Ultimate Cougar Gold Cheese Quiche: A Savory Delight from WSU’s Iconic Cheese
Prepare to elevate your culinary skills with this exceptional Cougar Gold Cheese Quiche, a recipe that perfectly highlights the distinct flavor of an award-winning cheese from the heart of Washington State University. While any high-quality sharp cheddar can be used, there’s truly something special about Cougar Gold that makes this quiche an unforgettable experience. This classic, savory quiche recipe features a harmonious blend of crispy, salty bacon and vibrant fresh green onions, all baked within a tender, flaky, and buttery crust. The result is a flavor combination that is not only incredibly delicious but also impressive enough to grace any table.
Ideal for a luxurious brunch, a light lunch, or even a delightful dinner, this quiche pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside a hearty Country Potatoes casserole for a complete and satisfying meal that will surely impress your guests.
Essential Ingredients for Your Cougar Gold Quiche
Crafting this delicious quiche starts with a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Cougar Gold Cheese: The star of the show, or a premium sharp cheddar cheese of your choice.
- Fresh Eggs: The foundation of your creamy quiche custard.
- Half-and-Half: For richness and a perfectly smooth texture. Whole milk can be substituted.
- Smoked Bacon: Cooked and diced, providing a savory, crispy element.
- Green Onions: Adding a mild, fresh onion flavor and a touch of color.
- 9″ Pie Crust: Whether you prefer the convenience of store-bought or the satisfaction of homemade, a good crust is crucial.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
Uncovering the Secret: Where to Find Cougar Gold Cheese
For those unfamiliar, Cougar Gold Cheese is more than just a cheese; it’s a Washington State University tradition. This exceptional, sharp white cheddar is meticulously crafted in the W.S.U. Creamery on the university campus in Pullman, Washington. Its distinctive flavor and unique canning process have garnered it a loyal following and numerous awards over the years.
As a journalism student at WSU, I had the privilege of experiencing firsthand the fascinating process behind making this famous cheese for one of my very first assignments for Cable 8 News. The dedication and precision involved in its production are truly remarkable. Thankfully, no copies of that early reporting exist today, and YouTube wasn’t around to immortalize my student efforts! While the creamery offers a variety of delicious cheeses, Cougar Gold remains my absolute favorite, especially when incorporated into a rich, savory quiche. Its robust flavor stands up beautifully to the other ingredients, creating a truly memorable dish.
Exploring Cheese Substitutions for Your Quiche
While Cougar Gold is highly recommended for its unique character, this quiche recipe is versatile enough to shine with other cheeses too. Any variety of good quality cheddar cheese will yield a delicious result. If you’re feeling adventurous, don’t hesitate to experiment with blends. I’ve often combined sharp cheddar with other types of cheese such as creamy Swiss, tangy Blue cheese, or even classic Gruyere – a traditional choice for many quiche recipes. The beauty of quiche is its adaptability, and the outcome is always wonderfully flavorful.
Sharp vs. Mild Cheddar: Understanding the Difference in Your Quiche
The choice between sharp and mild cheddar can subtly influence the final taste and texture of your quiche. Sharp cheddar cheese boasts a more pronounced, distinctive tanginess, which develops through a longer aging process compared to its mild counterpart. This extended aging also results in a slightly drier texture and lower moisture content. Consequently, sharp cheddar melts a bit slower and integrates differently into the custard, offering a more robust cheese presence.
Mild cheddar, on the other hand, is younger, creamier, and has a less intense flavor. It melts more readily, blending seamlessly into the egg and dairy mixture. Ultimately, there’s no single “correct” type of cheese for quiche. The best variety to use is always the one you enjoy the most. Feel free to choose based on your personal preference for flavor intensity and melt characteristics.
The Uniqueness of Cougar Gold: Cheese in a Can
One of the most intriguing aspects of Cougar Gold Cheese is its packaging: it comes in a can! This isn’t a modern gimmick; it’s a practice that dates back to its early production days in the 1930s. In an era before advanced packaging and storage techniques were widely available, canning provided an innovative way to preserve the cheese naturally. Cougar Gold is not processed; it’s an all-natural, sharp white cheddar that ages beautifully within its sealed environment, developing its deep, complex flavor over time. This unique method not only ensures its freshness and extends its shelf life but also makes it a truly distinctive product amongst artisanal cheeses.
