Pioneer Woman Sausage Quiche Recipe

Ask Ree Drummond what good quiche should have, and she’ll tell you: a flaky crust, a rich filling, and plenty of flavor!

With her Pioneer Woman recipe, you’ll be cooking the sausage until it’s browned and slightly crispy before adding it to the eggs. 

I always let the eggs, cream, and cheese sit at room temperature before mixing—it helps everything blend smoothly and bake evenly.

Using a pre-baked crust keeps the bottom from getting soggy, which is one of the most important steps for a great texture.

A little dash of nutmeg may seem unexpected, but it deepens the overall taste in a way that makes every bite even better!

How to Make Pioneer Woman Sausage Quiche

Ingredients

• 1 Refrigerated Pie Dough
• 1 lb Bulk Breakfast Sausage
• 1 Onion (chopped)
• 2 cups Kale (chopped)
• 1 cup Gruyère Cheese (shredded)
• 6 Eggs
• 1 1/2 cups Heavy Cream
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 375°F.

Roll out the refrigerated pie dough into a pie dish, pressing it firmly against the edges.

Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.

Step 2:

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned.

Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

Set aside.

Step 3:

In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion until soft.

Add the kale and cook until wilted.

Remove from heat and combine with the sausage.

Step 4:

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and heavy cream.

Add cheese into the mixture, stirring until evenly distributed.

Season with salt and pepper.

Step 5:

Spread the sausage and kale mixture evenly over the pie dough.

Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the top, ensuring it fills the crust.

Step 6:

Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the quiche is set and golden brown.

Let cool slightly before slicing.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Dough Preparation:

Allow pie dough to come to room temperature before unrolling for easy handling and minimal tearing.

This simple step will keep the dough from cracking.

Cheese Choice:

Gruyère cheese brings a rich flavor but feel free to use Swiss or cheddar if preferred!

A cheese swap can create a new taste profile.

Cooking Kale:

Adding kale while the onions are still cooking can ensure moisture retention.

It also retains some of that kale’s vibrant taste and color.

Customized Flavors:

Experiment with adding spices like nutmeg or paprika to the egg mixture for an extra kick.

These little extras can make a familiar recipe feel unique.

Avoid Watery Quiche:

To avoid a watery quiche, you can sauté the kale and onions long enough to remove excess water before baking.

Sauteing effectively prevents a watery, soggy center.

What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Sausage Quiche

Fresh Fruit Salad

A bright and juicy fruit salad is a perfect match for sausage quiche.

You might want to toss a mix of berries, pineapple, and grapes with a splash of orange juice.

It adds a refreshing and sweet contrast to the richness of the quiche.

Green Salad with Vinaigrette

A simple green salad is always a winner when serving sausage quiche.

Try using mixed greens, like arugula and spinach, and dress it with a zesty vinaigrette.

The crisp texture of the salad pairs nicely with the creamy quiche.

Roasted Asparagus

Roasted asparagus can be a unique side that complements a savory quiche.

Use olive oil, salt, and a hint of lemon to enhance its flavor without overpowering your main dish.

The earthy and slightly tangy flavors make this choice a lovely surprise.

Cheddar Biscuits

Cheddar biscuits provide a comforting touch alongside your sausage quiche.

They are rich, buttery, and full of flavor, mirroring the essence of the quiche itself.

You may find yourself enjoying the combination more than you initially expected!

Pickled Vegetables

Consider serving some pickled vegetables for a playful twist.

The tanginess and crunch of pickled carrots or cucumbers add a fun and flavorful contrast.

Guests might enjoy this unexpected but tasty pairing with their quiche.

Variations and Substitutions

Cheese Options

You can get creative with the cheese you add to your Pioneer Woman sausage quiche.

Swap out the usual cheddar with Gruyère, Swiss, or even a sharp cheddar for extra flavor.

Meat Choices

Pork sausage is typical, but turkey sausage is a great lighter alternative.

You could also try bacon or diced ham for a different twist.

Vegetarian Twists

If you’re going meatless, consider adding hearty veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or asparagus.

Roasted vegetables add a savory depth to your quiche.

A pesto swirl can bring a lovely herbal flavor to a veggie quiche.

Egg and Milk Changes

For a healthier option, use egg substitutes or egg whites only.

Switch the cream for a combination of whole milk and evaporated milk to keep it lighter.

Crust Alternatives

If making a crustless quiche, just skip the crust entirely to reduce carbs.

A pre-made phyllo dough can offer a flakier alternative compared to typical pastry crusts.

How to Store Leftover Pioneer Woman Sausage Quiche

When you’re ready to store leftover Pioneer Woman Sausage Quiche, make sure to do it properly to keep it fresh for your next meal.

Cool

Allow the quiche to cool completely at room temperature before storing it in the fridge.

Placing warm quiche in the fridge can cause condensation, which might make the crust soggy.

Wrap

Wrap the leftover quiche tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep out air and moisture, maintaining its quality.

If you have an airtight container, this is also a great option for storing the quiche.

Refrigerate

Place the wrapped quiche in the refrigerator, and it should be good for about three days.

Try to consume it within this timeframe to enjoy the best taste and texture.

Storing and enjoying leftover quiche is really simple with a few easy steps to protect your delicious creation!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not Blind-Baking the Crust

Blind-baking the crust is absolutely essential to avoid a soggy bottom!

Without this step, the liquid in the quiche filling can soak into the pastry, making it less appetizing.

Too Many Eggs in the Custard

Adding too many eggs can lead to a dense, rubbery texture.

Remember, the perfect custard should have a creamy consistency!

Balance is key with the egg-to-cream ratio for that classic quiche texture.

Filling Choices Matter

Be mindful of the moisture content in your choice of fillings.

Watery vegetables can release liquid as they cook, affecting the texture of the quiche.

Pre-cook and drain any ingredients like mushrooms or spinach to prevent this issue.