Classic Quiche Lorraine Recipe

This Classic Quiche Lorraine recipe combines crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and a flavorful egg custard in a flaky, buttery pie crust. A timeless French dish perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner, this quiche is made with simple ingredients like eggs, bacon, cheese, and half and half, creating a delicious and satisfying meal. Ideal for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual get-togethers, this quiche Lorraine is a crowd-pleasing favorite. Serve it warm or chilled with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

For the Classic Quiche Lorraine:

• 1 pie crust (use a store-bought frozen crust or a homemade double crust recipe)
• ½ lb bacon (cut into ½-inch pieces)
• ½ yellow onion (diced)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (sharp white cheddar or gruyère is classic)
• 1 ¾ cups half and half (or equal parts whole milk and heavy cream)
• 4 large eggs
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp finely ground black pepper
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika
• ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley or chives (optional garnish)

For brushing the inside of the tart:

• 1 egg white

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pie Crust:
   • Roll out the pie crust to a 12-inch diameter on a lightly floured surface or between two sheets of parchment paper. Transfer it to a tart pan or deep pie pan. Press the dough into the pan, molding it to fit. Freeze the crust for about 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Pre-Bake the Crust:
   • If using a store-bought crust, follow the instructions for pre-baking. For homemade, poke the bottom of the crust with a fork every inch to prevent bubbling. Line the tart with parchment paper or foil and fill with pie weights (or dried beans). Place the pan on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes, until golden. Remove from the oven, discard the weights and parchment, and brush the inside of the crust with a whisked egg white to prevent sogginess.
3. Make the Savory Egg Filling:
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp, stirring often. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the diced onions in the bacon fat until golden. Remove and set aside with the bacon.
   • In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, then add the half and half, salt, pepper, paprika, and nutmeg. Whisk for about a minute to incorporate air into the custard. Stir in the cheese, cooked bacon, and onions.
4. Bake the Quiche Lorraine:
   • Pour the egg filling into the prebaked crust. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 50 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean and the center jiggles slightly. The quiche will continue to cook as it cools.
   • Let it cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with parsley or chives if desired.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Quiche Lorraine is the perfect combination of savory bacon, creamy custard, and rich cheese in a buttery, flaky crust. This timeless French dish is simple to prepare, yet elegant and satisfying enough for brunch, lunch, or a special dinner. The delicate flavors of bacon and cheese are complemented by the creamy egg filling, making every bite irresistible. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying it on your own, this quiche is always a crowd-pleaser.

Tips

• Preventing a soggy crust: The egg white coating on the crust helps keep the quiche filling from making the crust soggy, so don’t skip this step!
• Shredding cheese: Shred your own cheese for the best texture and meltability. Pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly.
• Bacon alternatives: If you prefer a leaner quiche, turkey bacon or even sautéed mushrooms can replace the bacon.

Variations and Substitutions

• Cheese: Gruyère cheese is traditional in a Quiche Lorraine, but feel free to substitute sharp cheddar, Swiss, or a mix of your favorite cheeses.
• Crust: For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free pie crust or a crustless quiche for a low-carb version.
• Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and add spinach, mushrooms, or caramelized onions for a flavorful vegetarian quiche.

FAQs

• Can I make this ahead of time?: Yes, you can make the quiche up to 1 day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
• How do I store leftovers?: Store any leftover quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just reheat in the oven.
• Can I use a different type of crust?: You can use a pre-made gluten-free crust, puff pastry, or even a homemade savory crust made from breadcrumbs or potato.

Serving

This Classic Quiche Lorraine is a versatile dish, perfect for serving at brunch, lunch, or dinner. Pair it with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a fruit platter for a well-rounded meal. It’s also excellent for a holiday gathering or as a centerpiece for any special occasion.

Suggestions

• Pairing with beverages: Serve with a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, a crisp glass of champagne, or a refreshing iced tea for a more casual occasion.
• For a fuller meal: Serve alongside fresh fruit, mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette, or a tomato salad with fresh herbs for a bright contrast to the rich quiche.