Creamy Quiche Lorraine Recipe

Savory Joy of Cooking Quiche Lorraine Recipe with Crust

Quiche lorraine elevates weeknight dinners from mundane to magnificent with its French countryside allure.

This savory pie whispers stories of rustic kitchens and culinary tradition.

Creamy eggs dance with crispy bacon and golden caramelized onions, creating a melody of flavors that sing on your palate.

Each forkful promises a journey through French culinary landscapes, blending simplicity with unexpected depth.

Surprisingly easy to assemble, this dish transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary experience.

Professional chefs and weekend warriors alike can master this classic recipe with minimal effort.

Get ready to transport your taste buds to a charming French farmhouse with one unforgettable slice.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 8

Quiche Lorraine Ingredient Rundown

For Crust Base:
  • Pie Crust: Select a buttery, flaky dough that holds its shape and provides a golden, crisp foundation.
  • Parchment Paper: Choose a high-quality, non-stick sheet for seamless rolling and even baking.
For Protein and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Bacon: Pick thick-cut, smoky bacon with generous marbling for robust, crispy texture.
  • Eggs: Select fresh, large eggs with bright, firm yolks for rich, creamy custard.
  • Half-and-Half: Opt for organic, full-bodied cream for luxurious, silky consistency.
For Aromatic and Seasoning Components:
  • Onions: Choose sweet yellow onions with firm, glossy skin for deep caramelization.
  • Salt: Use fine sea salt for balanced, clean flavor enhancement.
  • Black Pepper: Select freshly ground peppercorns for vibrant, zesty notes.
  • Paprika: Pick high-quality, bright red paprika for subtle warmth.
  • Nutmeg: Use freshly grated nutmeg for intense, complex undertones.
  • Parsley: Select bright green, crisp leaves for fresh, herbaceous garnish.
  • Cheese: Pick aged, sharp varieties for tangy, melting complexity.

Equipment Checklist for Baking Quiche

  • Pie Pan or Tart Pan: Deep dish for holding and shaping pastry dough.
  • Rolling Pin: Helps flatten and shape pie crust evenly.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for whisking eggs and creating custard mixture.
  • Whisk: Essential for blending ingredients smoothly and incorporating air.
  • Large Skillet: Ideal for cooking bacon and caramelizing onions.
  • Slotted Spoon: Great for removing bacon and onions from pan.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Parchment Paper or Foil: Protects crust edges during blind baking.
  • Pie Weights: Keeps crust flat during initial baking.
  • Baking Sheet: Provides stable surface and catches potential drips.
  • Fork: Used for poking holes in pie crust.
  • Kitchen Knife: Helps check quiche doneness and slice servings.

Directions for Classic Quiche Lorraine

Directions for Classic Quiche Lorraine
  • Craft the Perfect Crust

Roll out a delicate pie dough on a flour-dusted surface, creating a smooth, even layer that will cradle your savory filling. Gently press the tender pastry into your baking pan, ensuring every corner is lovingly covered.

  • Prepare for Baking Brilliance

Chill the crust in the freezer while warming the oven to a steady 350°F. Poke gentle holes across the bottom and shield the edges with protective parchment. Sprinkle pie weights generously to keep the crust perfectly shaped.

  • Create Flavor Foundations

Sizzle bacon in a skillet until it transforms into crispy golden perfection. Use the same pan to caramelize onions, letting them dance in the residual bacon goodness until they turn a rich, sweet brown.

  • Whip Up the Luxurious Custard

Crack fresh eggs into a mixing bowl and combine with creamy half-and-half. Sprinkle in a symphony of seasonings – a pinch of salt, a whisper of pepper, a dash of warming nutmeg. Whisk with enthusiasm until the mixture becomes light and airy.

  • Bring the Quiche to Life

Fold the crispy bacon, sweet caramelized onions, and a generous handful of cheese into the silky custard. Pour this magical mixture into your pre-baked crust, watching it settle into every delicious nook.

  • Bake and Celebrate

Slide the quiche into the oven and let it bake for about 50 minutes. The perfect quiche will have a center that trembles slightly when nudged, with edges that stand firm and golden. Once done, let it rest and cool, allowing the flavors to mingle and settle.

  • Serve with Joy

Slice into this culinary masterpiece and watch as your guests marvel at the layers of flavor. A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds the final flourish to this show-stopping dish.

Tips for Crust, Filling, and Texture

  • Boost Your Baking: Transform this classic quiche into a culinary adventure with these expert tips and creative twists.
  • Customize Cheese Combinations: Experiment with different cheese varieties like gruyère, sharp cheddar, or goat cheese to add unique flavor profiles and depth to your quiche.
  • Vegetarian Veggie Swap: Replace bacon with roasted vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a lighter, plant-based alternative that still delivers incredible taste and texture.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the quiche up to two days in advance and refrigerate. Simply reheat in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes to restore its crispy crust and creamy filling, perfect for stress-free entertaining.
  • Gluten-Free Hack: Substitute traditional pie crust with a almond flour or gluten-free pastry crust to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising on deliciousness.

How to Serve Quiche Lorraine Beautifully

  • Pair with Fresh Salad: Complement the rich, savory quiche with a light, crisp green salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette to balance the creamy texture.
  • Brunch Party Centerpiece: Showcase this quiche as the star of your weekend gathering, surrounded by fresh fruit, mimosas, and additional breakfast treats.
  • Wine and Dine Pairing: Serve alongside a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay to enhance the quiche's delicate flavor profile.
  • Slice and Share Style: Cut into wedges and plate individually, garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an elegant presentation that's perfect for casual or formal settings.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Quiche

  • Preserve Freshness: Store leftover quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
  • Freeze with Ease: Wrap individual slices or the entire quiche in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen quiche keeps well for 2-3 months, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal anytime.
  • Reheat Perfectly: Warm refrigerated slices in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore the crispy crust and maintain the creamy texture. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy crust and uneven heating.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the entire quiche ahead of time. Cut into individual portions and store in grab-and-go containers for quick breakfasts or lunches throughout the week. This strategy saves time and ensures a delicious meal is always within reach.
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Creamy Quiche Lorraine Recipe

Creamy Quiche Lorraine Recipe


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4.7 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Classic quiche lorraine blends French culinary tradition with creamy egg custard and crispy bacon. Rich flavors and buttery pastry crust invite home cooks to savor this timeless dish that connects you with comfort and elegance.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 eggs (large)
  • ½ lb (226 g) bacon (thin strips, chopped into ½ inch pieces)
  • 1 ¾ cups (414 ml) half and half (or equal parts whole milk and heavy cream)
  • 1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese (or gruyere, shredded)
  • 1 pie crust (1 frozen crust, or ½ recipe for double pie crust)
  • ½ yellow onion (diced)
  • 1 egg white
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper (finely ground)
  • ¼ tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Crust Foundation: Craft or select a pie crust suitable for a deep tart pan, rolling it to approximately 12 inches on a floured surface. Delicately transfer the dough into the pan, pressing smoothly into edges and bottom.
  2. Thermal Preparation: Chill the crust in the freezer for 30 minutes while positioning the oven rack centrally and preheating to 350°F. Pierce the crust bottom with fork marks to prevent potential bubbling.
  3. Preliminary Baking: Line the crust with parchment paper, place on a baking sheet, and fill 3/4 with pie weights. Bake for 35-40 minutes until achieving a light golden appearance. Remove weights and brush interior with egg white to create a moisture barrier.
  4. Flavor Development: In a skillet, render bacon until crispy, then caramelize onions in remaining fat. Combine bacon and onions, setting aside for later integration.
  5. Custard Creation: Whisk eggs, half-and-half, salt, pepper, paprika, and nutmeg in a large mixing bowl for one minute, ensuring smooth incorporation of seasonings.
  6. Filling Assembly: Fold shredded cheese, crispy bacon, and caramelized onions into the egg mixture, then carefully pour into the pre-baked crust.
  7. Final Baking: Return quiche to the 350°F oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes. The filling should demonstrate a subtle wobble, and a knife inserted near the center should emerge clean.
  8. Serving Presentation: Allow the quiche to rest and set for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley for an elegant touch.

Notes

  • Precision Chilling: Freezing the crust for 30 minutes ensures a flaky, crisp texture by preventing shrinkage during baking.
  • Blind Baking Technique: Pre-baking the crust with weights creates a sturdy base that prevents soggy bottoms and maintains the quiche’s structural integrity.
  • Egg White Barrier: Brushing the pre-baked crust with egg white creates a protective seal that prevents moisture from making the pastry soggy.
  • Temperature Mastery: Letting the quiche rest 10-15 minutes after baking allows the custard to set properly, resulting in clean, beautiful slices that hold their shape.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 185 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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