Quiche Lorraine
A silky, savory custard baked in a flaky, buttery pastry shell, studded with smoky bacon and a hint of nutmeg. This French classic crossed the Atlantic and became a staple of American brunches, bridal showers, and cozy dinners alike.
For 8 servings
- mix · ~5 min
Cut the butter into the flour.
1.In a large bowl, combine the flour and a pinch of salt.2.Add the cold, cubed butter. Rub with your fingertips or use a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse meal with pea-sized bits of butter.3.Drizzle in the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and gently bring the dough together with a fork. - rest · ~30 min
Chill the dough.
Form the dough into a flat disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
TIPResting the dough relaxes the gluten and keeps the butter cold, so the crust bakes up flaky, not tough. - prep · ~10 min
Roll out the dough and line the pan.
1.On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle about 1/8-inch thick.2.Gently transfer the dough to the tart pan. Press it into the corners without stretching.3.Trim the overhang to about half an inch beyond the rim, then fold the excess underneath to create a thicker edge. Crimp decoratively.4.Prick the bottom all over with a fork. Freeze the lined pan for 15 minutes.TIPFreezing the crust before baking prevents it from shrinking down the sides of the pan. - bake · ~30 min
Blind bake the pastry shell.
1.Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).2.Line the frozen crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.3.Bake for 20 minutes, then carefully remove the parchment and weights.4.Return the crust to the oven and bake until the bottom looks dry and pale golden, about 8 to 10 minutes more. - saute · ~8 min
Cook the bacon until crisp.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until browned and crisp, about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
TIPDon't discard the rendered fat — brush a teaspoon of it onto the baked crust for extra savory depth. - mix · ~2 min
Whisk together the custard.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until completely smooth and no streaks of egg white remain.
- assemble · ~2 min
Assemble the quiche.
1.Scatter the cooked bacon evenly over the bottom of the pre-baked crust.2.Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère over the bacon.3.Place the tart pan on a baking sheet, then slowly pour the custard mixture over the fillings.TIPPlacing the pan on a baking sheet catches any drips and makes transferring the quiche to the oven much easier. - bake · ~35 min
Bake the quiche until just set.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 to 35 minutes, until the custard is puffed at the edges and the center jiggles only slightly when you nudge the pan. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
TIPWatch carefully during the last 5 minutes — overbaking makes the custard weep and turn rubbery. - rest · ~15 min
Cool before slicing.
Transfer the quiche to a wire rack and let it cool for at least 15 minutes. This allows the custard to finish setting so you get clean slices.
- serve
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Slice into 8 wedges and serve. Quiche Lorraine is excellent warm from the oven or at room temperature for a buffet spread.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a flaky crust, keep your butter and water ice-cold and work quickly.
- 2Blind bake with pie weights to prevent the bottom crust from turning soggy.
- 3Brush a little bacon fat on the baked crust for an extra layer of savory flavor.
- 4Bake until the center jiggles slightly—a toothpick inserted near the center should come out clean.
- 5Cool the quiche for at least 15 minutes before slicing to get neat, clean wedges.
- 6For a make-ahead brunch, bake the quiche fully, cool, wrap, and refrigerate; reheat in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Swap the butter pastry for a store-bought frozen deep-dish pie shell and use turkey bacon or Canadian bacon for a lighter quiche.
high proteinHigh-protein
Replace the all-purpose pastry with a crust made from almond flour and egg whites, and double the bacon for a protein-packed quiche.
jainJain
Omit the bacon and onion and replace the Gruyère with a plant-based cheese; use a chickpea flour crust to stay true to Jain dietary restrictions.
vegetarianVegetarian
Skip the bacon altogether and add 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms and 1/2 cup caramelized onions for a hearty meat-free quiche.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Eggs and bacon provide a good amount of complete protein, helping to keep you full and support muscle repair.
Source of Calcium
Gruyère cheese and whole milk contribute calcium for bone health.
Contains Vitamin B12
Eggs and dairy are natural sources of vitamin B12, important for nerve function and red blood cell formation.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, a deep-dish frozen shell works well. You still need to blind-bake it to avoid a soggy bottom.



