Classic Bacon & Cheese Quiche

A French culinary staple, Quiche Lorraine is a savory, custard-filled tart featuring crisp bacon, creamy eggs, Gruyère cheese, and nutmeg baked in a buttery shortcrust shell. It’s elegant, simple, and endlessly satisfying—perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner with a green salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quiche Lorraine is timeless for good reason. The combination of salty bacon, nutty Gruyère, and rich cream creates a luxurious filling that’s held together in a flaky pastry shell. It’s easy to prepare with common ingredients and works equally well for casual gatherings or refined occasions. Plus, it’s make-ahead friendly and just as delicious warm or at room temperature.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 9-inch shortcrust pastry shell
• thick-cut bacon, chopped
• grated Gruyère cheese
• whole milk
• heavy cream
• large eggs
• ground nutmeg
• salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the shortcrust pastry shell in a tart pan or pie dish if not already prepared.
2. Cook the bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels. Let cool slightly.
3. Prepare the custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until smooth and well blended.
4. Assemble the quiche: Evenly distribute the bacon and grated Gruyère in the bottom of the pastry shell. Pour the custard mixture over the top.
5. Bake: Place the quiche on the center rack of the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is just set.
6. Cool and serve: Allow the quiche to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6–8 slices
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per slice

Variations

• Cheese blend: Mix Gruyère with Emmental or Swiss cheese for added depth.
• Onion addition: Add sautéed leeks or shallots for a sweeter, aromatic twist.
• Herb flavor: Include fresh chives or thyme in the custard for an herbal note.
• Crustless version: Omit the pastry and bake in a greased dish for a low-carb option.
• Vegetable twist: Add steamed broccoli, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap individual slices or the whole quiche in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or microwave slices for 1–2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked pastry crust?

Yes, a store-bought or par-baked crust works perfectly for this recipe.

What’s the difference between Quiche Lorraine and regular quiche?

Quiche Lorraine traditionally contains bacon, cheese, and a creamy egg custard, while other quiches may include vegetables or different proteins.

Can I make this quiche ahead of time?

Yes, bake it the day before and reheat or serve at room temperature the next day.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Gruyère is classic for its nutty flavor and meltability, but Swiss or Emmental are good substitutes.

How do I know when the quiche is done?

The filling should be set but slightly wobbly in the center. A knife inserted should come out mostly clean.

Can I make this without bacon?

Yes, omit the bacon or replace with smoked tofu or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

Should I blind bake the crust?

If your crust is not pre-baked, blind baking it for 10 minutes helps prevent sogginess.

Can I use only milk or only cream?

Yes, but using both gives the best balance of richness and texture.

What size pan should I use?

A 9-inch tart or pie pan is ideal for the quantity of filling in this recipe.

How long can quiche sit out?

For food safety, quiche should not sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Conclusion

Quiche Lorraine is a classic French dish that never goes out of style. Rich, creamy, and full of savory bacon and cheese, it’s a versatile option that’s as welcome at brunch as it is at dinner. Whether served warm or cold, with salad or solo, this quiche is always a crowd-pleaser. Prepare it ahead, personalize it with your favorite ingredients, and enjoy a timeless culinary delight.

Classic Bacon & Cheese Quiche

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A French classic, Quiche Lorraine features a rich, savory custard of eggs, cream, and cheese with crispy bacon in a flaky pastry crust—perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner.

• Author: Asma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Brunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 9-inch shortcrust pastry shell
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, cook chopped bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels and let cool.
3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread the cooked bacon and grated Gruyère evenly over the bottom of the pastry shell.
5. Pour the egg mixture over the bacon and cheese.
6. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is just set.
7. Cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Blind-bake the crust for 10 minutes if you prefer a crisper bottom.
• Let quiche cool before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
• Can be served warm or at room temperature.
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 360 kcal
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 13g
• Cholesterol: 145mg