Name: Classic Quiche Lorraine: The Quintessential French Comfort Dish
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: PT-487987H43M30S
Total time: PT-487987H43M30S
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt; 8 tablespoons (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed; 3–4 tablespoons ice water; 6 large eggs; 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option); 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese); 1 cup mushrooms, sliced and sautéed; ½ cup caramelized onions (optional but recommended); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (optional); Fresh herbs like chives or thyme (about 2 tablespoons), chopped

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quiche Lorraine offers a delightful balance of creamy, savory filling and a delicate, buttery crust. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Creamy Texture: The egg custard filling is rich and smooth, perfectly complemented by the flaky, buttery crust.
Savory and Flavorful: Gruyère cheese and sautéed mushrooms bring depth and earthiness to every bite.
Versatile: Ideal for brunch, lunch, or dinner, quiche can be served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for any occasion.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or cheeses to make this dish your own.

Ingredients

For the crust:

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
8 tablespoons (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
3–4 tablespoons ice water

For the filling:

6 large eggs
1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
1 cup grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
1 cup mushrooms, sliced and sautéed
½ cup caramelized onions (optional but recommended)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
Fresh herbs like chives or thyme (about 2 tablespoons), chopped

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Classic Quiche Lorraine: The Quintessential French Comfort Dish

Directions

Prepare the crust:
In a bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat oven and blind bake:
Roll out the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Press it into the pan, trim the edges, and line with parchment paper. Fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes. Remove the weights and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the crust is lightly golden.
Sauté mushrooms and caramelize onions:
Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the mushrooms until browned and tender, about 5–7 minutes. For the caramelized onions, cook thinly sliced onions slowly in a bit of oil or butter over low heat until golden and sweet, about 15–20 minutes.
Prepare the filling:
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth. Stir in the sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, fresh herbs, and grated Gruyère cheese.
Assemble and bake:
Spread the mushroom and onion mixture evenly in the baked crust. Pour the egg and cream mixture over the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes until the custard is set and the top is lightly golden. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean.
Cool and serve:
Allow the quiche to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing for clean, neat pieces.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6–8
Preparation Time: 35 minutes
Baking Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Cheese alternatives: Try Emmental, Comté, or sharp cheddar in place of Gruyère.
Add more veggies: Spinach, asparagus, or roasted red peppers make excellent additions.
Crust-free option: For a gluten-free or lower-carb meal, bake the filling in a greased pie dish without crust—just increase the baking time slightly.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover quiche in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed through. Quiche can also be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I make quiche without a crust?

Yes, you can make a crustless quiche by simply baking the filling in a greased pie dish. This is a great option for those looking for a lower-carb or gluten-free alternative.

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version of the quiche. It will still yield a creamy texture, though it may be slightly less rich.

What other vegetables can I add to my quiche?

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just be sure to sauté them first to remove any excess moisture.

Can I make quiche ahead of time?

Yes, quiche can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or enjoy it at room temperature.

Can I freeze quiche?

Yes, you can freeze quiche for up to 2 months. To freeze, bake the quiche as directed, then allow it to cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 25–30 minutes.

How do I prevent a soggy crust?

Blind baking the crust before adding the filling helps prevent a soggy bottom. Be sure to bake the crust until it is lightly golden before adding the custard filling.

How do I know when the quiche is done?

The quiche is done when the custard is set and lightly golden on top. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean, indicating the filling is fully cooked.

Can I use a store-bought crust?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought crust. Just make sure to blind bake it before adding the filling.

How do I make the quiche lighter?

To make the quiche lighter, you can substitute some of the cream with milk or half-and-half. You can also add more vegetables to reduce the richness of the filling.

Can I add other cheeses to the filling?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Emmental, sharp cheddar, or even goat cheese for a unique twist.

Conclusion

Classic Quiche Lorraine is the ultimate French comfort dish that combines savory flavors with a smooth, creamy texture. Whether you’re serving it at brunch or dinner, this versatile dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its rich custard filling, buttery crust, and customizable ingredients, this quiche will soon become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy it warm, cold, or at room temperature for the perfect dish every time.