The Perfect Quiche Custard: Balancing Cheese, Eggs, and Dairy
At its heart, quiche is an egg pie, but the secret to its success lies in achieving the perfect custard texture – one that is neither too “scrambled eggy” nor overly runny. While there are countless varieties of quiche, they all share a common foundation: a careful balance of cheese, eggs, and dairy.
Some recipes recommend a ratio of one egg for every half-cup of dairy. However, through my own experience, I’ve found that this ratio often results in a quiche that doesn’t hold its shape as well and has a softer, almost too-custardy consistency. For a quiche with a more satisfying firmness and structure, I personally prefer to use less dairy and more eggs. This slight adjustment ensures a rich, creamy filling that sets beautifully while still retaining that delicate, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Pro Tip for Perfect Quiche Texture: Baking time and temperature are critically important. To achieve a creamy, firm quiche (not a scrambled egg pie), bake it slowly at a moderate temperature. If the oven is too hot and the eggs cook too rapidly, the custard will curdle and become rubbery. A slower bake ensures a smooth, consistent texture throughout.
Creative Quiche Ingredient Combinations
The beauty of quiche lies in its incredible versatility. There is virtually no limit to the delicious combinations of vegetables, meats, and cheeses you can create. While bacon and green onions remain my absolute favorites for their classic savory appeal, many other ingredients can transform your quiche into a unique culinary delight.
Consider adding fresh spinach, finely diced asparagus spears, a sprinkle of aromatic parsley, savory ham, tender broccoli florets, or earthy sautéed mushrooms. Each of these options brings its own distinct flavor and texture, allowing you to customize your quiche to suit any palate or occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment and discover your own perfect combination!
The Crucial Step: Pre-Baking the Quiche Crust
Whether you choose to make your pie crust from scratch or opt for a convenient store-bought option, one step is non-negotiable for a perfect quiche: pre-baking, also known as blind baking, the crust before adding the filling. This is a critical technique to prevent the dreaded soggy bottom, ensuring your quiche has a delightfully crisp and flaky foundation.
To pre-bake, carefully roll out your crust and place it into a 9-inch pie plate. Then, using the tines of a fork, gently poke holes all over the bottom and up the sides of the crust. This “docking” helps steam escape during baking, preventing the crust from puffing up excessively and ensuring it stays flat and evenly cooked. Bake it just enough to set the crust and give it a slight golden hue before adding your savory filling.
Step-by-Step Guide for Making Cougar Gold Cheese Quiche
Creating this delicious quiche is a straightforward process when broken down into manageable steps:
- Prepare the Crust: Begin by making or thawing your 9-inch pie crust. Line your pie plate, prick the bottom and sides with a fork, and pre-bake it for 8 minutes as instructed in the recipe. Allow it to cool slightly on a rack.
- Prep Your Fillings: While the crust cools, cook your bacon until crispy, then drain and dice it into ½-inch pieces. Shred your Cougar Gold (or chosen sharp cheddar) cheese and finely dice your green onions. Having all your ingredients ready makes assembly a breeze.
- Whisk the Custard: In a measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, salt, and pepper until well combined and slightly frothy. This is the heart of your quiche.
- Assemble the First Layer: Reduce your oven temperature to 350° F. Sprinkle about 1 cup of the shredded cheese, half of the diced green onions, and half of the cooked bacon into the pre-baked crust.
- Pour and Top: Carefully pour the egg and half-and-half mixture over the first layer of fillings. Then, evenly distribute the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese, the rest of the bacon, and the remaining green onions on top.
Now, your quiche is beautifully assembled and ready for the oven!
Bake until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden. After baking, allow the quiche to rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period is crucial for the custard to fully set, ensuring clean, beautiful slices.
The Cougar Gold Connection: A Nod to My Alma Mater
The Crinkled Cookbook, while passionate about delicious recipes, is not officially affiliated with Cougar Gold Cheese. My deep appreciation for this exceptional product stems from a personal connection: I am a proud alumna of Washington State University. This recipe is simply my heartfelt attempt to share a culinary creation that celebrates this beloved and famous product from my alma mater, nestled in the scenic Pacific Northwest. It’s a taste of tradition, innovation, and Cougar pride, all in one savory slice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cougar Gold Cheese Quiche
Yes, I highly recommend cooking and dicing the bacon separately before layering it into the quiche. While bacon would eventually cook during the quiche’s baking time, pre-cooking ensures it’s perfectly crispy and evenly distributed throughout the filling, adding a much better texture and flavor profile. Uncooked bacon might remain somewhat soft or release too much fat into the custard.
