This easy Quiche Lorraine features leeks, bacon, and shredded gruyere cheese. It is the best quiche recipe and a showstopper for any breakfast or brunch!
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Quiche Lorraine Recipe
Quiche Lorraine is perfect for Easter, Mother’s Day, and…BABY SHOWERS! Today we’re celebrating our friend Aimee from Simple Bites. For months Aimee has been waiting for her sweet baby girl to arrive.
What do you get when you have a group of food bloggers plan a baby shower? A show-stopping menu of course! My contribution to this virtual baby shower is this easy quiche Lorraine recipe.
Oh how I would have loved to spend the afternoon with these talented ladies noshing on delicious bites as we celebrated Aimee’s sweet arrival.
It’s times like this that I’m sad my friends are spread out all over the world.
Congratulations, Aimee, on the sweet little girl that you’re family will soon get to enjoy! Little girls are so much fun.
What is Quiche?
If you’ve never tried quiche before, you’re missing out!
Quiche typically features a pastry crust that’s been filled with a mixture of eggs, milk or cream, cheese, and various fillings (bacon, ham, veggies, etc).
Quiche recipes must be baked and can be enjoyed hot or cold.
What is Quiche Lorraine?
It is a French tart with a custardy egg filling that contains bacon or ham. In an authentic French recipe, a traditional Quiche Lorraine doesn’t actually contain cheese.
Quiche Lorraine didn’t become popular outside the Lorraine region of France until the the mid-20th century. However, as popularity of Quiche Lorraine rose, the addition of cheese became relatively common.
Recipes that use cheese have been known to use Swiss, Gruyere, Parmesan, or even Cheddar. The quiche filling in my recipe contains leeks, smoky bacon, an gruyere
Quiche Lorraine is one of the most popular quiche recipes, so it is no surprise that it was the first quiche I learned how to make.
Chances are, if you’ve ever had quiche, you’ve likely had Quiche Lorraine in some form.
Tools Needed to Make this Quiche Recipe
You’ll need a few different kitchen tools to prepare this quiche Lorraine. Here’s what I recommend having on hand before beginning this recipe:
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – to measure ingredients.
- Food Processor – for preparing the pie crust dough in.
- Rolling Pin – to rough the dough out with.
- Pie Dish or Tart Pan with Removable Bottom – for baking the quiche Lorraine in.
- Medium Bowl – for preparing the quiche filling in.
- Large Skillet – for cooking the bacon and leeks.
- Rimmed Baking Sheet – to place under the quiche as it bakes. This catches any spills and makes it easier to transfer the quiche to and from the oven.
- Wire Rack – to cool the baked quiche on.
Quiche Lorraine Ingredients
Although you can make homemade quiche with any fillings you’d like, this quiche Lorraine recipe is essentially a bacon and leek quiche. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:
- Unbaked Pie Crust
- Leeks
- Bacon
- Gruyere Cheese
- Large Eggs
- Half and Half
- Salt and Pepper
- Nutmeg
- Cayenne
For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions to make the best Quiche Lorraine, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.
How to Make Quiche Lorraine
This leek and bacon quiche is actually quite simple to throw together. Here’s how I like to make homemade quiche Lorraine:
- Press the pie crust into an 8- or 9-inch pie plate, then bake for 5 minutes.
- Remove crust from oven and prick all over with a fork. Return to oven for 5 more minutes.
- Chop and wash the leek, then dice the bacon into tiny pieces.
- In a skillet, cook the bacon crumbles until crisp, then add the leeks.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne.
- Add the leek and bacon mixture to the pie plate. Top with half the grated Gruyere.
- Pour the egg mixture into the pie plate, then top with remaining cheese.
- Bake until the center is set and the top is golden.
The above is simply a quick summary of this recipe. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.
How Long to Cook Quiche Lorraine
If using an 8- or 9-inch pie plate, your quiche Lorraine will need to bake at 350 degrees F for roughly 35 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set.
Tips for Making the Best Quiche Lorraine Recipe
- For a flaky crust, make sure you start with cold butter when making the pie dough.
- If you’re unused to cooking with leeks, you may find it helpful to read my guide on How to Clean Leeks. Leeks are one of my favorite vegetables.
- If you know you’ll be making this quiche Lorraine recipe later this week, consider making a batch of Homemade Bacon Bits beforehand so you can minimize the prep work when making this easy quiche recipe.
- This is an especially useful tip to keep in mind if you’ll be making this quiche Lorraine for guests and you’re worried you’ll be short on time day-of!
- Leftover quiche Lorraine can be enjoyed cold or warm. Avoid using the microwave to reheat quiche, as that often makes the egg filling rubbery.
Quiche Lorraine FAQ
Got questions about how to make this butter pie crust recipe? Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions. Feel free to leave any other questions in the comments on this post and I’ll respond with answers.
Do I Have to Make my Own Pie Crust?
No, you definitely don’t! I love homemade pie crust, but you can use store-bought pie crust if you prefer. Just make sure that it is unbaked.
What Can I Substitute for Gruyere Cheese?
If you can’t find gruyere at your grocery store, Swiss cheese has a similar taste and is a great substitute that is readily available.
Can You Freeze Quiche?
Quite easily, yes! Once you’ve baked the quiche Lorraine, let it cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap and storing in the freezer.
When you’re ready to eat the frozen quiche, reheat it from frozen in a 350 degree F oven.
