Classic Quiche Lorraine Recipe: A Savory, Delicious, and Timeless Dish

Why Classic Quiche Lorraine is the Ultimate Savory Dish

Quiche Lorraine is a classic French dish that combines a buttery, flaky crust with a creamy, savory filling of eggs, cream, cheese, and crispy bacon. This comforting dish has earned its place as a favorite brunch option, lunch, or dinner. The combination of rich, custard-like filling with the crunch of bacon and the melt-in-your-mouth texture of the pie crust makes quiche Lorraine a truly delightful experience. Whether served warm or at room temperature, quiche is versatile enough for casual meals or special occasions.

What makes the Classic Quiche Lorraine particularly special is its simplicity. It’s easy to make and can be prepped ahead of time, making it the perfect dish for busy mornings or entertaining guests. The richness of the filling is perfectly balanced by the crispiness of the bacon, and the cheese brings a creamy, savory depth that enhances the whole dish. If you’ve never made quiche before, this easy recipe will guide you through the steps to creating a delicious, authentic Quiche Lorraine that will impress your family and friends.

Essential Ingredients for Classic Quiche Lorraine

For the Pie Crust:

A buttery, flaky crust is essential for any quiche, and it serves as the perfect base for the creamy filling. You can use store-bought crust for convenience or make your own for an extra touch.

For the pie crust, you’ll need:

• 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade, if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the pan, if using homemade dough)

For the Filling:

The filling is where all the magic happens, with a rich and creamy base and the savory combination of bacon, cheese, and seasonings. This filling comes together easily and bakes up into a delicate, custard-like texture.

For the filling, you’ll need:

• 6 large eggs (for the base of the custard)
• 1 cup heavy cream (for richness)
• 1/2 cup whole milk (for a lighter texture)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (for seasoning)
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but adds a subtle warmth)
• 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese, for a creamy, melty filling)
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon (crispy, chopped into small pieces)
• 1/4 cup chopped onion (optional, for added flavor)

How to Make Classic Quiche Lorraine

1. Prepare the Pie Crust

If you’re using a store-bought crust, skip this step and move on to filling the quiche. If you’re using homemade dough, start by rolling it out on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Once the dough is rolled out, place it in the pie dish and press gently to fit the sides. Trim any excess dough, leaving about a 1-inch overhang, then fold the edges under to create a neat crust.

You can also crimp the edges with your fingers for a decorative look.

If you’re using a store-bought crust, you may need to blind bake it. To do this, place parchment paper over the crust, fill it with pie weights or dried beans, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. This step ensures that the crust stays crisp when baking the quiche.

Once baked, remove the pie weights and parchment, and set the crust aside to cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Bacon and Onion (Optional)

While the crust is cooling, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy and browned. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once it has cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces.

If you’re using onions, sauté them in the same skillet (with the bacon grease) over medium heat until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. This adds an extra layer of flavor to your quiche, but it’s optional.

3. Make the Quiche Filling

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. This is your quiche custard base.

Stir in the grated Gruyère cheese, cooked bacon, and sautéed onions (if using). Mix gently until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

4. Assemble the Quiche

Pour the egg mixture into the prepared pie crust. Spread it out evenly with a spatula so the filling is level. The filling should be just below the top edge of the crust. If it looks like it may overflow, reduce the amount of filling or use a deeper dish.

5. Bake the Quiche

Place the quiche on a baking sheet (to catch any potential drips) and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35-45 minutes, or until the quiche is set and golden brown on top. You can test if the quiche is done by inserting a knife into the center—it should come out clean, and the filling should be firm.

If the quiche is browning too quickly, cover the edges of the crust with aluminum foil and continue baking.

6. Cool and Serve

Once the quiche is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to slice. Serve warm or at room temperature.

7. Garnish and Enjoy

If desired, garnish with freshly chopped herbs, such as parsley or chives, before serving for a burst of freshness. Enjoy your Classic Quiche Lorraine as a delicious brunch dish, lunch, or dinner!

Tips for Perfect Quiche Lorraine

Use Room Temperature Ingredients

For the best texture, use room temperature eggs and milk when preparing the filling. This helps create a smooth, well-blended custard without any lumps.

Blind Bake the Crust

If you want to ensure a crisp, flaky crust, blind bake the pie crust before adding the filling. This prevents the crust from becoming soggy from the custard filling.

Don’t Overbake

Overbaking can cause the quiche to dry out. Keep an eye on the quiche as it bakes, and test for doneness by gently shaking the quiche or inserting a knife into the center. The filling should be firm but still slightly wobbly.

Customize the Fillings

While the classic Quiche Lorraine uses bacon and Gruyère cheese, you can customize the quiche with your favorite ingredients. Consider adding spinach, mushrooms, or ham for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different cheeses, like cheddar or feta.

Make Ahead for Convenience

Quiche Lorraine is perfect for meal prep! You can make the quiche ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until warmed through.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Classic Quiche Lorraine

Classic Quiche Lorraine is the perfect savory dish to serve for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner. Its rich, custard-like filling, crispy bacon, and melt-in-your-mouth cheese combine to create a truly irresistible meal. The flaky crust adds the ideal texture and balance, making this quiche a comforting and satisfying choice for any occasion. It’s easy to make, customizable, and can be prepared ahead of time, making it the ideal dish for both casual meals and special celebrations.

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FAQs

1. Can I make quiche Lorraine without a crust?

Yes! You can make a crustless quiche by simply greasing the pie dish and pouring in the filling. It will still have the creamy, delicious filling, but the texture will be a little different without the crispy crust.

2. Can I use a store-bought crust for this recipe?

Yes, using a store-bought pie crust is a convenient option. Make sure to blind bake it first to ensure it stays crisp and doesn’t become soggy when the filling is added.

3. Can I add vegetables to my quiche Lorraine?

Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to your quiche. Just make sure to sauté them first to release any excess moisture before adding them to the filling.

4. Can I use a different cheese in the quiche?

Absolutely! While Gruyère cheese is traditional for Quiche Lorraine, you can use other cheeses like Swiss, cheddar, or even feta. Just make sure to use a cheese that melts well.

5. Can I freeze quiche Lorraine?

Yes, you can freeze quiche Lorraine. To freeze, bake and cool the quiche completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes.

6. Can I make quiche Lorraine ahead of time?

Yes, you can make quiche ahead of time. Prepare the quiche and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. Alternatively, you can bake it ahead of time and reheat it in the oven when ready to serve.

7. How do I know when my quiche is done?

The quiche is done when the filling is set and firm, but slightly jiggly in the center. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. The top should be golden brown.

8. Can I use bacon bits instead of cooking bacon?

You can use bacon bits, but freshly cooked bacon will provide a better texture and flavor. If using bacon bits, sprinkle them over the filling before baking.

9. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free quiche by using a gluten-free pie crust or by making a crustless version. The filling will remain the same and still be delicious.

10. What can I serve with Quiche Lorraine?

Quiche Lorraine pairs wonderfully with a side salad (like a simple greens salad), fresh fruit, or roasted potatoes. It also goes great with a light soup or fresh baguette for a complete meal.