Classic Quiche Lorraine: A Taste of Paris at Home
Quiche Lorraine is a beloved French dish that originated in the Lorraine region of France. The balance of a buttery, flaky crust with a rich and creamy custard filling makes it an irresistible choice for any meal. This homemade quiche Lorraine is inspired by the traditional version I enjoyed in Paris, bringing all the flavors of France to your kitchen.
The combination of smoky bacon, silky egg custard, and melted cheese gives this dish its signature taste that pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a refreshing glass of Chardonnay. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner, this quiche is easy to prepare and can be made in advance. With simple ingredients and classic French techniques, you can achieve a restaurant-quality dish right at home.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: This quiche Lorraine offers a delicate balance of savory, creamy, and smoky flavors, thanks to its combination of eggs, cream, and crispy bacon.
- Texture: The crust is crisp and buttery, while the filling is velvety smooth, with crispy bacon bits adding an enjoyable contrast.
- Aroma: The enticing scent of baked pastry and cooked bacon fills the air, making it hard to resist.
- Visual Appeal: Golden-brown on top, with slices showing the rich custard and crispy bacon, making it an inviting centerpiece for any table.
- Skill Level Needed: A moderate level of skill is required, especially for making the pastry crust, but with patience, even beginner cooks can master it.
- Special Equipment: A tart pan or pie dish, rolling pin, and whisk are essential for achieving the perfect quiche consistency.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: Quiche Lorraine is moderately easy to prepare, but making the perfect crust requires some practice. The filling, however, is quite straightforward.
- Category: This dish falls into the brunch, breakfast, and lunch categories, commonly enjoyed as a light meal.
- Cuisine: Rooted in French culinary tradition, quiche Lorraine is a well-known classic of French cuisine.
- Cost: A budget-friendly recipe using accessible ingredients such as eggs, cream, and bacon, making it an affordable dish for gatherings.
- Season: While quiche Lorraine is enjoyed year-round, it is particularly popular during spring and summer brunches.
- Occasion: Ideal for brunches, picnics, family breakfasts, and elegant dinner parties.
The Recipe
Classic Quiche Lorraine Recipe
Serves: 6
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 65 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Tart pan or pie dish
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Crust: Roll out your pie dough and fit it into a tart pan or pie dish. Blind bake for 10 minutes to avoid soggy crust.
- Cook the Bacon: In a skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the Custard: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Assemble the Quiche: Sprinkle cheese and bacon over the pre-baked crust, then pour in the custard.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes or until set and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the quiche to cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
Recipe Notes
- For a richer quiche, use all heavy cream instead of milk.
- Try substituting Gruyère with Swiss or cheddar cheese for a different flavor.
- To make this ahead, store it in the fridge and reheat before serving.