Imagine a breakfast or brunch dish that combines all the comforting, savory flavors of the classic Southern Kentucky Hot Brown into a flaky, rich quiche. This Kentucky Hot Brown Quiche Recipe takes that beloved open-faced sandwich concept and transforms it into a beautifully baked pie that’s perfect for gathering around the table with friends or family. With layers of tender turkey, smoky bacon, melted Swiss cheese, and the subtle tang of tomatoes all nestled inside a silky custard and crisp crust, it’s an irresistible way to start your day or serve as a hearty lunch. Let me take you through all the delicious details so you can easily create this Southern gem in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simple ingredient list fool you—each one plays an essential role in building the irresistible taste and texture of this quiche. From the buttery pie crust that provides a perfect flaky foundation, to the creamy Swiss cheese melting into every bite, the ingredients come together to create a harmony of rich, savory flavors.
- Frozen deep-dish pie crust: This provides a flaky, golden base that holds all the fillings beautifully without getting soggy.
- Cooked chopped turkey: Tender turkey adds lean protein and a hearty, classic component reminiscent of the traditional Kentucky Hot Brown.
- Shredded Swiss cheese: Swiss melts perfectly, lending creamy, nutty notes that tie the dish together.
- Cooked chopped bacon: Adds smoky, crispy bursts of flavor for contrast and depth.
- Diced tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes bring a pop of color and slight acidity to balance richness.
- Eggs: The essential binding agent that creates the luscious custard filling.
- Heavy cream or milk: Cream makes the custard rich and velvety, while milk offers a lighter version without sacrificing texture.
- Sour cream: Adds a subtle tanginess and extra creaminess to the custard mix.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Simple seasoning to enhance all the bright and savory flavors.
How to Make Kentucky Hot Brown Quiche Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF. This ensures the oven reaches the perfect temperature for the quiche crust to bake evenly to a golden crisp while allowing the custard filling to set slowly and develop its signature silky texture.
Step 2: Layer the Savory Fillings
Take your frozen pie crust and press it into a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan if it’s not already prepared. Next, spread a generous layer of chopped cooked turkey evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle cooked bacon pieces on top, then add the diced tomatoes and finally, the shredded Swiss cheese, layering each ingredient with care so every forkful promises that classic Kentucky Hot Brown bite.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream (or milk), sour cream, salt, and pepper until smooth and combined. This custard mixture is what makes the quiche so luscious and creamy—be sure to get a good whisk so it’s well blended and airy.
Step 4: Pour and Bake
Pour the prepared custard over the layered fillings in the pie crust, taking care that it disperses evenly. Place the quiche on the middle oven rack and bake for about 1 hour. The quiche is done when the filling is set and slightly puffed but still jiggles a bit in the center—a telltale sign of perfect creaminess.
Step 5: Rest Before Serving
Let the quiche rest out of the oven for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows it to firm up just slightly, making it easier to cut perfect wedges without losing any of that luscious filling.
How to Serve Kentucky Hot Brown Quiche Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives brightens the dish and adds a fresh herbal note. You can also add a few thin slices of tomato or a drizzle of hollandaise sauce to echo the flavors of the traditional Kentucky Hot Brown in a pretty presentation.
Side Dishes
This quiche pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed lightly in vinaigrette for contrast, or roasted breakfast potatoes to keep things hearty. For something lighter, try fresh fruit or a tangy coleslaw to balance out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive brunch, cut the quiche into small squares and serve on a platter with toothpicks for easy sharing. You could also bake individual mini quiches using muffin tins for a cute handheld twist on this Southern classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, cover the quiche tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days without losing its flavor or texture.
Freezing
This Kentucky Hot Brown Quiche Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. Frozen quiche will retain its quality for up to 2 months, making it a perfect make-ahead option for busy mornings.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or warm a whole quiche in a 350ºF oven until heated through—usually about 15-20 minutes. This helps maintain that lovely creamy interior and flaky crust.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pie crust instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Freshly made pie crust adds a wonderful homemade touch with even more flakiness. Just be sure to blind bake it slightly if you prefer a crisper base before filling.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream?
Not at all. You can substitute milk for a lighter custard, though heavy cream gives that extra richness that makes the quiche especially decadent.
Can this quiche be made vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the turkey and bacon and use extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for a delicious vegetarian twist on the Kentucky Hot Brown Quiche Recipe.
How long does it take to bake the quiche?
The quiche requires about 1 hour in the oven at 350ºF to bake fully and develop that creamy texture with a golden crust.
Can I prepare the quiche the night before?
Yes, assembling the quiche the night before and baking it in the morning is a great time-saver! Just cover and refrigerate it overnight, then bake fresh when ready.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to bring a taste of Southern hospitality to your table with something a little different but just as comforting, the Kentucky Hot Brown Quiche Recipe is a must-try. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, smoky, and savory flavors wrapped in a flaky crust. Give it a whirl and I promise it will quickly become a beloved staple in your brunch rotation!
Print
Kentucky Hot Brown Quiche Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Quiche
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Kentucky Hot Brown Quiche is a savory twist on the classic Southern Hot Brown sandwich, baked into a comforting quiche. Featuring a deep-dish pie crust filled with chopped turkey, Swiss cheese, crispy bacon, and diced tomatoes, all enveloped in a rich custard made from eggs, cream, and sour cream. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a hearty lunch.
Ingredients
Pie 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
Egg Mixture
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and allow it to fully preheat to ensure even baking.
- Prepare filling: In the frozen deep-dish pie crust, evenly spread the cooked chopped turkey, cooked bacon, diced tomatoes, and shredded Swiss cheese to form the base layer.
- Make custard mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream (or milk), sour cream, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble quiche: Pour the egg and cream mixture carefully over the layered ingredients in the pie crust, allowing it to seep evenly throughout.
- Bake: Place the quiche on the middle rack of the oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the custard is set and the top is golden. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean.
- Rest before serving: Remove the quiche from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the custard to fully set and makes serving easier.
Notes
- You can substitute milk for heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Use fresh cooked turkey or leftover turkey for best flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the turkey and bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- Make sure to fully thaw the frozen pie crust if preferred for a more even bake.
- Leftover quiche keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheats nicely.
