Kentucky Hot Brown Quiche Recipe
If you love the rich, comforting flavors of a classic Southern dish, you are going to absolutely adore this Kentucky Hot Brown Quiche Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on the famed Kentucky Hot Brown sandwich, transforming it into a creamy, cheesy quiche that’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or even a cozy dinner. Featuring tender turkey, savory bacon, melty Swiss cheese, and the freshness of tomatoes all baked in a flaky crust, this quiche offers a beautiful medley of textures and flavors that come together in every blissful bite. Trust me, once you try this Kentucky Hot Brown Quiche Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Kentucky Hot Brown Quiche Recipe relies on simple but essential ingredients that each add their own magic—whether it’s the smoky depth of bacon or the creamy richness of the custard mixture. These are humble staples that brilliantly build layers of flavor and create that lovely quiche texture we all crave.
- Frozen deep-dish pie crust (9-inch): A sturdy base that crisps beautifully and holds all the savory fillings without sogginess.
- Cooked chopped turkey (1 cup): Adds tender, smoky protein reminiscent of the original Kentucky Hot Brown sandwich.
- Shredded Swiss cheese (1 cup): Melts wonderfully, bringing nutty richness and that signature gooey texture.
- Cooked chopped bacon (â…“ cup): Infuses smoky saltiness that balances the creaminess perfectly.
- Diced tomatoes (â…“ cup): Offer bursts of freshness and a juicy counterpoint to those savory ingredients.
- Eggs (3): The backbone of the custard, providing structure and creaminess.
- Heavy cream or milk (1 cup): Creates a luxuriously smooth custard; heavy cream gives a richer finish, while milk keeps it lighter.
- Sour cream (3 Tbsp): Adds subtle tang and extra creaminess.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the flavors throughout the quiche.
How to Make Kentucky Hot Brown Quiche Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 350ºF, which is the perfect temperature to gently cook the quiche custard without drying out the filling. This steady heat also helps the crust to turn golden and flaky, forming a deliciously crisp edge around the creamy center.
Step 2: Assemble the Filling Layers
Carefully spread the chopped turkey evenly across the bottom of your frozen pie crust. Next, sprinkle over the cooked bacon pieces followed by the diced tomatoes, distributing them so every slice will get a nice balance of flavors. Finish by layering the shredded Swiss cheese on top, ensuring it melts into all those savory elements beneath during baking.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs, heavy cream (or milk), sour cream, and seasonings. This mixture will turn into the luscious custard once baked, binding all the ingredients together with a silky, tender texture. Season thoughtfully with salt and pepper to make sure every bite is perfectly flavored.
Step 4: Pour and Bake
Pour your well-mixed custard mixture evenly over the layered filling in the crust, allowing it to seep around the turkey, bacon, and tomatoes. Place the quiche on the center rack of the oven and bake for about 1 hour until the edges are set and golden brown, and the center is just firm but still tender. After baking, it’s crucial to let your Kentucky Hot Brown Quiche Recipe rest for 5 to 10 minutes; this settling time makes slicing cleaner and helps the flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve Kentucky Hot Brown Quiche Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and add an extra pop of freshness, try garnishing your quiche with chopped fresh parsley or a light sprinkle of paprika for color. A few thinly sliced green onions or a handful of baby arugula can provide a nice peppery contrast to the richness of the quiche.
Side Dishes
This quiche stands out on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp, bright sides. Consider serving it alongside a mixed green salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette, or some roasted seasonal vegetables to round out the meal and add vibrant textures. For brunch, a side of fresh fruit or lightly toasted bread rounds out the plate beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a buffet or brunch spread, slice the quiche into neat wedges and arrange on a large platter decorated with edible flowers or fresh herbs. You can even prepare individual mini quiches using muffin tins for a fun, portable version of the Kentucky Hot Brown Quiche Recipe that’s perfect for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, cover your Kentucky Hot Brown Quiche Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for busy days when you need a quick yet satisfying meal.
Freezing
If you want to keep the quiche longer, it freezes quite well. Wrap the whole quiche or individual slices securely in foil and place in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to retain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy your Kentucky Hot Brown Quiche Recipe warm again, reheat in a preheated 350ºF oven for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving when possible, as the crust tends to get soggy. A gentle oven reheating helps keep that flaky crust crisp and the filling perfectly creamy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pie crust instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh pie crust works wonderfully if you prefer making your own from scratch or have some on hand. Just ensure it’s prepped and ready for a deep-dish quiche for the best results in texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for the heavy cream?
If you want a lighter quiche, whole milk or half-and-half can replace heavy cream with good results. Just keep in mind the custard may be less rich and creamy, but still delicious.
Is this quiche suitable for freezing and make-ahead meals?
Definitely yes. This Kentucky Hot Brown Quiche Recipe freezes beautifully and can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for busy schedules or entertaining guests with minimal last-minute effort.
Can I add other vegetables to the quiche?
Of course! Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers would all be fantastic additions. Just be mindful of moisture content—if adding watery veggies, sauté and drain them to keep the crust crisp.
How do I know when the quiche is fully cooked?
Look for a lightly browned crust and a custard filling that is set around the edges but still slightly wobbly in the center. The residual heat will finish cooking it as it rests, ensuring a creamy interior without being runny.
Final Thoughts
Cooking this Kentucky Hot Brown Quiche Recipe is like inviting a little bit of Southern comfort right into your kitchen. Between the savory turkey, smoky bacon, melted Swiss, and creamy custard nestled in a tender crust, it’s not just a meal—it’s an experience. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch how it becomes a fast favorite in your home, perfect for sharing with friends and family any time you want to impress without fuss. Happy baking!
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Kentucky Hot Brown Quiche Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A savory Kentucky Hot Brown Quiche combining the classic flavors of the famous open-faced sandwich into a rich, baked custard with turkey, bacon, Swiss cheese, and tomatoes in a flaky deep-dish pie crust.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 (9-inch) frozen deep-dish pie crust
Filling
- 1 cup cooked chopped turkey
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- â…“ cup cooked chopped bacon
- â…“ cup diced tomatoes
Custard
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 3 Tbsp sour cream
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the quiche.
- Assemble Filling: Spread the cooked chopped turkey, cooked chopped bacon, diced tomatoes, and shredded Swiss cheese evenly across the bottom of the frozen deep-dish pie crust, distributing the ingredients for balanced flavor in every bite.
- Prepare Custard Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream (or milk), sour cream, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined, creating a rich custard to hold the quiche together.
- Combine and Bake: Pour the egg custard mixture slowly over the layered ingredients in the pie crust, making sure it settles evenly. Place the quiche in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour or until the custard is set and the top is lightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the quiche from the oven and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes to finish setting and cool slightly before slicing and serving warm.
Notes
- You can substitute milk for heavy cream to reduce calories, but the texture will be slightly less rich.
- To ensure even cooking, use a deep-dish pie crust as thin crusts may become soggy.
- Make sure your turkey and bacon are fully cooked before adding to prevent food safety issues.
- Feel free to garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and flavor.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Brunch, Main Dish, Quiche
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American