Quiche Lorraine Recipe: A Classic French Pie

Quiche Lorraine, a beloved dish originating from the Lorraine region in France, has become one of the most popular breakfast and brunch dishes worldwide. Its simplicity and versatility make it an excellent choice for any mealtime. This recipe will guide you through creating your very own delicious quiche lorraine right at home.

Quiche Lorraine is a savory tart filled with eggs and cheese, typically topped with crispy bacon. The rich flavors of this dish combine to produce a hearty, satisfying meal that can be enjoyed for any time of the day—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as part of an elegant dinner menu.

Ingredients

• 1 pre-made pie crust (9 inches), thawed if frozen
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
• 4 slices of thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

To prepare the quiche:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Thoroughly grease a pie dish with butter or oil.
3. Lay the pre-made pie crust into the greased dish and press it firmly against the sides. This ensures that the crust will not move during cooking.
4. Bake the pie shell for about 10 minutes to allow it to set slightly.
5. Allow the pie shell to cool, then remove from the oven.
6. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream until smooth. Season with salt and pepper according to taste.
7. Add the crumbled bacon and grated Gruyère cheese into the mixture and mix well to combine.
8. Pour the egg-cheese mixture evenly into the cooled pie shell.

To bake:

1. Place the pie dish back into the oven.
2. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the quiche is set. The center should no longer appear jiggly when gently shaken; it should be firm.
3. Remove from the oven once done and let cool slightly before serving.

Cooking Time

The total preparation time for this recipe is approximately 45 minutes, including baking time. If you opt to make your own pie crust, add an additional 20-30 minutes of preparation.

Servings

This quiche lorraine serves 6 people when cut into six equal slices.

Additional Tips and Variations

• Cheese Variations: Gruyère is the classic cheese for a traditional quiche Lorraine, but you can experiment with other cheeses such as Emmental or Comté if you prefer different flavors.
• Bacon Substitute: For a vegetarian version, you could replace the bacon with mushrooms or spinach. Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy flavor that complements the eggs and cheese.
• Variety of Eggs: While quiche Lorraine traditionally uses just large eggs, you can also try using a combination of different sized eggs for unique texture and taste.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

The approximate nutritional values per serving are as follows: Calories: 500 kcal; Protein: 18g; Fat: 36g; Carbohydrates: 18g. These figures can vary slightly based on the ingredients used and personal preferences.

Conclusion

Quiche Lorraine is more than just a simple meal; it's an opportunity to enjoy a dish that has stood the test of time, enjoyed by many in different cultures around the world. With its rich egg custard base and savory bacon topping, this recipe offers something for everyone. Whether you're hosting friends or simply treating yourself to a leisurely weekend brunch, quiche Lorraine is sure to bring joy.