Quiche Lorraine is a timeless classic that combines the savory richness of a buttery pastry crust with a creamy custard filling studded with smoky bacon and nutty Gruyère cheese. This French-inspired dish is beloved for its delicate yet hearty flavor, making it a versatile option for brunches, lunches, or light dinners.
Its flaky crust provides the perfect base for the luscious, cheesy custard that melts in your mouth with every bite. Whether served warm or at room temperature, Quiche Lorraine is equally delicious and an impressive addition to any table. Pair it with a crisp green salad or a side of fresh fruit for a well-rounded meal.
If you enjoy comforting, savory dishes, don’t miss our Roasted Potato Breakfast Casserole, a hearty and satisfying breakfast bake that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
Why You’ll Love This Quiche Lorraine Recipe
- A Timeless Classic
This recipe captures the elegance of French cuisine while remaining simple enough for home cooks to master. - Perfect Balance of Flavors
The smoky bacon, creamy custard, and nutty cheese create a harmonious blend of savory and slightly sweet flavors. - Customizable
Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for a personalized twist while maintaining the essence of the dish. - Make-Ahead Convenience
Quiche Lorraine can be baked ahead of time, making it perfect for entertaining or meal prepping. - Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing
Whether served as a brunch centerpiece, a light lunch, or a dinner entrée, this dish fits every occasion and satisfies all palates.
Preparation Time and Yield
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Cooling Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6–8
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
Ingredients for Quiche Lorraine
For the Pastry Crust:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3–4 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions for Quiche Lorraine
- Prepare the Pastry Crust
Combine flour and salt in a food processor. Add the cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. - Preheat and Roll Out Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and transfer it to a 9-inch tart pan. Press the dough into the pan, trim the edges, and prick the bottom with a fork. Line with parchment paper, fill with pie weights, and bake for 15 minutes. Remove weights and bake for an additional 5 minutes. - Cook the Bacon and Onion
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan. Sauté the onions in the bacon fat until softened. - Prepare the Custard
In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, milk, salt, nutmeg, and black pepper. Stir in the shredded Gruyère. - Assemble the Quiche
Sprinkle the cooked bacon and onions evenly over the baked crust. Pour the custard mixture on top, ensuring it spreads evenly. - Bake to Perfection
Bake the quiche for 30–35 minutes, or until the custard is set and lightly golden. Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Ingredient Background
Bacon
Bacon provides the signature smoky and savory base for Quiche Lorraine, offering a richness that complements the creamy custard. Crisping the bacon before adding it to the quiche ensures its flavors are fully developed while maintaining a delightful texture.
Gruyère Cheese
Gruyère’s nutty and slightly sweet profile elevates the dish, making it irresistibly flavorful. Known for its excellent melting properties, this cheese ensures every bite is creamy and decadent. For a unique twist, you can substitute Gruyère with Comté or Emmental for similar depth and flavor.
Eggs
Eggs are the heart of the custard, providing structure and silkiness. Beaten gently with cream and milk, they form the base that holds the filling ingredients together in a harmonious blend.
Heavy Cream and Milk
The combination of heavy cream and milk creates the perfect balance between richness and lightness. While the cream adds indulgence, the milk prevents the custard from becoming overly dense, achieving a smooth, velvety texture.
Nutmeg
A hint of nutmeg is a subtle yet vital addition to the custard, infusing warmth and complexity. This classic French ingredient ties the flavors together, adding a delicate aromatic layer without overpowering the dish.
Technique Tips for the Best Quiche Lorraine
Use Cold Butter for the Crust
Cold butter is essential for a flaky and tender crust. Cut it into small cubes and work it into the flour quickly to avoid melting. If possible, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.
Pre-Bake the Crust
Blind baking the crust prevents it from becoming soggy when the custard is added. Line the crust with parchment paper, fill it with pie weights or dried beans, and bake until it starts to turn golden.
Cook Bacon and Onion Thoroughly
Cooking the bacon until crispy and caramelizing the onions ensures maximum flavor. Drain excess fat from the bacon to keep the quiche from becoming greasy, and let the onions soften completely for sweetness and balance.
Avoid Overfilling
When adding the custard and filling to the crust, leave a small gap at the top to allow for slight expansion during baking. This prevents spills and ensures the quiche retains its clean edges.
Let It Rest
Allow the quiche to rest for 10–15 minutes after baking. This cooling period helps the custard set, making it easier to slice and enhancing the overall texture and flavor.
Alternative Presentation Ideas
Mini Quiche Lorraine Cups
Transform the classic recipe into bite-sized delights by using a mini muffin tin. Cut small rounds of pastry, press them into the wells, and fill each with the custard and toppings. These elegant morsels are perfect for cocktail parties, bridal showers, or holiday gatherings.
Crustless Quiche Lorraine
Skip the crust entirely for a lighter, low-carb version. Grease a pie dish generously and pour the custard mixture directly into it. This option maintains the rich and creamy flavor of the original while being a healthier alternative.
Quiche Lorraine Tartlets
For individual servings, bake the quiche in small tart pans. This approach is ideal for brunch events or formal occasions, offering an elegant presentation that feels personalized and upscale.
Layered Breakfast Casserole
Reimagine the quiche as a breakfast casserole by layering slices of rustic bread with cooked bacon, onions, and cheese. Pour the custard over the layers and bake until golden and puffed. This hearty twist is perfect for serving a large crowd at family breakfasts or potlucks.