A fully cooked quiche will have firm, lightly browned edges near the crust. It’s perfectly normal for the very center to still be slightly soft or even a little jiggly when gently shaken. However, it should not appear liquid or uncooked. The residual heat will continue to set the center as it cools. An internal temperature of 170-175°F (77-79°C) is a good indicator of doneness.
Absolutely, you can substitute whole milk for half-and-half, and the results will still be delicious. However, half-and-half has a higher fat content, which contributes significantly to the richness and creamy, custard-like texture of the quiche. Using half-and-half will generally give you a more luxurious and flavorful outcome, which is why it’s my top recommendation.
Yes, pre-baking (or blind baking) the crust is a crucial step and highly recommended. It acts as a barrier, preventing the bottom of the quiche from becoming soggy due to the moisture from the filling. This ensures a beautifully crisp and flaky crust that holds up to the rich custard.
Storing Leftover Cougar Gold Cheese Quiche
To keep your Cougar Gold Cheese Quiche fresh and delicious, simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will maintain its quality and taste for approximately 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers.
Freezing and Defrosting Quiche for Later Enjoyment
Freezing quiche is an excellent option for long-term storage, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal whenever you desire. You can either wrap individual wedges of quiche in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container, or wrap the entire quiche tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil for extra protection against freezer burn.
To defrost a frozen quiche, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Once defrosted, remove the plastic wrap and foil, then warm the quiche in a 350° F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. To prevent the crust from overcooking or browning too much during reheating, you can loosely tent the top with foil.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Quiche
Whether you’re planning a delightful breakfast, an elegant brunch, or a casual dinner, quiche is incredibly versatile. Here are a few delicious recipes that will complement your Cougar Gold Cheese Quiche beautifully, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal:
- Orange Sweet Rolls: These rolls feature a unique technique that allows you to enjoy freshly baked cinnamon rolls anytime, with a surprising secret ingredient – fresh ginger! Their bright, citrusy sweetness offers a wonderful contrast to the savory quiche.
- Sweet Green Smoothie: This refreshing smoothie might remind you of a milkshake, but it’s packed with nutrient-rich fresh spinach and sweet fruit. It’s the perfect light and healthy pairing to balance the richness of a quiche wedge.
More Delicious Brunch & Breakfast Ideas
- Spiced Walnuts
- Homemade Biscuits (Easy, No Yeast Recipe)
- Cheese, Egg and Sausage Casserole
- Buttermilk Butter Biscuits
If you tried Cougar Gold Cheese Quiche or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!
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Cougar Gold Cheese Quiche
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Ingredients
- 1 9″ pie crust – either frozen (e.g., Marie Callendar’s) or homemade from scratch
- 1 cup bacon – cooked and diced (approx. 6-7 strips)
- ⅓ cup diced green onions
- 2 cups shredded Cougar Gold Cheese – or any sharp cheddar cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup half and half
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400° F (200°C).
- Prepare a single 9-inch pie crust by lining a pie plate. If using a frozen pie crust, defrost it for about 10 minutes.
- With either a fresh or thawed frozen pie crust, use a fork to gently poke holes across the bottom and up the sides of the crust. This helps prevent bubbling. Bake for 8 minutes, then remove and set aside on a cooling rack.
- Cook 6-7 strips of bacon until crispy. Drain any excess fat and dice the cooked bacon into ½-inch pieces.
- Finely dice the green onions and shred the Cougar Gold cheese (or your chosen sharp cheddar cheese). Keep these ingredients separate until assembly.
- In a large glass measuring cup or a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 350° F (175°C).
- Place 1 cup of the shredded Cougar Gold or sharp cheddar cheese, half of the diced green onions, and half of the cooked bacon evenly into the pre-baked pie crust.
- Carefully pour the whisked egg and half-and-half mixture over the cheese, bacon, and onions. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese, the rest of the bacon, and the remaining green onions over the top of the liquid.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the center of the quiche is set (a slight jiggle in the very center is acceptable).
- Allow the quiche to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the custard to fully set.
Notes
Carbohydrates: 21g
Protein: 29g
Fat: 43g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g
Monounsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 281mg
Sodium: 1153mg
Potassium: 338mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g
Vitamin A: 986IU
Vitamin C: 2mg
Calcium: 416mg
Iron: 2mg
Please note: Nutrition details are estimated using a food database and are intended as a rough guide, not an exact science. Individual results may vary.