Even though I don’t like early morning commitments, I love serving brunch. It’s such a civilized meal with a lot of flexibility. My favorite to serve is this crustless quiche recipe. This recipe serves a crowd, too! If you round out the meal with a large fruit salad and some pastries, you could easily serve 20 for breakfast. Add in a green salad and mini-croissants for more of a lunch brunch. And, of course, keep the champagne mimosas flowing and serve exotic fruit juice with sparkling water for those who prefer not to start their day with a buzz.

This recipe is easy to make ahead. I will typically crisp the bacon, sauté the onions, and grate the cheese the night before. You could even make the salads in advance and dress them before serving. Then in the morning, all I have to do is blend the egg mixture quickly in the blender and pop the quiche in the oven. While the quiche is baking, I’ll prep the fruit and/or salad and other accompaniments.

This basic recipe is incredibly easy to adapt. If you are cooking for vegetarians, simply leave the meat out. You could sauté any number of diced veggies with the onions. If you don’t have bacon, but you have ham, then toss in ham and cheddar instead of swiss and sub an herb for the nutmeg . Since the basic recipe makes two large Pyrex pans, you could make one with bacon/cheese and one vegetarian. I have not made this with vegan cheese, but I’m sure you could use vegan cheese and nut-milk to make it vegan. But I would try it before making for a party.

Crustless Quiche for a Crowd

This is another one of those family recipes that I've been making my entire adult life. It's so yummy and versatile. The recipe can be halved, and I often do make only half.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 35

Course Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine Breakfast, Brunch, French

Servings 20

Ingredients

1 lb bacon
4 cups diced onions I usually use 2 large onions
2 lbs grated Swiss or Gruyere cheese I once used a blend of Swiss, Gouda, and muenster because that's what I had on hand.
16 large eggs
2 tsp salt
2 tsp ground pepper
1/2 tsp nutmeg
6 cups milk

Instructions

Dice bacon, and fry in large pan until almost crisp. Add diced onions and sauté until onions are transparent and bacon is cooked. I like to almost caramelize the onions.
Spread ½ of the bacon mixture into the bottom of each of the two 9 x 13 x 2 in. Pyrex pans. Spread ½ of the grated cheese on top of bacon in both pans.
Beat eggs, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and milk in a large bowl. (I mix 2 batches of half the egg mixture in the blender.) Pour half of egg mixture over cheese in each pan. If you don't mix the two batches separately, all of the spices end up in one pan because they sink to the bottom of the blender. Also, they don't all fit in one blender. Another way to do it would be to make one batch of the egg mixture, omitting the seasonings. Then sprinkle the seasonings over each pan at the end.
Bake 325 degrees for 30 – 35 mins, until golden. Let stand a few minutes to set before cutting.

Keyword bacon, breakfast, breakfast casserole, brunch, brunch casserole, Cheese, eggs, gruyere, onions, swiss

It’s super handy to have two of these large Pyrex baking dishes. In case you don’t, here’s a bundle from Amazon. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I never recommend something I don’t love, or use myself!

I’ve made this recipe for Christmas Morning, for a Bridal Shower Brunch, and for out-of-town guests. I’ve taken it with me for a potluck breakfast, and a work party. It’s just so good, makes a lot, is very versatile, and everyone loves it. Give it a try. You won’t be disappointed. For other make-ahead menu ideas, you could easily add this crustless quiche recipe to this Easy Menu for Weekend Guests.

What is your favorite nice but easy breakfast or brunch? Let us know in the comments.