If you love the idea of a traditional quiche but want something faster, cuter, and perfect for portion control, then the Quiche Toast Cups Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. These bite-sized delights combine crispy toasted bread with a rich, savory egg filling loaded with bacon, cheese, and fresh parsley. Not only do they look adorable, but they deliver all the comforting flavors of a classic quiche in a fun, handheld form. Whether you’re whipping up a quick breakfast, an impressive brunch dish, or a delightful snack, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Quiche Toast Cups Recipe comes down to a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a vital role. The bacon adds that irresistible smoky crunch, the egg and milk create a silky, custardy filling, and the cheese melts into gooey goodness that pulls everything together. The bread forms the perfect-toasted vessel, providing structure and a slightly crispy base. Let’s take a look at exactly what you’ll need to make these irresistible cups.
- Bacon (1 rasher, diced): Provides a salty, savory crunch that balances the creamy filling.
- Onion (1/4, finely diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth when sautéed.
- Oil (1 tsp): Helps sauté the bacon and onions to perfect tenderness and crispness.
- White sandwich bread (6 slices): Acts as a sturdy, lightly toasty base that holds everything together.
- Eggs (2 regular or 3 small): Create the silky, protein-rich custard that defines the quiche filling.
- Milk (2/3 cup): Lightens the egg mixture, making the filling soft and tender.
- Cheese (1/3 cup grated, any good melting cheese): Adds richness and a gooey, flavorful finish.
- Parsley (2 tsp, finely chopped): Brings a fresh herbal note and vibrant color.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
- Oil spray: Prevents sticking and helps the bread toast evenly in the muffin tins.
How to Make Quiche Toast Cups Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 180C/350F. This ensures that it is perfectly ready when it’s time to bake the toast cups, which will help the custard set nicely without drying out the bread.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Onions
Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a small pan over high heat. Add the diced onion and bacon, then sauté until the bacon turns crisp and onions soften—about 2 minutes. This quick cook brings out the smoky and sweet flavors that will infuse the filling with wonderful texture. Set it aside but keep it in the pan for easy transfer later.
Step 3: Shape the Bread Cups
Cut the crust off each slice of bread and then cut into rounds using a can or a round cutter about the size to fit into your muffin tin wells. Using a rolling pin, gently flatten each bread round to make it more pliable and easier to shape.
Step 4: Form and Toast the Cups
Lightly spray six muffin tin holes with oil to prevent sticking. Press each flattened bread round into a muffin slot, making sure it fits snugly to form a cup shape. Pop the tin into the oven for 3 minutes—this “toast” dries the bread just enough to give it structure without browning it.
Step 5: Prepare the Egg Mixture
While the bread is toasting, whisk together the eggs, milk, finely chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This mixture will be rich and creamy, ready to soak into the bread cups just enough to become a luscious filling.
Step 6: Assemble the Cups
Divide the crispy bacon and onion mixture between the six bread cups. Sprinkle the grated cheese over the bacon, creating a melty, flavorful layer. Finally, pour approximately 2 1/2 tablespoons of the egg mixture into each cup. Be swift getting these into the oven to keep the bread from soaking too much.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Bake the filled cups for 12 to 15 minutes until the tops turn a lovely light gold and the egg filling is set but still tender. You’ll notice the filling puff up beautifully during baking.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the quiche toast cups rest for around 5 minutes. During this time, the filling will settle and deflate slightly, making them easier to handle and even more delicious. Optionally, garnish with extra parsley before serving to bring a fresh pop of color.
How to Serve Quiche Toast Cups Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a vibrant green color but also lifts the flavors with its bright, herbal freshness. If you want to add a little extra luxury, a small dollop of crème fraîche or a light drizzle of hot sauce can take these bites to the next level.
Side Dishes
Serve your quiche toast cups alongside a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette for a light lunch or add fresh fruit like berries for a balanced brunch spread. They also pair wonderfully with roasted asparagus or a simple tomato salad to keep things fresh and colorful.
