Spread meats, vegetables, and cheese evenly in the dish.
  4. Whisk eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and spices. Pour over filling.
  5. Bake 35–40 minutes until set. Rest before slicing.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 22gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 215mgSodium: 720mgPotassium: 320mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 680IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 260mgIron: 2.4mg

Notes

Let rest 10 minutes before slicing for clean cuts.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Why Cowboy Quiche Always Satisfies

Built for Real Appetites

Cowboy Quiche is designed to be hearty. Sausage and bacon provide savory depth, while eggs and cheese bring richness and structure. This is not a light bite. It is a full meal in slice form that keeps you satisfied for hours.

Because the filling is protein-rich, it works especially well for brunch or breakfast-for-dinner nights when you want something substantial without standing over the stove.

Flexible and Make-Ahead Friendly

One of the best things about Cowboy Quiche is how forgiving it is. You can swap meats, add vegetables, or adjust spices without compromising the texture. It also reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or entertaining.

Bake it the night before, let it cool, and reheat slices as needed. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even better the next day.

Ingredients That Give Cowboy Quiche Its Bold Flavor

The Savory Filling

Breakfast sausage forms the backbone of Cowboy Quiche. It brings seasoning and richness that infuses the entire custard. Bacon adds smoky crunch and contrast, especially when sprinkled evenly through the filling.

Bell peppers and onions are optional, but they add color, sweetness, and balance. Cheddar cheese melts beautifully and delivers sharp, comforting flavor in every bite.

The Custard Base

Eggs and milk create the classic quiche structure. The ratio keeps the filling creamy but firm enough to slice cleanly. Whole milk works perfectly, while half-and-half adds extra richness if desired.

A pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne gives Cowboy Quiche a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.

How to Make Cowboy Quiche Step by Step

Preparing the Filling

Cook the sausage until browned and crumbly, then cook the bacon until crisp. Drain excess fat to keep the quiche from becoming greasy.

If using vegetables, sauté them briefly until softened. This prevents excess moisture in the finished quiche.

Assembling the Quiche

Spread the cooked meats and vegetables evenly in the crust or baking dish. Sprinkle cheese over the top. Whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper, then pour the mixture evenly over the filling.

This layering ensures every slice gets a balanced mix of flavors.

Baking Until Perfect

Bake until the center is set and the top is lightly golden. A slight jiggle in the center is fine; it will firm up as it cools.

Let the quiche rest before slicing to ensure clean cuts.

Serving Ideas and Variations

How to Serve It

Serve Cowboy Quiche warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with a simple green salad, fresh fruit, or roasted potatoes.

It also works beautifully as part of a brunch spread or as a standalone dinner with minimal sides.

Easy Variations

Add jalapeños for heat, swap cheddar for pepper jack, or stir in spinach for balance. You can also make it crustless for a lighter option.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing Leftovers

Store Cowboy Quiche covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. The texture holds well, and the flavors improve over time.

Reheating

Reheat slices in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the custard creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this crustless?
Yes. Grease the dish well and bake directly.

Can I freeze Cowboy Quiche?
Yes. Wrap tightly and freeze up to two months.

What cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but blends work well.

Is it good for dinner?
Absolutely. It is filling and satisfying.

Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Just cook them first to remove moisture.

Conclusion

Cowboy Quiche is everything a hearty comfort dish should be. Rich, filling, and packed with flavor, it turns simple ingredients into a meal that feels generous and satisfying. Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this quiche always delivers.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating