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Quiche Lorraine Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a dish that’s equally perfect for brunch, lunch, or a cozy dinner, then this Quiche Lorraine Recipe is calling your name. I absolutely love how its rich custard pairs with smoky bacon and the subtle nuttiness of Gruyère cheese. When I first tried mastering this recipe, I was impressed by how surprisingly easy it is to nail that perfect, silky quiche filling that everyone can’t stop asking about.

You’ll find that this Quiche Lorraine Recipe is not just delicious but also wonderfully versatile — it’s the kind of dish you can whip up ahead of time and rely on for a fuss-free meal that feels special. Plus, it’s a fabulous way to bring a little French flair into your kitchen without any complicated steps.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Classic French Flavor: The smoky bacon and creamy Gruyère combine for an authentic taste you’ll savor every bite of.
  • Simple Yet Impressive: You’ll feel like a chef with minimal effort, making it perfect for guests or everyday dinners.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: This quiche keeps well and can be easily reheated, making meal prep a breeze.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Brunch, light lunch, dinner, or potluck, it fits right in and always delivers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Quiche Lorraine Recipe come together beautifully to create that perfect balance of savory, creamy, and slightly sweet. Fresh eggs and cream build the custard, while Gruyère and bacon add those signature flavors you expect from a true quiche.

  • Pie crust: You can use store-bought or homemade; the buttery crust is the perfect base that holds everything together.
  • Salted butter: For cooking the onions, giving a rich flavor and a nice caramelized touch.
  • Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth, especially when softened with a bit of brown sugar.
  • Brown sugar: Just a pinch balances the onion’s flavor and enhances the savory notes.
  • Garlic cloves: Minced fresh, they bring a subtle kick and aroma.
  • Large eggs: Room temperature is key here for a smooth, even custard.
  • Heavy cream: Also room temp to blend smoothly with eggs for that creamy texture.
  • Sea salt: Proper seasoning makes all the difference in bringing out the flavors.
  • Freshly cracked black pepper: Gives a gentle heat without overpowering the quiche.
  • Ground nutmeg: Just a hint adds warmth and complexity, a classic quiche touch.
  • Gruyère cheese: Or opt for sharp cheddar if you prefer a stronger cheese flavor.
  • Cooked bacon or diced ham: Choose your favorite for that smoky, meaty goodness.
  • Minced fresh chives: Optional, but I love how the bright, oniony notes finish the dish.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Quiche Lorraine Recipe is—you can tweak it to match your pantry or dietary needs without losing the essence of what makes it so delicious. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

  • Vegetarian version: Swap the bacon for sautéed mushrooms and caramelized leeks; you’ll be surprised by how satisfying it is.
  • Different cheeses: Try Swiss or fontina for a milder, creamier taste if Gruyère isn’t handy.
  • Gluten-free crust: Use your favorite gluten-free pie shell to keep things easy for celiac friends or family.
  • Herbs twist: Fresh thyme or tarragon added to the custard makes it feel like a truly fancy French bistro dish.

How to Make Quiche Lorraine Recipe

Step 1: Caramelize Onions and Garlic

This step truly elevates the flavor. Melt the butter over medium heat and add the chopped onions with brown sugar. Stir occasionally and cook until the onions are tender and lightly caramelized—around 8 to 10 minutes. Then toss in the garlic and cook about 1 more minute until fragrant. Taking your time here pays off with that cozy, sweet-savory flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust

Preheat your oven to 375ºF and gently press your pie crust into a 9-inch pie or quiche pan. Poke holes all over the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling. Then bake the crust blind for about 20 minutes until it’s set and starts to turn golden. This pre-baking keeps your quiche from getting soggy—a pro tip I learned after my first few attempts!

Step 3: Whisk the Custard and Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, room temperature heavy cream, sea salt, pepper, and nutmeg until fully combined. Stir in the cheese, crumbled bacon (or ham), and the cooled onion and garlic mixture. This is where all the components come together in that silky filling that makes this quiche so indulgent.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the custard mixture into your pre-baked crust and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The quiche should be just set with a little jiggle in the center—if it’s fully firm, it might overcook and lose that creamy texture. Once done, let it cool slightly before slicing so the edges hold beautifully.

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Pro Tips for Making Quiche Lorraine Recipe

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: I always take the eggs and cream out 30 minutes before mixing to help everything combine without curdling.
  • Blind Bake the Crust: Don’t skip poking holes and pre-baking; it keeps the crust crisp and prevents sogginess, a mistake I made early on.
  • Watch the Bake Time Closely: Check at 35 minutes — quiche can go from perfectly creamy to overcooked quickly, so use a gentle jiggle test.
  • Let it Rest: Cooling for 15 minutes allows the custard to set fully and makes slicing much easier without crumbling.