Creative Ways to Present
For a delightful brunch atmosphere, arrange the quiche toast cups on a tiered stand or a rustic wooden board. You can also customize them by swapping the bacon for sautéed mushrooms, ham, or spinach to suit any taste or dietary preference. Kids will love decorating theirs with fun shaped cut-outs of bread or cheese on top before baking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any uneaten quiche toast cups can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They maintain their flavor and texture well but are best enjoyed the same day if possible for maximum crispness.
Freezing
You can freeze these toast cups after baking by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month, making them perfect for meal prep or quick snacks on busy days.
Reheating
To bring them back to life, reheat the frozen or refrigerated quiche cups in a preheated oven at 180C/350F for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the bread regains some crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.
FAQs
Can I make the Quiche Toast Cups Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply leave out the bacon and consider adding extra vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or roasted peppers to boost flavor and texture without meat.
What kind of cheese works best in this recipe?
Any good melting cheese like cheddar, gruyere, or tasty cheese works wonderfully. Feel free to experiment with your favorites for different flavor profiles.
Can I use wholemeal or gluten-free bread?
Yes, wholemeal bread will add a nutty flavor and more fiber, though it may be slightly less crisp. Gluten-free bread can also be used, but choose a variety that holds up well when toasted and filled.
Is it possible to prepare these ahead of time before baking?
Yes, you can assemble the cups up to the point of adding the egg mixture, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Just add the egg mixture right before popping them in the oven.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! This recipe is easy to scale up. Just multiply ingredients accordingly and use multiple muffin tins or bake batches in sequence.
Final Thoughts
There is something so charming and satisfying about the Quiche Toast Cups Recipe. It’s fast to prepare, delicious to eat, and versatile enough to suit any occasion from a busy weekday breakfast to a leisurely weekend brunch with friends. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these delightful little quiches as much as I do. They’re proof that simple ingredients and a bit of love can create something truly special in the kitchen!
Print
Quiche Toast Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings (6 toast cups)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
Description
Delightful and easy-to-make Quiche Toast Cups combining crispy bacon, sautéed onion, and rich egg custard baked inside a crispy bread cup, perfect for breakfast or a light snack.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 rasher of bacon, rind removed and diced (50g / 1.5 oz)
- 1/4 onion, finely diced (brown, white or yellow)
Other Ingredients
- 1 tsp oil
- 6 slices white sandwich bread (fresh)
- 2 regular size eggs (or 3 small)
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1/3 cup cheese, grated (tasty, gruyere, cheddar – any good melting cheese)
- 2 tsp parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil spray for muffin tins
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180C/350F to get it ready for baking the toast cups.
- Sauté Bacon and Onion: Heat 1 tsp of oil in a small pan over high heat. Add the diced onion and bacon, sautéing until the bacon is crisp, approximately 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Bread Rounds: Cut each slice of bread into rounds or remove the crusts. Using an 800g/28oz empty tomato can as a cutter helps create perfect rounds to fit muffin tins.
- Flatten Bread: Use a rolling pin to flatten the bread rounds to help form crisp toast cups.
- Form Toast Cups: Lightly spray 6 muffin tin holes with oil spray. Press each flattened bread round firmly into each tin to form cups.
- Pre-bake Bread Cups: Place the muffin tin in the oven for 3 minutes. Remove when the bread cups are dry and lightly toasted but not browned.
- Make Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Assemble Cups: Divide the sautéed bacon and onion mixture evenly among the 6 toast cups, then sprinkle cheese on top.
- Add Egg Mixture: Pour about 2 1/2 tablespoons of the egg mixture into each cup. Work quickly to avoid the bread absorbing the egg before baking.
- Bake Toast Cups: Bake in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the tops are lightly golden and the filling is set.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes. The filling will puff up initially but will deflate slightly while resting.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with extra parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh white sandwich bread for best results and easier forming of cups.
- If you prefer, substitute bacon with ham or cooked sausage.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties such as gruyere, cheddar, or tasty for unique flavors.
- Do not overbake the bread cups initially to prevent them from becoming too hard.
- Work quickly after pouring the egg mixture into the bread cups to prevent sogginess.
- These cups can be prepared ahead and reheated gently before serving.
