If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleaser to kickstart your morning, this Sausage Breakfast Quiche Recipe is exactly what your weekend brunch has been missing! Packed with savory ground breakfast sausage, vibrant veggies, and a rich custard filling all nestled in a flaky pie crust, this dish balances hearty flavors with a light, fluffy texture. Whether you’re serving family or impressing friends, this quiche offers a comforting, colorful start to the day that’s as satisfying as it is stunning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The great thing about this Sausage Breakfast Quiche Recipe is how simple yet essential each ingredient is, working together beautifully to give you that perfect melty, savory, and flaky bite every time. From fresh veggies to quality sausage and sharp cheddar, every element adds to the harmony of flavors and textures.
- Pre-made pie crust: A convenient base that saves time while providing a perfectly flaky foundation for the quiche.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness to sauté the veggies and sausage, enhancing overall depth.
- Red onion (½, diced): Brings a slight sweetness and crunch that balances the savory sausage.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the filling with a warm, aromatic punch that wakes up your taste buds.
- Red bell pepper (1, diced): Adds vibrant color and a touch of mild sweetness for a fun contrast.
- Ground breakfast pork sausage (½ pound): The star protein, delivering juicy, savory flavor with herbs and spices.
- Baby spinach (2 cups): Adds a fresh, leafy component that wilts perfectly without overpowering the quiche.
- Large eggs (5): The binders that form the creamy, rich custard essential to the quiche’s texture.
- Milk (½ cup skim or 2%): Lightens the egg mixture, helping create that delicate, silky consistency.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (½ cup shredded): Provides a tangy, melty goodness that finishes every bite with cheesy perfection.
- Sea salt (½ teaspoon): Essential seasoning to bring harmony to all the ingredients.
- Ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of warmth and spice.
How to Make Sausage Breakfast Quiche Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176 Celsius). This ensures your quiche will bake evenly. Roll out your pie dough if you’re using homemade crust, or prepare your store-bought pie crust following the package directions, then place it in a 9-inch pie plate. This sets your delicious base.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced red onion and let it soften for about 3 minutes. Next, add minced garlic and diced red bell pepper, cooking for an additional 3 minutes while stirring occasionally. These steps layer the flavors and create that irresistible aromatic base for your quiche.
Step 3: Brown the Sausage and Wilt Spinach
Add the ground breakfast sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, usually 3 to 5 minutes. Finally, stir in the baby spinach until just wilted, locking in that fresh green color and subtle earthiness.
Step 4: Assemble the Filling
Spread the sausage and veggie mixture evenly over your pie crust. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sharp cheddar cheese, sea salt, and ground black pepper. This custard mixture brings all the components together into a smooth, creamy dish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the egg mixture over your sausage base, allowing it to fill every nook. Bake the quiche for 45 to 50 minutes until the center sets and the crust becomes a gorgeous golden brown. Let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing to ensure those perfect, clean cuts.
How to Serve Sausage Breakfast Quiche Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley takes this quiche from delicious to exceptional, adding a burst of color and a fresh herbal note. Consider a light dusting of extra sharp cheddar for those who want that cheesy punch on top before serving.
Side Dishes
Complement your quiche with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, lending a refreshing contrast to the rich filling. Fresh fruit salad or roasted potatoes also make fantastic partners, rounding out a balanced and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch gathering, serve your Sausage Breakfast Quiche Recipe in individual tart pans or mini muffin tins for delightful handheld portions. You can also add bursts of color by layering vibrant roasted peppers or topping with sliced avocado and a drizzle of hot sauce for a modern twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It holds its flavor and texture surprisingly well, making for an easy quick breakfast or snack later on.
Freezing
Wrap the cooled quiche tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. It can last up to 2 months frozen without loss of quality. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to preserve texture and taste.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350-degree oven for about 10 to 15 minutes until heated through and crust is crisp again. You can also microwave slices for quick reheating, but the oven method keeps the crust nice and flaky.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade pie crust instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! A homemade crust adds a personal touch and wonderful freshness, but store-bought is a great time saver without sacrificing too much flavor or texture.
Is it possible to substitute the sausage with another protein?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even plant-based sausage alternatives work well while keeping the quiche flavorful and hearty.
Can I prepare the quiche filling in advance?
You can prepare the sausage and veggie mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it. Whisk the egg mixture fresh just before assembling and baking to keep the custard light and fluffy.
What kind of cheese works best in this quiche?
Sharp cheddar is our favorite for that pronounced savory, melty goodness, but Gruyère or mozzarella are fantastic alternatives if you want to mix things up.
How do I know when the quiche is fully cooked?
The quiche is done when the center no longer jiggles and the crust is golden brown. A knife inserted should come out clean. Let it rest before slicing for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Breakfast Quiche Recipe truly feels like a warm hug from the kitchen, perfect for sharing moments and memories over a delicious meal. Once you try it, I promise you’ll want to make it again and again. So grab those simple ingredients, gather your loved ones, and enjoy every wonderful bite of this timeless breakfast classic!
Print
Sausage Breakfast Quiche Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A savory and hearty Sausage Breakfast Quiche featuring a flaky pie crust filled with sautéed sausage, vegetables, and a creamy egg and cheese mixture. Perfect for a comforting breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade dough)
Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 pound ground breakfast pork sausage
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 5 large eggs
- 1/2 cup skim milk (or 2% milk)
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176°C) to prepare for baking the quiche.
- Prepare Pie Crust: Roll out the dough and place it in a 9-inch pie plate, or defrost the pre-made crust according to package instructions.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced red onion and sauté for 3 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper, cooking for another 3 minutes with occasional stirring.
- Cook Sausage and Spinach: Add the ground breakfast sausage to the skillet and break it up with a spoon. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until browned. Add the baby spinach and cook just until wilted.
- Assemble Filling: Spread the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture evenly across the base of the pie dough in the pie plate.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a mixing bowl, crack the eggs and whisk until yolks are broken. Add milk, shredded cheddar cheese, sea salt, and black pepper, then whisk until fully combined.
- Add Egg Mixture: Pour the egg mixture over the sausage and vegetable layer in the pie crust.
- Bake Quiche: Bake the quiche in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the center has set and the crust turns golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the quiche to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving to achieve clean slices and optimal flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute the ground breakfast pork sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms or zucchini to customize your quiche.
- If using homemade dough, blind bake the crust for 5-7 minutes before adding the filling to prevent sogginess.
- The quiche can be refrigerated and reheated for a quick breakfast the following day.
- Use reduced-fat cheese or milk to lower the calorie content if desired.
