Quiche Lorraine Recipe

Quiche Lorraine is a classic French tart that combines a rich, creamy egg custard with crispy bacon and melted cheese. It's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner. Here’s a complete recipe for this delicious quiche.

Ingredients:

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces

• 2-3 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

• 8 slices of bacon

• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup whole milk

• 4 large eggs

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pie Crust:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients:

   • In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.

2. Cut in Butter:

   • Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture.

   • Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Add Ice Water:

   • Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough comes together.

   • Be careful not to overwork the dough.

4. Chill Dough:

   • Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

5. Roll Out Dough:

   • On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish.

   • Transfer the dough to the pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and up the sides.

   • Trim any excess dough and refrigerate for another 10 minutes.

6. Pre-Bake Crust:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

   • Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.

   • Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the parchment paper and weights.

   • Bake for an additional 5 minutes until the crust is lightly golden.

   • Allow to cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Filling:

1. Cook Bacon:

   • In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels.

   • Once cool, crumble the bacon.

2. Mix Custard:

   • In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, eggs, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).

3. Assemble Quiche:

   • Sprinkle the crumbled bacon evenly over the pre-baked pie crust.

   • Top with shredded cheese.

   • Pour the egg mixture over the bacon and cheese.

4. Bake Quiche:

   • Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the quiche is set in the center and the top is lightly golden.

5. Cool and Garnish:

   • Allow the quiche to cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

   • Garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired.

Serve: Enjoy your Quiche Lorraine warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or fresh fruit.

Feel free to experiment by adding other ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or caramelized onions to customize the quiche to your taste.