How to Serve Quiche Lorraine Recipe

Quiche Lorraine Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I always sprinkle fresh minced chives on top before serving—it adds a bright, fresh pop of color and a mild oniony crunch that’s just lovely. Sometimes I also like a light drizzle of crème fraîche for an extra creamy bite.

Side Dishes

This quiche pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of lightly sautéed seasonal vegetables. For brunch, some roasted potatoes or fresh fruit make perfect companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve my Quiche Lorraine slices on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of homemade jams, pickled veggies, and a variety of cheeses—making it feel like a charming, French-inspired spread that wows my guests and feels effortlessly elegant.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover quiche in an airtight container in the fridge, and it usually lasts beautifully for up to 3 days. It’s a great way to enjoy leftovers without losing any of that amazing flavor or creaminess.

Freezing

The first time I froze a Quiche Lorraine, I was pleasantly surprised that it retained its texture after thawing. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil before popping them into the freezer. They keep well for up to 1 month.

Reheating

For reheating, I find gently warming slices in a 325ºF oven for 10-15 minutes keeps the custard creamy and crust crisp. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to make the crust soggy and the custard rubbery.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different type of cheese in the Quiche Lorraine Recipe?

    Absolutely! While traditional Quiche Lorraine uses Gruyère for its nuttiness, you can substitute Swiss, sharp cheddar, or even fontina if that’s what you have. Each cheese brings a slightly different flavor, so feel free to experiment based on your preference!

  2. Do I have to use a pre-made pie crust?

    Nope! You can make your own homemade pie crust for a more personal touch, or use store-bought for convenience. Just be sure to blind bake it as directed to avoid sogginess in the final quiche.

  3. How do I know when the quiche is fully cooked?

    When you jiggle the quiche pan gently, the custard should be set around the edges but still have a slight wobble in the center. This ensures a creamy texture without overcooking. If it’s firm all over, it might be a bit dry.

  4. Can I make Quiche Lorraine Recipe dairy-free?

    Making it completely dairy-free is a bit tricky since cream and cheese are core to the texture and flavor. However, you can try using dairy-free milk and cheese alternatives, but note that it will change the quiche’s traditional taste and consistency.

Final Thoughts

Quiche Lorraine holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s both comforting and classy, easy enough for a weeknight but elegant enough for guests. Once you master this recipe, I know you’ll find yourself turning to it whenever you want something that feels indulgent without fuss. Give it a try, and enjoy each warm, cheesy, bacon-studded slice—you’ll be hooked, I promise!

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Quiche Lorraine Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 681 reviews
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Brunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Description

Quiche Lorraine is a classic French tart featuring a rich custard filling of eggs, cream, onions, cheese, and bacon or ham, all baked in a flaky pie crust to golden perfection. This savory quiche combines the sweetness of caramelized onions with the smoky saltiness of bacon, enriched with Gruyère cheese for a delightful blend of flavors perfect for brunch or a light meal.


Ingredients

Pie Crust

  • 1 unbaked pie crust (homemade or store bought)

Filling

  • 1 tablespoon salted butter
  • ½ medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • ¾ cup heavy cream, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère or sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled or diced ham
  • Minced fresh chives for garnish (optional)


Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. When it begins to foam, add the chopped onion and brown sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Pie Crust: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC) with a rack in the center. Gently press the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie or quiche pan. Use a fork to poke holes evenly across the bottom and sides of the crust to prevent bubbling. Bake the crust for 20 minutes until it sets and starts to lightly brown. Remove from the oven and set aside.
  3. Mix the Custard Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and ground nutmeg until fully combined and smooth. Stir in the shredded Gruyère cheese, crumbled cooked bacon (or diced ham), and the caramelized onion and garlic mixture.
  4. Assemble and Bake: Pour the custard mixture into the pre-baked pie crust, spreading it evenly. Place the quiche on the center rack of the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The quiche is done when the filling is set and only slightly jiggles when gently shaken.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with minced fresh chives if desired. Cut into 8 wedges and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs and cream to ensure a smooth custard texture.
  • Blind baking the crust prevents it from becoming soggy once the custard is added.
  • If Gruyère is unavailable, sharp cheddar is a great substitute for a different flavor profile.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven.
  • For a crustless version, bake filling in a buttered pie dish and adjust baking time accordingly.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of quiche)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 220 mg

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