Delightful Quiche Lorraine: A Savory Classic
Quiche Lorraine, a traditional French dish, is a timeless favorite that combines the rich flavors of bacon, onions, and cheese in a flaky pie crust. This savory custard-based pie is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. With its buttery crust, creamy filling, and savory toppings, Quiche Lorraine is sure to impress your family and guests alike. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create this culinary masterpiece!
Ingredients:
For the Quiche:
- 1 9-inch frozen pie crust
- 1/4 lb. hickory-smoked thick-cut bacon
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 1/4 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley or chives
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pie Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen pie crust on a baking sheet and set aside to thaw slightly while you prepare the filling.
2. Cook the Bacon:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces and set aside.
3. Sauté the Onions:
- In the same skillet used to cook the bacon, sauté the finely chopped onion until soft and translucent. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Prepare the Custard Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, kosher salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg until well combined.
5. Assemble the Quiche:
- Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese evenly over the bottom of the thawed pie crust.
- Layer the cooked bacon and sautéed onions on top of the cheese.
- Pour the prepared custard filling over the bacon and onions, ensuring that the filling covers the ingredients evenly.
- Sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley or chives over the top of the quiche for added flavor and garnish.
6. Bake the Quiche:
- Place the assembled quiche on the preheated baking sheet and transfer it to the oven.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the quiche from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, accompanied by a fresh green salad or your favorite brunch sides.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Pie Crust Options: If you prefer homemade crust, feel free to use your favorite pie crust recipe instead of the frozen pie crust.
- Cheese Variations: While Gruyère cheese is classic for Quiche Lorraine, you can substitute it with Swiss cheese or another melty cheese of your choice.
- Vegetarian Version: For a meatless option, omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the quiche filling for added flavor and texture
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto-Friendly Option:
- Replace the frozen pie crust with a homemade almond flour crust or a crust made from a combination of almond flour and coconut flour for a low-carb alternative.
Low-Carb Twist:
- Swap out the milk and heavy cream for unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk to reduce the carb content of the custard filling.
- Increase the amount of cheese in the quiche to add richness and flavor without adding extra carbs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I make Quiche Lorraine ahead of time? A: Yes! Quiche Lorraine is a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare it up to a day in advance, refrigerate it, and then reheat it in the oven before serving.
Q: Can I freeze Quiche Lorraine? A: Absolutely! Quiche Lorraine freezes well. After baking and cooling, wrap the quiche tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, thaw the quiche overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it in the oven until heated through.
Q: Can I customize the fillings in Quiche Lorraine? A: Certainly! While the classic combination of bacon, onions, and cheese is traditional, you can get creative with your quiche fillings. Try adding diced ham, cooked spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or your favorite vegetables for a unique twist.
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Quiche Lorraine with this easy-to-follow recipe. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or a casual dinner, this savory pie is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. With its buttery crust, creamy custard filling, and savory bacon and cheese, Quiche Lorraine is the epitome of comfort food. So, gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a taste of French-inspired goodness with this classic dish!