Quiche Lorraine: The Classic French Dish Everyone Loves
What is Quiche Lorraine?
Quiche Lorraine is a famous French recipe that was introduced to the United States in the 1950s, quickly becoming the reason Americans fell in love with quiche. It is the gold standard of this dish—a delicious tart filled with an egg custard, cheese, and crispy bacon, all baked inside a flaky pie crust. While a regular pie pan works, using a quiche pan with a removable bottom makes it easier to transfer and present beautifully.
Essential Ingredients for Quiche Lorraine
Quiche is a versatile dish, but the classic recipe must include a pastry crust and a custard filling made of eggs and cream. Cheese, meats, vegetables, and herbs can be added to enhance the flavor and make it more unique.
I love adding crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and caramelized onions to the classic quiche, but you can swap ingredients or add other options like:
- Protein: Ham, diced sausage, shredded chicken, or ground beef.
- Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes, sautéed and drained spinach, arugula, pan-seared zucchini, fresh or roasted bell peppers.
- Cheeses: Swiss cheese (Gruyère) or sharp cheddar are the most popular choices.
How to Prepare the Quiche Crust in Advance
To make the crust, you can either use store-bought pie dough or make it from scratch. To pre-bake the crust:
- Roll out the dough into a tart pan or a deep 9-inch pie dish, then freeze it.
- Once chilled, prick the bottom with a fork. Cover with parchment paper or foil and fill with pie weights.
- Bake in a preheated oven until golden, then remove the parchment and weights and set aside.
Can You Use Pre-Made Pie Dough?
Yes! If you want to save time, you can use a store-bought 9-inch frozen pie crust. Let it thaw slightly, prick it with a fork, then pre-bake it according to the instructions until golden brown.
Preparing the Quiche Lorraine Filling
- Crisping the Bacon: Fry it in a pan until crispy, then remove it with a slotted spoon and place it on paper towels.
- Cooking the Onion: Use the same pan to cook the onions until caramelized, then combine them with the bacon.
- Making the Egg Mixture: Whisk the eggs, then add milk, cream, and seasonings, mixing well.
- Baking: Pour the filling into the pre-baked crust, then bake for 55 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Serving: Let the quiche cool slightly before serving, and garnish with parsley or chopped chives if desired.
How to Know When Quiche is Fully Cooked
There are three ways to check if the quiche is done:
- The internal temperature should be between 165-185°F.
- The edges will be slightly puffed and golden, with a slight jiggle in the center when shaken.
- Insert a knife into the center—if it comes out clean, it's fully cooked.
What to Serve with Quiche Lorraine?
Quiche is typically served with a simple green salad, making it perfect for breakfast or brunch. It also pairs well with breakfast potatoes, sourdough bread, or homemade croissants.
Can You Prepare Quiche in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the crust ahead, cook the bacon and onions, and whisk the egg mixture the day before. Alternatively, you can bake the quiche completely, then cool and serve it at room temperature or reheat it in the oven at 200°F for 30 minutes.
Can You Freeze Quiche Lorraine?
Yes, it can be frozen for up to three months. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When needed, thaw it in the refrigerator for 24 hours, then reheat at 200°F for 30 minutes.
Other Delicious Breakfast Recipes
- Brioche Egg Bread – Easy to make and freezable.
- Egg Muffins – Baked in muffin tins for a quick breakfast.
- Homemade French Croissants – Soft and crispy.
- Banana Bread – Moist and tender.
- Nutella Crepes – A sweet breakfast treat.
- Potato Crust Quiche – A gluten-free option.
- Eggs Benedict – Served with a rich hollandaise sauce.
- Plum Coffee Cake – Perfect with tea or coffee.
Classic Quiche Lorraine Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 8 Slices):
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ lb bacon, chopped
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup grated cheese (sharp white cheddar or Gruyère)
- 1 ¾ cups half-and-half (equal parts cream and milk)
- 4 large eggs
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley or chives (optional)
- 1 egg white (for brushing the crust)
Instructions:
- Prepare and pre-bake the crust until golden, then let it cool.
- Fry the bacon until crispy, then use the bacon fat to caramelize the onions.
- Whisk the eggs with the half-and-half and seasonings, then mix in the cheese, bacon, and onions.
- Pour the filling into the pre-baked crust and bake at 350°F for 50 minutes.
- Let cool slightly before serving, and garnish with parsley if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Quiche Lorraine!
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