If you love bold flavors that bring a little kick to your breakfast or brunch, you are going to adore this Southwestern Sausage Quiche Recipe. It’s a vibrant blend of spicy sausage, creamy eggs, melty cheddar, and zesty Rotel tomatoes all nested in a flaky pie crust. The perfect combination of comfort food with a southwestern twist makes this dish a real crowd-pleaser any time of day. Trust me, once you try this quiche, it’ll be one of your go-to recipes whenever you want to impress with minimal effort but maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Southwestern Sausage Quiche Recipe starts with simple, essential ingredients that each bring their own flair, from hearty sausage to tangy tomatoes and smooth dairy. Every component is thoughtfully chosen to balance spice, creaminess, and texture in each delicious bite.
- 1/2 pound sausage: Provides a savory, meaty foundation full of rich flavor.
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and gooey richness as it melts.
- ½ (10-oz) can Rotel tomatoes, drained: Brings a zesty, slightly spicy brightness and vibrant color.
- 1 Tbsp taco seasoning: Infuses the quiche with southwestern heat and aromatic spices.
- 3 large eggs: The binding agent that creates the quiche’s tender, custard-like texture.
- ¼ cup sour cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tang to keep the filling creamy.
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk: Lightens the custard, contributing to the smooth, luscious filling.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance all other flavors.
- 1 (9-in) frozen unbaked deep-dish pie crust: The buttery, flaky vessel that holds everything together.
How to Make Southwestern Sausage Quiche Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 350ºF. This temperature is ideal for slow, even cooking, allowing the pie crust to crisp while the filling sets to silky perfection.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet, brown your sausage thoroughly over medium heat. Stir to crumble the meat evenly and ensure each bite bursts with savory goodness. Once cooked, drain off any excess grease to keep your quiche from becoming oily, then set the sausage aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Base Layers
Spread the browned sausage evenly across the bottom of your frozen deep-dish pie crust. Next, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top, followed by the drained Rotel tomatoes with diced green chiles. These layers build the hearty, spicy foundation for your quiche’s filling.
Step 4: Mix and Pour the Custard
In a bowl, whisk together the taco seasoning, eggs, sour cream, and your choice of heavy cream or milk. This mixture creates the rich, custardy filling that binds all the ingredients beautifully. Season with salt and pepper to your preference, then pour the custard gently over the layered sausage, cheese, and tomatoes in the crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your quiche in the oven and bake for a full hour until the custard is set, the cheese bubbly, and the crust golden brown. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to ensure clean slices and perfectly melded flavors before serving.
How to Serve Southwestern Sausage Quiche Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or slices of ripe avocado on top can elevate your quiche to a fresh and colorful presentation. The garnishes complement the southwest flavors and add a lovely creamy or herbaceous contrast.
Side Dishes
This Southwestern Sausage Quiche Recipe pairs wonderfully with light and fresh sides like a crisp green salad tossed in a citrus vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, serve alongside fluffy breakfast potatoes or warm, buttered tortillas.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the quiche into smaller portions for a brunch buffet or serve it in mini pie crusts for individual servings at a party. You can also pair it with a spicy salsa or hot sauce on the side for guests who like an extra burst of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover quiche tightly in plastic wrap or use an airtight container to keep it fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld even more beautifully after a day, making it perfect for next-day breakfasts or lunches.
Freezing
You can freeze the fully baked and cooled quiche by wrapping it securely in foil and placing it in a freezer-safe container. It keeps well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat slices in the oven at 325ºF for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short bursts to avoid drying out the egg custard, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade pie crust instead of frozen?
Absolutely! A homemade crust adds a delicious personal touch and buttery flavor. Just prepare it according to your favorite recipe and use it in place of the frozen crust for this Southwestern Sausage Quiche Recipe.
Is it possible to make this quiche vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the sausage with a flavorful plant-based sausage or sautéed veggies like bell peppers and onions. Adjust the seasoning to maintain the southwestern vibe, and the quiche will still be a crowd favorite.
What if I don’t have Rotel tomatoes on hand?
You can substitute with fresh diced tomatoes and add a pinch of diced green chiles or jalapeños to keep the heat and flavor profile. Just be sure to drain excess moisture to keep the quiche from getting soggy.
Can I make this quiche ahead of time before baking?
Definitely! Assemble the quiche up to step 4, then cover and refrigerate overnight. When ready, bake as directed. This makes it super convenient for busy mornings or entertaining.
What type of sausage works best?
Try using a spicy pork sausage or even chorizo for an extra southwestern kick. Mild sausage will work too, but adding extra taco seasoning might help amplify the flavors in the quiche.
Final Thoughts
This Southwestern Sausage Quiche Recipe is really one of those delightful meals that can brighten up any table with its bold flavors and comforting textures. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining friends, it brings a bit of southwestern sunshine in every bite. I can’t wait for you to make it and experience just how easy and rewarding it is to whip up such a tasty dish!
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Southwestern Sausage Quiche Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southwestern American
Description
This Southwestern Sausage Quiche is a savory and flavorful dish featuring spicy sausage, cheddar cheese, and Rotel tomatoes with green chiles, all baked in a flaky deep-dish pie crust. Perfect for brunch, breakfast, or a light dinner, this quiche combines creamy egg custard with Tex-Mex flair, providing a hearty and comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please a crowd.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1/2 pound sausage
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1/2 (10-oz) can Rotel tomatoes, drained
- 1 Tbsp taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Crust
- 1 (9-in) frozen unbaked deep-dish pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) to prepare for baking the quiche.
- Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until it is well browned, breaking it apart and stirring frequently to ensure even cooking. Once cooked, drain off excess grease and set the sausage aside.
- Assemble the base: Spread the cooked sausage evenly in the bottom of the frozen pie crust. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the sausage, then evenly distribute the drained Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles over the cheese layer.
- Make the egg mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the taco seasoning, eggs, sour cream, and heavy cream or milk. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Pour this mixture gently over the assembled sausage, cheese, and tomatoes in the pie crust.
- Bake the quiche: Place the pie on the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the quiche is set and the top is lightly golden.
- Rest before serving: Remove the quiche from the oven and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting time helps the quiche finish setting and makes it easier to slice and serve.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the sausage well after cooking to avoid a greasy quiche.
- You can use either heavy cream or milk depending on your preference; heavy cream will make the quiche richer.
- If you prefer a spicier quiche, choose a hotter version of Rotel tomatoes or add more taco seasoning.
- Allowing the quiche to rest before serving improves texture and flavor.
- To make ahead, assemble the quiche and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Adjust baking time slightly if starting from cold.
