French Tuna Quiche

Quiche au Thon, or French Tuna Quiche, is a savory, protein-packed dish that combines tender tuna, sweet sautéed onions, creamy eggs, and melted cheese in a flaky shortcrust shell. It’s a simple yet refined recipe that offers a taste of rustic French cuisine—perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner served with a crisp salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This tuna quiche is quick to prepare and deeply flavorful, thanks to the combination of Dijon mustard, crème fraîche, and hearty tuna. It’s a unique and satisfying alternative to traditional quiches like Lorraine or vegetable versions. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, easy to make ahead, and ideal for both casual meals and elegant entertaining.

Ingredients

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

• 9-inch shortcrust pastry shell
• tuna in olive oil, drained
• small onion, finely chopped
• large eggs
• crème fraîche (or heavy cream)
• grated Emmental or Gruyère
• Dijon mustard
• salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the shortcrust pastry shell in a tart or pie pan if not already prepared.
2. Sauté the onion: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 5–6 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the crust: Spread Dijon mustard evenly over the bottom of the pastry shell for a punch of flavor.
4. Mix the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and crème fraîche. Add the drained tuna, sautéed onions, grated cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
5. Assemble the quiche: Pour the tuna mixture into the prepared pastry shell, spreading it evenly.
6. Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is set.
7. Cool and serve: Let the quiche cool for 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 290 kcal per slice

Variations

• Herbaceous twist: Add fresh dill, parsley, or chives to the egg mixture for extra brightness.
• Tomato addition: Top with thin slices of fresh tomato before baking for added acidity and color.
• Olive lover’s version: Mix in chopped green or black olives for a Mediterranean flair.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture.
• Mini quiches: Use a muffin tin and mini tart shells to create individual servings.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes, or microwave briefly until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use water-packed tuna instead of tuna in olive oil?

Yes, but tuna in olive oil provides a richer flavor. Drain well to avoid excess moisture.

Is crème fraîche necessary?

Crème fraîche adds tang and creaminess, but heavy cream or a mix of cream and milk works as a substitute.

Should I blind bake the crust?

Blind baking isn’t necessary for this recipe, but you may pre-bake the shell for 10 minutes if you prefer a crisper bottom.

Can I make this quiche ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats beautifully and can be served warm or cold the next day.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Emmental or Gruyère are traditional for their nutty flavor and excellent meltability.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, chopped spinach, leeks, or bell peppers can be added, but sauté or drain them well to prevent sogginess.

What’s the texture of the filling?

The filling is creamy and slightly firm, with soft chunks of tuna and melted cheese throughout.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not with standard pastry, but it can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free crust.

Can I serve it cold?

Absolutely. This quiche is delicious served warm, room temperature, or chilled.

What side dishes pair well with this?

Serve with a green salad, roasted vegetables, or a light soup for a balanced meal.

Conclusion

Quiche au Thon is a comforting and flavorful twist on traditional French quiche, featuring pantry-friendly tuna and rich, creamy filling in a flaky crust. Whether you’re hosting brunch or prepping a weekday meal, this dish offers elegance without complication. It’s a must-try for any quiche lover looking to explore classic French flavors with minimal effort.

French Tuna Quiche

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A savory French classic, Quiche au Thon features flaky pastry filled with a creamy blend of tuna, eggs, sautéed onions, and melted cheese—simple, elegant, and perfect for brunch 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

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 9-inch shortcrust pastry shell
• 1 can (5 oz) tuna in olive oil, drained
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup crème fraîche (or heavy cream)
• 1/2 cup grated Emmental or Gruyère
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, sauté the chopped onion over medium heat until translucent. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Spread Dijon mustard over the bottom of the pastry shell.
4. In a bowl, whisk together eggs and crème fraîche. Stir in tuna, sautéed onions, grated cheese, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared pastry shell.
6. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is set.
7. Cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Use high-quality tuna for the best flavor—preferably in olive oil.
• Crème fraîche gives a slightly tangy richness, but heavy cream works as a substitute.
• Add herbs like parsley or thyme for an extra layer of flavor.
• Serve warm or at room temperature with a green salad.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 340 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 410mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 140mg