There are some dishes that just scream timeless elegance, and Quiche Lorraine is undoubtedly one of them. This classic French tart, with its rich, creamy custard, smoky bacon, and savory cheese, has graced tables for centuries, from humble farmhouses to bustling Parisian bistros. It’s a dish that’s equally at home at a fancy brunch, a light lunch, or even a simple weeknight dinner.

Why I Love This Recipe

What’s not to love about Quiche Lorraine? For me, it’s the sheer versatility and the incredible depth of flavor. The combination of crispy bacon, sweet caramelized onions (my secret addition!), and the silky, almost cloud-like custard creates a symphony of textures and tastes. It’s also incredibly satisfying to pull a golden-brown quiche out of the oven, knowing you’ve created something truly special from scratch. It looks impressive, but honestly, it’s far simpler to make than most people imagine. It’s comfort food with a sophisticated flair, and that’s a winning combination in my book.

List of Ingredients

To make this classic Quiche Lorraine, you’ll need:

• 1 (9-inch) pie crust, pre-made or homemade (see notes below)
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 cups (about 6 ounces) shredded Gruyère cheese (or a mix of Gruyère and Swiss)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of nutmeg, freshly grated if possible

Swaps and Notes

• Pie Crust: While a good quality store-bought pie crust works wonderfully for convenience, a homemade crust truly elevates this dish. If you’re feeling ambitious, go for it!
• Cheese: Gruyère is traditional for Quiche Lorraine, offering a nutty and slightly sweet flavor that melts beautifully. However, if you can’t find it, a good quality Swiss cheese is a decent substitute, or even a mix of Swiss and a sharp cheddar.
• Bacon: Opt for thick-cut bacon for the best flavor and texture. You want those meaty bits to stand out.
• Onions: My addition of caramelized onions isn’t strictly traditional for every Quiche Lorraine, but it adds a wonderful depth of sweetness and savory notes that truly complements the bacon and cheese. Don’t skip this if you have the time!
• Vegetarian Option: To make this vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and sauté some mushrooms or spinach with the onions for an equally delicious savory tart.
• Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley over the top before serving adds a nice touch of color and freshness.

List of Steps for the Recipes

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If using a pre-made crust, prick the bottom with a fork a few times. If blind baking (recommended for a crispier bottom), line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10-15 minutes, then remove weights and parchment and continue baking for another 5 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and set aside.
2. Cook Bacon & Onions: While the crust bakes, cook the diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place on a paper-towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until softened and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Assemble Quiche: Sprinkle half of the shredded Gruyère cheese over the bottom of the pre-baked pie crust. Evenly scatter the cooked bacon and caramelized onions over the cheese. Top with the remaining Gruyère cheese.
4. Prepare Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until well combined.
5. Pour & Bake: Carefully pour the egg custard mixture over the ingredients in the pie crust.
6. Bake Quiche: Carefully transfer the quiche to the preheated oven. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the custard is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be beautifully golden brown. If the edges of the crust are browning too quickly, you can cover them loosely with aluminum foil.
7. Cool & Serve: Remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the custard to fully set.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can lead to a dry, rubbery quiche. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the oven as soon as the center is set.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing your eggs and cream to room temperature before mixing can help create a smoother, more even custard.
• Blind Baking: While not strictly necessary, blind baking your crust prevents a soggy bottom, especially if you’re using a wetter filling.
• High-Quality Ingredients: Because Quiche Lorraine has relatively few ingredients, the quality of each one really shines through. Use good bacon and excellent cheese for the best results.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Quiche Lorraine is incredibly versatile. It’s fantastic on its own, but here are some ideas:

• For Brunch: Serve alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette. A side of fresh fruit or a simple pastry rounds out the meal.
• For Lunch/Dinner: A hearty bowl of soup, like a classic tomato soup, would be a delightful pairing. You could also serve it with some roasted asparagus or a simple mixed vegetable medley.
• Beverage Pairings: For a sophisticated touch, pair it with a crisp dry white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or an unoaked Chardonnay. For a non-alcoholic option, a refreshing blueberry lemonade would be wonderful.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftover Quiche Lorraine can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can warm individual slices in the microwave for a minute or two, or gently re-warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through. Freezing is also an option; wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed.

More Recipes You Will Love

Looking for more savory delights or comforting classics? Be sure to check out some of my other favorites:

• For another easy, cheesy crowd-pleaser, try my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
• If you’re in the mood for a hearty pasta dish, my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce is a must-try.
• And for a fantastic dip that disappears in minutes, you absolutely need to make This Crockpot Nacho Dip is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers.
• For something light and refreshing, my Light Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave and There’s No Mayo in Sight is always a hit.
• And if you’re craving some southern comfort, don’t miss This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Quiche Lorraine has remained a culinary staple for so long – it’s a harmonious blend of simple ingredients creating something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a comforting meal at home, it’s a recipe that always delivers. Give it a try, and I guarantee it’ll become a favorite in your recipe rotation. I’d love to hear how your Quiche Lorraine turns out! Share your thoughts and any personal touches you add in the comments below. And for more delicious recipes and cooking tips, be sure to follow ChefManiac.com!