Quiche Lorraine is a classic French dish that combines a buttery, flaky crust with a rich, creamy filling of eggs, cheese, and crispy bacon. It’s a perfect dish for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even dinner. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a weekday meal, this easy homemade quiche recipe will help you achieve the perfect texture and flavor every time.
Why You’ll Love This Quiche Lorraine Recipe
✔ Authentic French flavor – A traditional combination of eggs, bacon, and cheese.
✔ Perfect for any meal – Serve it warm, cold, or at room temperature.
✔ Make-ahead friendly – Stores well and reheats beautifully.
✔ Customizable – Easily add your favorite vegetables or cheeses.
✔ Beginner-friendly – Simple steps for guaranteed success.
Ingredients for Classic Quiche Lorraine
Here’s what you’ll need to make this rich and creamy quiche:
Crust
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pie crust (store-bought or homemade) | 1 (9-inch) |
Filling
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bacon, cut into small pieces | 8 ounces (approx. 6 slices) |
| Shallot, minced | 1 large |
| Crushed red pepper flakes (optional) | ⅛ teaspoon |
| Large eggs | 4 |
| Half-and-half (or ¾ cup milk + ¾ cup heavy cream) | 1 ½ cups |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Freshly ground black pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Grated nutmeg | ⅛ teaspoon |
| Cayenne pepper | Pinch |
| Gruyère cheese, grated | 4 ounces (about 1 cup) |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | ¾ ounce (about ¼ cup) |
| Chives or green onions, thinly sliced | 1 tablespoon |
| Chopped parsley (for garnish) | As needed |
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Quiche Lorraine
1. Pre-Bake the Crust
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch tart pan or pie dish. Trim any excess and chill for 15 minutes.
- Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment.
- Bake for another 5 minutes until lightly golden.
- Let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
2. Cook the Bacon and Shallots
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon pieces until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
In the same pan, sauté the shallots in the bacon fat for 2 minutes until soft. Stir in the red pepper flakes, if using.
3. Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper. Stir in the grated Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses.
4. Assemble the Quiche
- Spread the cooked bacon and shallots evenly over the pre-baked crust.
- Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the bacon.
- Sprinkle with chives or green onions.
5. Bake the Quiche
Place the quiche in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is just set and the top is golden brown.
6. Garnish and Serve
Let the quiche rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm, at room temperature, or even cold.
Tips for the Best Quiche Lorraine
- Use a homemade crust – A buttery, flaky crust adds the best texture and flavor.
- Pre-bake the crust – This prevents it from getting soggy.
- Don’t overbake – The quiche should have a slight jiggle in the center when removed from the oven.
- Let it cool before slicing – This helps the custard set properly.
- Use freshly grated cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that can affect texture.
Customizing Your Quiche
1. Vegetarian Quiche
Skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
2. Cheese Lover’s Quiche
Use a mix of cheddar, Swiss, feta, or goat cheese for a more intense flavor.
3. Smoked Salmon Quiche
Replace the bacon with smoked salmon and add a little dill.
4. Mediterranean Quiche
Add feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and black olives for a Mediterranean twist.
5. Caramelized Onion Quiche
Slow-cooked caramelized onions bring a slightly sweet, rich flavor.
What to Serve with Quiche Lorraine
- Fresh green salad – A simple arugula or mixed greens salad with vinaigrette.
- Fruit platter – Berries, citrus, or melon complement the richness.
- Roasted potatoes – Serve with herb-roasted baby potatoes for a heartier meal.
- Crusty bread – A fresh baguette is a perfect side.
How to Store and Reheat Quiche Lorraine
Storing:
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Oven: Warm at 325°F (165°C) for 10–15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Quiche Lorraine ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat in the oven before serving.
2. How do I keep my quiche crust from getting soggy?
Always pre-bake the crust before adding the filling. This helps it stay crisp.
3. Can I use milk instead of half-and-half?
Yes! Use a mix of milk and heavy cream for the best texture.
4. Is Quiche Lorraine gluten-free?
The filling is naturally gluten-free, but you’ll need a gluten-free pie crust or go crustless.
5. Why is my quiche watery?
Overbaking or using too much dairy can make the filling separate. Bake until just set.
6. Can I add vegetables to this quiche?
Absolutely! Try spinach, asparagus, zucchini, or caramelized onions.
Final Thoughts – Try This Classic Quiche Lorraine Today!
Making Quiche Lorraine at home is easier than you think! With its rich, creamy filling and crisp, buttery crust, this French classic is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting brunch, meal prepping, or treating yourself, this easy and delicious recipe will impress every time.
So why wait? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and start baking this timeless French delight today!