Quiche Lorraine – A Classic French Savory Pie

 

Introduction

Quiche Lorraine is a famous French tart filled with eggs, cream, bacon, and cheese. With its flaky pastry crust and custard-like filling, this dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. Originating from the Lorraine region of France, the quiche has become a global favorite thanks to its rich, savory flavors and versatility—easily customizable with vegetables, ham, or herbs. In this recipe, we’ll walk you through making a perfect Quiche Lorraine from scratch, including the crust and filling.

Ingredients

For the Pastry Crust

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 3-4 tbsp cold water

For the Filling

• 200 grams (7 oz) bacon or lardons, chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pastry Crust

1. In a bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter and rub it into the flour with your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Gradually add cold water and mix until the dough comes together.
3. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter.
3. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch tart pan and press it gently into the edges. Trim any excess dough.
4. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork and blind bake it with pie weights for 15 minutes. Remove the weights and bake for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

1. In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, sauté the onion until soft and golden.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, milk, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Assemble the Quiche

1. Spread the cooked bacon and onions evenly over the baked crust.
2. Sprinkle the Gruyère cheese on top.
3. Pour the egg mixture over the filling.

Step 5: Bake the Quiche

1. Bake the quiche at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden.
2. Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for a Perfect Quiche Lorraine

• Use cold butter for the crust to ensure it’s flaky.
• Blind-baking the crust prevents it from becoming soggy.
• For extra richness, add an extra egg or more cheese.
• Quiche can be served warm or at room temperature and pairs well with a green salad.

Nutritional Value (Per Slice)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	400
Protein	12 g
Carbohydrates	20 g
Fat	30 g

Conclusion

Quiche Lorraine is a timeless dish that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you serve it for a lazy Sunday brunch or a quick weekday lunch, this quiche is sure to impress with its flaky crust and creamy filling. Pair it with a light salad and a glass of white wine for a perfect French-inspired meal.