Bacon and Cheese Custards

Submitted by threeovens

"A savory first course, brunch item, or side dish."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 5mins
• Ingredients: 12
• Serves: 6

ingredients

• cooking spray
• 4 slices center-cut bacon
• 1⁄3 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1⁄2 cup green onion, thinly sliced
• 1 1⁄2 ounces swiss cheese, shredded (1/3 cup)
• 2 cups 2% low-fat milk
• 1 ounce parmesan cheese, grated (1/4 cup)
• 1⁄4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1⁄8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 3 large eggs
• 2 large egg whites

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F; spray 6 ramekins, or custard cups, with cooking spray.
2. Cook bacon, over medium heat, until crispy; remove and crumble.
3. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of the fat from your skillet, increase heat to medium high, cook bell pepper and garlic about 3 minutes; add green onions and saute an additional minute.
4. Remove from heat and stir in crumbled bacon and Swiss cheese; divide mixture between 6 prepared ramekins or custard cups.
5. In a saucepan, over medium heat (180 degrees F), heat milk until tiny bubbles form around the edge (do not let boil).
6. Meanwhile, whisk together remaining ingredients; gradually add the hot milk, stirring constantly with the whisk.
7. Divide egg mixture evenly among the ramekins.
8. Place ramekins in a baking dish or roasting pan, and add hot water to pan so that it comes up about 1 inch of the sides of the ramekins.
9. Bake until the centers are set, about 30 minutes; let stand 10 minutes before serving warm.