Irresistible Quiche Lorraine with Bacon and Gruyère

Quiche Lorraine with Bacon and Gruyère

Discover a creamy Quiche Lorraine with Bacon and Gruyère recipe that’s perfect for brunch or dinner, rich in flavor and easy to make! This classic French tart combines flaky pastry, smoky bacon, nutty Gruyère cheese, and a silky custard filling that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen beginner, this dish offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors that will make every bite unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Flavor-packed combination: The smoky bacon and creamy Gruyère blend beautifully to create a rich, savory filling.
  • Simple yet impressive: It looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to prepare, great for both casual and special occasions.
  • Versatile meal: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, making it a flexible addition to your recipe box.
  • Make-ahead friendly: It can be prepared in advance and reheated, saving you time on busy days.
  • Comfort food with elegance: It delivers cozy flavors wrapped in a delicate, buttery crust.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, high-quality ingredients that come together to create a delicious Quiche Lorraine with Bacon and Gruyère. Each element enhances the texture, taste, and visual appeal of the quiche.

  • Pie crust: A flaky, buttery crust forms the perfect base to hold the delicious filling without getting soggy.
  • Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for a smoky, crispy texture that adds depth to every bite.
  • Gruyère cheese: This cheese melts wonderfully and provides a nutty, creamy layer of flavor.
  • Eggs: The essential custard binder that makes the quiche rich and silky.
  • Heavy cream: Adds a luscious texture to the custard, making it velvety smooth.
  • Onion: Lightly sautéed for sweetness and subtle crunch to complement the bacon’s saltiness.
  • Salt and pepper: To season and enhance all the flavors perfectly.
  • Nutmeg (optional): A pinch adds warmth and a classic French touch to the custard.

Variations for Quiche Lorraine with Bacon and Gruyère

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste buds or dietary needs. Quiche Lorraine with Bacon and Gruyère is incredibly adaptable and you can easily swap ingredients or add extras.

  • Vegetarian twist: Replace bacon with sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for a delicious meat-free option.
  • Cheese swap: Try Emmental, Comté, or sharp cheddar if Gruyère isn’t available for a slightly different flavor.
  • Herbal notes: Add fresh thyme, chives, or parsley to brighten up the filling.
  • Spicy kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a subtle heat.
  • Gluten-free crust: Use a gluten-free pastry to accommodate special dietary requirements without sacrificing texture.
Irresistible Quiche Lorraine with Bacon and Gruyère

How to Make Quiche Lorraine with Bacon and Gruyère

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Start with a chilled pie crust, either homemade or store-bought. Roll it out and fit it gently into a tart or pie dish. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking.

Step 2: Blind Bake the Crust

Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans to keep its shape. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes. Remove the weights and bake for another 5 minutes until the crust is lightly golden.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon and Onions

While the crust is baking, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels. In the same pan, sauté finely chopped onions until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Mix the Filling

In a bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir in the crumbled bacon, sautéed onions, and grated Gruyère cheese. This creates the creamy custard that fills your quiche.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour the filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes until the custard is set and the top is lightly golden. Let it cool slightly before slicing to hold its shape.

Pro Tips for Making Quiche Lorraine with Bacon and Gruyère

  • Chill the crust well: Keeps the dough from shrinking and maintains a flaky texture.
  • Don’t overcook the filling: Remove the quiche when the center is just set to avoid a dry texture.
  • Drain the bacon well: Excess fat can make the quiche soggy, so blot with paper towels.
  • Use room temperature ingredients: Helps the custard mix smoothly without clumping.
  • Let it rest before cutting: This allows the filling to firm up and makes slices neat and clean.

How to Serve Quiche Lorraine with Bacon and Gruyère

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme sprinkled on top add a pop of color and fresh aroma that complements the rich filling.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the quiche perfectly, or serve alongside roasted vegetables for a hearty meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut into wedges for a traditional presentation, or serve mini quiches in muffin tins for an elegant finger-food option at parties and gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover quiche tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps retain freshness and moisture.

Freezing

You can freeze the quiche either before or after baking. Wrap tightly in foil and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to get that crust crisp again, or microwave for a quick warm-up, though the crust may lose some texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! While Gruyère is traditional, cheeses like Emmental, Comté, or even sharp cheddar work well and add interesting flavors to the quiche.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the regular pie crust with a gluten-free alternative available at most grocery stores or make your own gluten-free crust at home.

How long can I store leftover quiche in the fridge?

Leftover quiche can safely be refrigerated for up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container or wrapped tightly.

Can I prepare the quiche filling the night before?

Preparing the filling in advance is a great time-saver; just keep it covered in the fridge and pour it into the crust right before baking.

What are some good side dishes to serve with Quiche Lorraine with Bacon and Gruyère?

Fresh green salads, roasted vegetables, or light soups pair wonderfully, balancing the richness of the quiche.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with a classic Quiche Lorraine with Bacon and Gruyère. It’s a shining example of simple ingredients coming together to make something truly special. Whether you’re sharing it with family at brunch or impressing guests at dinner, this recipe will quickly become a favorite go-to. So why not give it a try and bring some French-inspired comfort and flavor into your kitchen today?

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Quiche Lorraine with Bacon and Gruyère

A classic French Quiche Lorraine featuring a flaky buttery pie crust filled with smoky crispy bacon, nutty Gruyère cheese, sautéed onions, and a silky, creamy custard. Perfectly balanced in flavor and texture, ideal for brunch, lunch, or dinner. This elegant yet simple baked tart can be made ahead and reheated, making it a versatile comfort food favorite.

  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 chilled pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

Filling

  • 6 thick-cut bacon slices
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pie Crust: Start with a chilled pie crust, either homemade or store-bought. Roll it out and fit it gently into a tart or pie dish. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking.
  2. Blind Bake the Crust: Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans to keep its shape. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes. Remove the weights and bake for another 5 minutes until the crust is lightly golden.
  3. Cook the Bacon and Onions: While the crust is baking, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels. In the same pan, sauté finely chopped onions until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  4. Mix the Filling: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir in the crumbled bacon, sautéed onions, and grated Gruyère cheese. This creates the creamy custard that fills your quiche.
  5. Assemble and Bake: Pour the filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes until the custard is set and the top is lightly golden. Let it cool slightly before slicing to hold its shape.

Notes

  • Chill the crust well to prevent shrinking and maintain flakiness.
  • Don’t overcook the filling; remove the quiche when the center is just set to avoid dryness.
  • Drain the bacon thoroughly to avoid excess grease making the quiche soggy.
  • Use room temperature eggs and cream for a smooth custard mix.
  • Allow the quiche to rest before cutting for clean, firm slices.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of quiche)
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 200 mg

Keywords: Quiche Lorraine, Bacon Quiche, Gruyère Cheese, French Tart, Brunch Recipe, Savory Pie, Gluten-Free Quiche

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