Make the perfect Quiche Lorraine for dinner or brunch. This quick and easy dish features shortbread dough, savory egg custard, and a filling of chicken, bacon, cheese, green peas, and onion. To make this perfect dinner, follow the step-by-step Quiche Lorraine recipe with useful tips. It does not take much time to prepare, so it is a perfect option when you need to make something delicious in a short time.
Ah, Quiche Lorraine, a timeless classic that never fails to delight with its rich and savory flavors. Originating from the picturesque Lorraine region of France, this beloved dish has made its way into kitchens around the world, captivating taste buds with its creamy custard filling and delectable combination of bacon, cheese, and chicken. Whether enjoyed as a comforting dinner or a delightful addition to a brunch spread, Quiche Lorraine is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. So why not treat yourself and your loved ones to the warm, comforting embrace of this iconic dish? With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of culinary know-how, you'll be well on your way to creating a masterpiece that's sure to impress!
What is a Quiche Lorraine?
Quiche Lorraine has a delightfully rich and savory flavor thanks to its creamy custard filling, which is infused with the flavors of bacon, cheese, and chicken, often complemented by the subtle warmth of caramelized onions. The bacon adds a smoky, salty depth to every bite, while the custard is smooth and velvety. The shortbread dough provides a contrast of butteriness and flakiness and rounds out the ensemble with its golden brown exterior.
Quiche Lorraine has a history rooted in French culinary tradition and originated in the Lorraine region of northeastern France. Its humble beginnings can be traced back to the rural kitchens of the region. Simple ingredients such as eggs, cream, and bacon were combined to create a hearty and satisfying dish. Eventually, Quiche Lorraine spread far beyond its birthplace, becoming a staple of French cuisine. Today, it is appreciated around the world for its delicious flavors and versatility. It is often enjoyed as a comforting meal or as an elegant addition to brunch menus.
Quiche Lorraine Ingredients
Shortbread dough:
- Flour: Used to make the crust, giving the quiche structure and stability.
- Butter: Creates a tender, flaky texture and adds richness and flavor to the crust.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor of the crust and helps balance the sweetness of the filling.
- Egg: Provides richness and texture and binds the ingredients together, forming the base of the custard filling.
Filling:
- Chicken breast: Adds protein and a delicate meaty taste to quiche.
- Bacon: Adds a savory and smoky flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and richness to the filling.
- Cheddar: Melts into the stuffing, adding a rich and tangy flavor.
- Cream: Creates a creamy, luxurious texture, making the filling smooth and velvety.
- Eggs: Mix with the cream for a rich, creamy filling that will help the dough set.
- Green peas: Add sweetness and color to the filling.
- Paprika, coriander, thyme, rosemary: Herbs and spices that enhance the flavor profile of the quiche, adding depth and complexity.
- Salt: A seasoning that helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Leek: Provides a mild onion taste and texture to the filling.
- Frying Oil: Used to add flavor and ensure even cooking of the chicken breast, bacon, and leek.
How to Make Quiche Lorraine at Home?
- To make the dough: Combine the flour and cold butter in a blender (use knife attachment) until crumbly.
- Transfer to a bowl, add 1 egg and salt. Mix and roll out with a rolling pin to a thickness of 0.5-1 cm.
- Place in a 26 cm diameter baking dish. Cut off excess dough and form a flat side (2 cm).
- Then, place in the refrigerator to stabilize (20 minutes).
- To make the filling: Dice the onion, bacon, and chicken.
- Then, grate cheddar cheese.
- Heat a frying pan, add oil, and sauté onion (3-4 minutes), add chicken and bacon, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for another 5 minutes until golden brown, then add the peas.
- Then, whisk the eggs until smooth, and add the cream, paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper.
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Cover the dough with parchment, fill with salt to form nice sides, and bake the dough.
- Preheat the oven to 392 degrees F (200 degrees C) and put the dough in for 6-7 minutes.
- Take it out, remove the salt and the parchment.
