Cougar Gold Cheese Quiche is a delightful quiche that highlights an award-winning sharp cheddar from Washington State University. Any sharp cheddar will work, but Cougar Gold offers a distinctive, rich flavor that makes this version especially memorable. This quiche combines savory ingredients—crispy bacon and fresh green onions—with a flaky, buttery crust for a satisfying brunch or light dinner option.
Ingredients to Have on Hand
- Cougar Gold Cheese or another sharp cheddar
- Eggs
- Half-and-half
- Bacon
- Green onions
- 9″ pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
About Cougar Gold Cheese
Cougar Gold is a sharp, full-flavored white cheddar produced at the creamery on Washington State University’s Pullman campus. It comes in a distinctive can and has been crafted using traditional, all-natural methods for decades. Its firm texture and tangy character make it an excellent choice for quiche.
Cheese Substitutions
Any sharp cheddar will produce a delicious quiche. You may also blend cheddars with other cheeses for variety—Swiss, Gruyère, or even a touch of blue cheese can add complexity. Choose the cheese that best fits your taste.
Sharp vs. Mild Cheddar
Sharp cheddar is aged longer, giving it a drier texture and a tangier flavor than mild cheddar. Because sharp cheddar has lower moisture, it melts differently and can help a quiche hold its structure. That said, there is no single correct choice—use whichever you prefer.
Why Cougar Gold Comes in a Can
The creamery packages Cougar Gold in a can, a tradition that dates back to early production methods. The can is simply a distinctive element of the cheese’s history and presentation; the cheese itself is natural and carefully aged.
Quiche: Balancing Cheese, Eggs, and Dairy
All quiches share the same essentials: cheese, eggs, and dairy. Achieving the right texture—firm but not rubbery, creamy but not soupy—depends on the ratio of eggs to dairy. While some suggest one egg per half cup of dairy, many cooks prefer slightly less dairy and more eggs to produce a firmer slice that still feels custardy. Baking the quiche slowly at a moderate temperature helps achieve that texture.
Pro Tip: Bake the quiche slowly. A moderate oven temperature prevents the filling from setting too quickly and becoming scrambled. A slow bake encourages a smooth, even texture.
Other Ingredient Combinations
Quiche is versatile. Popular additions include spinach, asparagus, parsley, ham, broccoli, and mushrooms. Bacon and green onions are a favorite combination for their saltiness and bright onion flavor, but experiment freely to find combinations you love.
Pre-Bake the Crust
Always pre-bake (blind bake) the crust, whether homemade or store-bought. This step prevents the bottom from becoming soggy once the filling is added. Gently press the crust into a 9″ pie plate, prick the bottom and sides with a fork, and bake briefly to set the crust before filling.
Step-by-Step Overview
Prepare the crust and pre-bake it. Cook and dice the bacon, shred the cheese, and slice the green onions. Layer half the cheese, bacon, and onions in the crust, pour the egg and dairy mixture over the filling, then top with the remaining cheese, bacon, and onions. Bake until the center is set and allow the quiche to rest before slicing.
The Inspiration
This recipe is a personal favorite and a way to celebrate a beloved product from my alma mater in the Pacific Northwest. It showcases Cougar Gold in a classic, comforting dish that works for special occasions or a relaxed weekend brunch.
Recipe FAQs
Does the bacon need to be cooked before adding it to the quiche?
Yes. Cooking and dicing the bacon beforehand gives it a crisp texture that holds up in the quiche. While raw bacon will cook in the oven, precooked bacon provides a better final texture.
How do I tell when the quiche is done?
The edges should be firm and lightly browned; the center can be slightly soft or just a bit jiggly but should not be liquid. Allowing the quiche to rest after baking helps it finish setting.
Can I use whole milk instead of half-and-half?
Yes, whole milk will work, but half-and-half contains more fat and adds richness and creaminess. For a firmer texture, use slightly less dairy and more eggs.
Is pre-baking the crust necessary?
Yes. Pre-baking prevents a soggy bottom and helps maintain a crisp crust under the custard filling.
Storing Leftover Quiche
Refrigerate leftover quiche covered; it stays fresh for 3–4 days. Reheat slices in a 350°F oven until warmed through, or enjoy cold.
Freezing and Defrosting
Freeze individual wedges wrapped in plastic and placed in a freezer-safe container, or wrap the whole quiche in plastic and foil. Thaw in the refrigerator, then reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, loosely covered with foil to protect the crust.
What to Serve with Quiche
Quiche pairs well with light sides and sweet treats. Consider roasted asparagus, a simple green salad, warm homemade biscuits, or fresh fruit. Sweet rolls and smoothies also complement a quiche-centered brunch.
- Pan-roasted asparagus or a crisp green salad
- Warm biscuits or orange sweet rolls for a sweet contrast
- A fruit or green smoothie to add freshness
If you make this Cougar Gold Cheese Quiche, please leave a rating and share your experience in the comments. Photos and notes help others choose variations and serving ideas.
Recipe
Cougar Gold Cheese Quiche
Servings: 5 • Prep time: 30 minutes • Cook time: 45 minutes • Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 9″ pie crust (homemade or frozen)
- 1 cup bacon, cooked and diced (about 6–7 strips)
- ⅓ cup diced green onions
- 2 cups shredded Cougar Gold or sharp cheddar
- 6 eggs
- 1 cup half-and-half
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Prepare a 9″ pie crust and line a pie plate. If using a frozen crust, let it defrost briefly.
- Prick the bottom and sides of the crust with a fork. Bake the crust for about 8 minutes, then cool on a rack.
- Cook the bacon until crisp, drain, and dice into ½” pieces.
- Shred the cheese and dice the green onions; set aside.
- In a bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F.
- Place 1 cup of shredded cheese, half the bacon, and half the green onions in the pre-baked crust.
- Pour the egg and half-and-half mixture over the filling. Top with the remaining cheese, bacon, and green onions.
- Bake 35–45 minutes, until the center is set but may still be slightly jiggly.
- Let the quiche rest a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Mixing different cheeses with cheddar—such as Gruyère, Swiss, or a touch of blue—can enhance the flavor. Use less dairy for a firmer slice or more for a creamier custard-like texture.
Nutrition (estimate per serving)
Calories: 587 kcal • Carbohydrates: 21 g • Protein: 29 g • Fat: 43 g