Quiche Lorraine

Craving a taste of France? Indulge in the rich, savory flavors of Quiche Lorraine, a classic French dish that combines a buttery, flaky crust with a creamy, cheesy, and bacon-filled custard.

Originating from the Lorraine region of France, this beloved quiche is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. With its irresistible combination of crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and a silky egg custard, Quiche Lorraine is a timeless recipe that never fails to impress.

Ingredients List

Creating an authentic and flavorful Quiche Lorraine requires a well-balanced selection of ingredients. Let’s break them down into their essential components.

Crust Ingredients

• 1 deep-dish premade pie crust (or homemade, if preferred)

Filling Ingredients

• 6 slices uncooked bacon, diced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 5 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheese (sharp cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère)

Required Kitchen Tools

Having the right tools ensures your Quiche Lorraine turns out perfectly every time. Here are the essential kitchen tools you’ll need:

1. Baking Sheet – Placing the pie crust on a baking sheet makes it easier to handle when transferring in and out of the oven.
2. Fork – Used to prick the pie crust to prevent air bubbles during baking.
3. Parchment Paper & Dried Beans – Essential for blind baking the crust to keep it from puffing up.
4. Large Skillet – Needed to cook the bacon and caramelize the onions to perfection.
5. Mixing Bowl & Whisk – For preparing the creamy egg custard that binds all the flavors together.
6. Mesh Strainer – Used to separate the crispy bacon from excess grease.

By gathering these ingredients and tools, you’re well on your way to creating a Quiche Lorraine that’s rich, creamy, and full of authentic French flavors.

Preparing the Crust

A perfectly baked crust is the foundation of any great quiche. Follow these steps to ensure a flaky and delicious base for your Quiche Lorraine.

Blind Baking the Crust

1. Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to fully preheat before baking.
2. Prepare the Pie Crust – Remove the premade pie crust from the freezer and let it come to room temperature. Place it on a baking sheet for easy handling.
3. Prick the Bottom – Use a fork to gently prick the bottom of the crust to prevent air bubbles from forming during baking.
4. Use Parchment Paper and Beans – Line the crust with parchment paper, then fill it with dried beans or pie weights to keep the crust from puffing up.
5. Blind Bake – Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes.
6. Remove and Cool – Carefully remove the parchment paper and beans. Set the crust aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
7. Lower the Oven Temperature – Reduce the oven heat to 350°F (175°C) for the final bake.

Blind baking helps create a crisp and sturdy crust that won’t become soggy once the custard is added.

Preparing the Bacon and Onions

The smoky, savory flavor of crispy bacon and caramelized onions is a signature element of Quiche Lorraine.

Cooking the Bacon

1. Heat a Large Skillet – Place the skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the Bacon – Add the diced bacon and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden brown and crispy.
3. Drain the Grease – Using a mesh strainer, separate the crispy bacon from the excess grease. Set the bacon aside.
4. Save Some Grease – Reserve 1-2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the skillet for cooking the onions.

Caramelizing the Onions

1. Reheat the Skillet – Bring the skillet with reserved bacon grease back to medium-high heat.
2. Sauté the Onions – Add the diced onions and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and develop a light golden color.
3. Set Aside – Remove the onions from the pan and let them cool slightly before assembling the quiche.

By properly preparing the bacon and onions, you’ll ensure every bite of your Quiche Lorraine is packed with rich, savory goodness.

Preparing the Quiche Filling

The rich and creamy custard filling is what makes Quiche Lorraine so irresistible. This simple mixture of eggs, cream, and seasonings creates a silky texture that pairs perfectly with the crispy crust and savory bacon.

Mixing the Custard

1. Gather Your Ingredients – In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine:
   • 5 large eggs
   • 1 cup heavy cream
   • ½ teaspoon salt
   • ½ teaspoon black pepper
2. Whisk Until Smooth – Using a whisk, beat the mixture until the eggs and cream are fully combined and slightly frothy. This ensures a light and airy texture in the finished quiche.
3. Set Aside – Keep the custard mixture at room temperature while you assemble the quiche.

Assembling the Quiche

Now that all the components are ready, it’s time to assemble the quiche for baking.

1. Layer the Ingredients – Evenly sprinkle half of the cooked bacon, half of the sautéed onions, and ½ cup of shredded cheese (such as Gruyère, Swiss, or sharp cheddar) over the bottom of the par-baked pie crust.
2. Add the Custard – Slowly pour the egg and cream mixture over the layered ingredients, allowing it to settle evenly.
3. Top with Remaining Ingredients – Sprinkle the remaining bacon, onions, and ½ cup of shredded cheese over the top. This ensures that every bite is packed with delicious flavors.

Now, your quiche is fully assembled and ready to be baked to golden perfection!

Baking and Serving the Quiche

Now that your Quiche Lorraine is fully assembled, it’s time to bake it to perfection. The key to a creamy, golden quiche is baking at the right temperature and allowing it to set properly before serving.

Baking the Quiche

1. Preheat the Oven – If you haven’t already, set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the Quiche in the Oven – Transfer the assembled quiche (on a baking sheet) to the center rack of your oven.
3. Bake for 40 Minutes – Allow the quiche to bake until the filling is set and the top is a beautiful golden brown. The edges should be slightly firm, but the center should have a slight jiggle when gently shaken.
4. Check for Doneness – Insert a knife or toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the quiche is ready.
5. Let it Cool – Remove from the oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the custard set completely.

Serving Suggestions

Quiche Lorraine is best enjoyed warm, but it can also be served at room temperature. Here are some serving ideas:

• Pair it with a light side salad for a balanced meal.
• Serve with a fresh baguette or crusty bread.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like chives or parsley for extra flavor.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store your quiche for later enjoyment:

Refrigeration

• Allow the quiche to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.

Conclusion

Mastering Quiche Lorraine allows you to bring a touch of French cuisine to your home kitchen. With its buttery crust, creamy filling, and savory bacon-cheese combination, this classic dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. Whether served warm or cold, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Now that you have the ultimate Quiche Lorraine recipe, it’s time to bake, serve, and enjoy!