1-First Step: Preheat and prep the pan Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Grease a 9-inch pie dish with butter so the potato crust does not stick. If you are cooking for a crowd, keep in mind that this dish may feed fewer than 8 people depending on portion size, so plan accordingly.

2-Second Step: Prepare the potato crust If you are using fresh potatoes, shred them first, then rinse them to remove extra starch. Squeeze out as much water as possible with a clean towel or cheesecloth. This step matters because less moisture means a crispier crust. In a bowl, mix the shredded potatoes with 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter and 1 teaspoon salt. Press the potato mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the pie dish. Make sure the layer is even so it bakes at the same rate all around. Spray the top lightly with oil spray, then bake the crust for 30 minutes.

3-Third Step: Cook the filling base While the crust bakes, heat 1/2 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the 6 ounces diced bacon, 1 small diced onion, and 1 minced garlic clove. Cook until the onion turns translucent and the bacon starts to brown. You want flavor here, not fully crisp bacon, because it will finish cooking in the oven. This is a great time to think about add-ins. If you want to make the Hash Brown Crusted Quiche more vegetable forward, you can swap the bacon for mushrooms, spinach, or diced bell peppers. Just be sure to cook off extra moisture first.

4-Fourth Step: Whisk the custard In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 egg yolks, 2 eggs, 1 cup milk, 3/4 cup cream, a pinch of grated nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture looks smooth and well blended. The cream gives this quiche a richer texture, while the milk keeps it from becoming too heavy.

5-Fifth Step: Fill the crust When the potato crust is done, remove it from the oven carefully. Scatter the bacon, onion, and garlic mixture across the bottom, then sprinkle in 3/4 cup grated cheese. Pour the egg mixture slowly over the top so it settles into all the nooks and crannies. If you are adding spinach or another vegetable, tuck it in with the bacon mixture before pouring in the custard.

6-Sixth Step: Bake until set Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and bake the quiche for about 25 minutes, or until the center is just set. The middle should no longer look liquid, but a tiny wobble is fine. Overbaking can make the custard rubbery, so keep an eye on it during the last few minutes.

7-Final Step: Rest and serve Let the quiche rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the custard settle and makes cleaner slices. Serve warm with a simple salad, fresh fruit, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal that works for brunch, lunch, or dinner.