- Put the filling in the dough and pour a mixture of eggs and cream over it. The mixture should cover the filling but not overflow.
- Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and bake in the oven at 356 degrees F (180 degrees C) for 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 1 hour. Slice, heat, and eat!
Chef Recipe Tips:
- If the dough is not baked before adding the filling, it will be soggy.
- Chicken fillet can be replaced with thigh, turkey, or rabbit.
- You can also use ham and mushrooms.
- In the classic recipe, we use Gruyère cheese instead of cheddar.
What to Serve with Quiche Lorraine?
Quiche Lorraine pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes that complement its rich and savory flavors. Here are a few delicious options to consider:
- Green Salad: A refreshing contrast to the richness of the quiche is a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.
- Roasted vegetables: Add color, flavor, and texture to your meal with roasted vegetables such as asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers.
- Soup: A comforting and satisfying accompaniment to quiche is a warm bowl of soup, such as tomato basil or butternut squash soup.
- Fresh fruit: To balance the savory flavors of quiche, sliced fresh fruit such as grapes, berries, or melon adds a sweet and refreshing element.
- Crusty Bread: Serve slices of crusty bread or baguette on the side to dip into the quiche filling or to enjoy with each bite.
- Potato Salad: A hearty and comforting side dish that pairs well with the flavors of quiche is a creamy potato salad or potato gratin.
- Quinoa Salad: A nutritious and satisfying accompaniment to quiche is a light and flavorful quinoa salad with fresh herbs, vegetables, and a citrus vinaigrette dressing.
Can Quiche be Made Ahead??
You can bake the crust ahead, cook the bacon, caramelize the onions, beat the egg cream with everything except the cheese, and chill. Then assemble just before baking.
Or you can bake the entire quiche and let it cool, then refrigerate until 1 hour before serving. Be sure to remove the quiche from the refrigerator about 1 hour before serving, as it is best served at room temperature.
If you want to serve it warm, preheat the oven to 200˚F, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes.
Can I Freeze Quiche Lorraine?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to three months. After baking, allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature. Wrap the cake in several layers of plastic wrap and cover with foil to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, allow the quiche to thaw completely in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, then remove the plastic wrap, cover with foil, and bake at 200˚F for 30 minutes or until hot in the center.
Dough: Combine the flour and cold butter in a blender (use knife attachment) until crumbly.
Transfer to a bowl, add 1 egg and salt. Mix and roll out with a rolling pin to a thickness of 0.5-1 cm.
Place in a 26 cm diameter baking dish. Cut off excess dough and form a flat side (2 cm).
Place in the refrigerator to stabilize (20 minutes).
Filling: Dice the onion, bacon, and chicken breast.
Grate cheddar cheese.
Heat a frying pan, add oil, and sauté onion (3-4 minutes), add chicken and bacon, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for another 5 minutes until golden brown, then add the peas.
Whisk the eggs until smooth, add the cream, paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper.
Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Cover the dough with parchment, fill with salt to form nice sides, and bake the dough.
Preheat the oven to 392 degrees F (200 degrees C) and put the dough in for 6-7 minutes.
Take it out, remove the salt and the parchment.
Put the filling in the dough and pour a mixture of eggs and cream over it. The mixture should cover the filling but not overflow.
Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and bake in the oven at 356 degrees F (180 degrees C) for 20 minutes.
Remove from oven and let cool for 1 hour. Slice, heat, and eat.
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
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Want to take your Quiche Lorraine to the next level? Try adding a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg to the custard filling for a subtle hint of warmth and complexity. This secret ingredient adds an extra layer of flavor that elevates the dish to new heights, leaving your guests craving more with every bite. And if you're feeling adventurous, don't be afraid to experiment with different variations of cheese or fillings to put your own unique spin on this classic recipe. Whether you stick to tradition or venture into uncharted territory, one thing's for sure – with a little creativity and imagination, Quiche Lorraine has the potential to become a culinary masterpiece that's truly unforgettable.