Quiche Lorraine Sandwiches
Elevate your breakfast game by turning slices of quiche into gourmet sandwiches. Layer squares of quiche between toasted brioche slices with arugula and a swipe of Dijon mustard. These sandwiches are ideal for brunch gatherings or on-the-go breakfasts.
Freezing and Storing Quiche Lorraine
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Cover the quiche tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. Alternatively, transfer slices into an airtight container. Properly stored, it will remain delicious in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Individual Portions: For quick and easy reheating, slice the quiche into serving-sized pieces before storing. This is especially convenient for meal prepping or packing lunches.
Freezing Instructions
- Cool Completely: Allow the quiche to cool fully before freezing. This step prevents moisture buildup, which could lead to soggy crusts upon reheating.
- Wrap Securely: Wrap the quiche in multiple layers—plastic wrap for tight sealing and aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. For slices, wrap each piece individually and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label and Store: Clearly label the packaging with the date and contents to avoid forgetting about it in your freezer. Freeze for up to 3 months to preserve its best quality.
Reheating Tips
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the quiche, frozen or thawed, on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil. Heat for 20–25 minutes, ensuring it’s warmed through without over-browning the crust.
- Microwave: For a quick option, reheat individual portions in a microwave-safe dish for 1–2 minutes. Adjust the time based on the size and thickness of the slice.
- Skillet: To refresh the crust’s crispiness, reheat slices in a skillet over medium heat. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, using a lid to trap heat if necessary.
Healthier Twist Ideas
1. Whole Grain Crust
Boost the nutritional value by substituting all-purpose flour in the crust with whole wheat or spelt flour. This change adds fiber, a slight nuttiness, and a more rustic texture.
2. Lightened Custard
For a lower-calorie filling, use a combination of whole eggs and egg whites. Swap heavy cream with low-fat milk, almond milk, or oat milk. These substitutions reduce fat without compromising the creamy texture.
3. Add Vegetables
Increase the nutritional profile by incorporating sautéed spinach, caramelized onions, diced zucchini, or roasted red peppers. These colorful additions enhance flavor and provide extra vitamins.
4. Turkey Bacon Substitute
Replace traditional pork bacon with turkey bacon to reduce saturated fat while keeping the signature smoky flavor. You can also experiment with smoked tofu for a vegetarian option.
5. Dairy-Free Option
For those avoiding dairy, swap milk and cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Choose a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without lactose.
Serving Suggestions for Events
1. Brunch Gathering
Quiche Lorraine is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for brunch. Serve it with fresh fruit salad, buttery croissants, and a variety of jams or marmalades. Pair it with mimosas, bellinis, or sparkling water infused with citrus for an elegant touch.
2. Potluck Perfection
Bring Quiche Lorraine to your next potluck in a decorative pie dish for a polished presentation. Pair it with a fresh side salad featuring mixed greens, toasted nuts, and a tangy vinaigrette. Roasted asparagus or a side of herbed potatoes makes for a complete and well-rounded meal.
3. Holiday Starter
For holiday gatherings, slice the quiche into smaller, appetizer-sized portions. Garnish each slice with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley for a festive, aromatic finish. Pair with a light soup or charcuterie board for a stunning first course.
4. Light Lunch Option
Turn Quiche Lorraine into a delightful lunch by pairing a wedge with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. Add crusty artisan bread or sourdough for a satisfying and balanced meal.
5. Picnic Essential
Quiche Lorraine is an excellent choice for outdoor dining. Slice it into squares and pack it in an insulated cooler. Include complementary items like cheese cubes, charcuterie, crackers, and fresh fruit for a complete picnic spread.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make Quiche Lorraine ahead of time?
Yes, Quiche Lorraine is an excellent make-ahead dish. Bake it the day before and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes before serving.
2. Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely! A pre-made pie crust saves time and works just as well. Simply pre-bake it according to package instructions before adding the filling.
3. Can I freeze Quiche Lorraine?
Yes, quiche freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
4. Can I add other ingredients to the quiche?
Definitely! Common additions include sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or diced ham. Just be mindful of not overfilling the crust to avoid spilling.
5. How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Blind bake the crust before adding the filling. Use pie weights or dried beans to keep the crust flat while it bakes.
6. What cheese is best for Quiche Lorraine?
Gruyère is the traditional choice, but you can substitute with Swiss or cheddar cheese if preferred.
7. Can I make this quiche crustless?
Yes, simply grease the pie dish and pour the filling directly into it. Bake as usual for a low-carb option.
8. Is there a similar recipe I can try?
Yes, check out our Roasted Potato Breakfast Casserole for another hearty and satisfying breakfast or brunch dish!
Conclusion
Quiche Lorraine is a timeless dish that embodies the elegance and simplicity of French cuisine. Its flaky, buttery crust and creamy, flavorful filling make it a standout addition to any table, whether you’re hosting a casual brunch, celebrating a holiday, or simply enjoying a quiet meal at home.
This versatile quiche offers endless customization possibilities, allowing you to tailor it to your taste or dietary preferences. With make-ahead convenience and the ability to serve it warm or at room temperature, Quiche Lorraine is as practical as it is delicious.
Add this recipe to your repertoire for a dish that never fails to impress. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with modern twists, Quiche Lorraine is sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen!