Description
Quiche Lorraine is a rich, creamy French tart filled with crispy bacon, sweet caramelized onions, and gooey Gruyère cheese, all nestled in a buttery, flaky pastry crust. Perfect for brunch, holiday gatherings, or weeknight dinners. Easily made gluten-free or vegetarian.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
– 1¾ cups all-purpose flour (substitute gluten-free flour if needed)
– ½ tsp fine sea salt
– ½ tsp paprika (optional for color)
– 10 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed (substitute plant-based butter for vegan diets)
– 1 cold egg
– 3 tbsp ice-cold water
For the Filling:
– 12 oz bacon (substitute smoked salmon or omit for vegetarian diets)
– 1 red onion, finely sliced
– 4 large eggs, at room temperature
– ½ cup whole milk
– ½ cup heavy cream (substitute half-and-half or plant-based cream for lighter options)
– ¼ tsp fine sea salt
– ½ tsp black pepper
– ½ tsp garlic powder
– ¼ tsp cayenne (optional for warmth)
– 1¼ cups shredded Gruyère cheese, divided (substitute Swiss or sharp cheddar if needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Combine flour, salt, and paprika in a food processor. Add cold, cubed butter and pulse until pea-sized crumbs form. Mix in the cold egg and ice-cold water until the dough resembles wet sand. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Roll out the chilled dough to a ¼-inch thick, 13-inch circle. Press it into a 10 x 2-inch nonstick quiche pan, trimming the edges. Chill again for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line the dough with parchment paper and fill with pie weights. Par-bake for 20 minutes. Remove weights and cool slightly. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F.
- Prepare the Filling: Cook bacon until crispy, then dice. Caramelize onions in the same pan using oil, butter, or bacon grease.
- Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne. Stir in diced bacon and 1 cup of Gruyère.
- Spread caramelized onions over the par-baked crust. Pour in the filling mixture and top with the remaining ¼ cup of Gruyère.
- Bake on a baking sheet for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and set. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
– Use room-temperature eggs and dairy for a smooth custard. Always par-bake the crust to prevent sogginess. Substitute plant-based ingredients for vegan diets.
– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze slices for longer storage; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish / Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French / Savory Tarts
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 6–8 servings total yield)
- Calories: ~400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 150mg