Alternately, you can slice and freeze individual slices of bacon and leek quiche and reheat them when you need a quick lunch or breakfast.
How to Store Leftover Quiche
Leftovers should be cooled completely, then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
If you don’t have a container large enough for the pie plate, then you can cut the quiche into individual slices before storing.
Try this Quiche Lorraine at Home!
Next time you’re looking for a savory brunch recipe, give this Classic Quiche Lorraine recipe a try!
Did you think this classic recipe was the perfect savory tart? Leave a comment below and give it a review for others to see what you thought of this easy recipe.
On Instagram? Share your photo and tag me with @goodlifeeats and #goodlifeeatsrecipes. I’d love to see your photo of this bacon and cheese quiche!
More Easy Brunch Recipes:
Who can say no to a pile of fluffy Homemade Waffles? This waffle recipe is for classic waffles, no special ingredients required.
Gooey Caramel Pecan Rolls are perfect for a special occasion brunch. They feature a soft brioche dough, cinnamon filling, and tons of caramel pecan topping. They’re seriously the best sticky buns!
This Cardamom Citrus Coffee Cake is a wonderful make-ahead brunch item that pairs perfectly with a warm cup of coffee or tea.
This recipe for Blueberry Lemon Scones is a simple scone recipe that features hints of lemon juice and fresh blueberries to a traditional flakey scone.
These mini Crustless Broccoli Quiche are made in muffin tins and are perfect for on-the-go breakfasts! This delicious recipe is great for meal prepping and can be frozen for later.
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Quiche Lorraine
This easy Quiche Lorraine features leeks, bacon, and shredded gruyere cheese. It is the best quiche recipe and a showstopper for any breakfast or brunch!
Ingredients
For the Quiche Crust
- 1 1/4 cups (15-160 grams) All-Purpose Flour, plus extra for rolling
- 1/2 cup (1 stick or 4 ounces) very cold Unsalted Butter
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 3 to 4 tablespoons ice water
For the Quiche Filling
- 2 medium Leeks, white and light green only
- 10 slices Center-Cut Bacon
- 6 ounces Gruyere Cheese
- 6 Large Eggs
- 1 cup Half and Half
- 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
- 1/8 tsp Black Pepper
- 2 dashes Ground Nutmeg
- 1 dash Ground Cayenne Pepper
Instructions
Preparing the Quiche Crust
- Cube the butter into 1/2 inch pieces.
- Place them on a freezer-safe plate or cutting board and freeze until very firm, approximately 30 minutes.
- Sift together the flour, salt, and sugar.
- Add the flour mixture to a food processor along with the butter. Pulse the ingredients until the butter is cut into coarse crumbs.
- Add the ice cold water 2 tablespoons at a time while pulsing the food processor until the mixture becomes a crumbly dough and forms together.
- On an un-floured surface, turn the dough out and shape it into a circle approximately 6" in diameter, kneading as little as possible (pockets of butter are what keep the crust flaky and tender).
- Dust both sides of each circle with a bit of flour and wrap in plastic wrap.
- Freeze for 30 minutes or refrigerate for an hour. Remove the dough from the refrigerator or freezer.
- Set it aside while you dust the work surface and rolling pin with flour.
- Unwrap one dough circle and roll with a rolling pin until the dough has formed a circle about 12" in diameter and slightly thicker than 1/8 inch.
- When the dough is the proper size, wrap it gently around the rolling pin to transfer to the pie plate.
- Press the dough into the 9" pie plate and shape the edges according to your desired design.
Baking the Quiche Crust
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Then, bake the crust for 5 minutes.
- Remove the crust from the oven and prick the bottom and sides with the tips of a fork. Return to the oven and bake 5 more minutes. Remove and set aside.
Preparing the Quiche Filling
- Cut the dark green portion and roots off the leeks and discard. Cut the remaining portion in half lengthwise, then each portion in half again lengthwise.
- Chop and wash the leek. Set aside.
- Dice the uncooked bacon into small, bite-sized pieces. In a medium-sized cast iron skillet, add the bacon and cook over medium heat until crispy.
- Add the chopped leeks and cook for 3 minutes, until tender.
- Grate 6 ounces of Gruyere cheese. Set aside. Add the eggs, half and half, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne to a bowl. Lightly beat until combined.
- Add the leek and bacon mixture to the pie plate. Top with half of the cheese. Pour the egg mixture on top.
- Top the egg mixture with the remaining grated Gruyere.
Baking the Quiche Lorraine
- Bake at 350˚ for 35-50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Allow to rest for 10-5 minutes before cutting and serving.
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Nutrition Information
Yield 8 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 389Total Fat 26gSaturated Fat 12gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 13gCholesterol 189mgSodium 740mgCarbohydrates 19gFiber 1gSugar 2gProtein 18g
Julia
Tuesday 24th of April 2012
I love a hearty comforting quiche! This one looks outstanding, Katie!
Frances
Tuesday 3rd of April 2012
Quiche is perfect for any gathering of women. Whether it is a baby shower, bridal shower or just an afternoon get together. They are simple to make with lots of flavor. Best of all they can be made a head of time and reheated which gives plenty of time for socializing!
Jamie | My Baking Addiction
Monday 12th of March 2012
I always forget about quiche - this looks like it would be absolutely perfect for a Sunday brunch. Beautiful, Katie!
Tickled Red
Monday 12th of March 2012
That looks delicious! I will be making this for Easter brunch.
Shaina
Sunday 11th of March 2012
I love quiche. Adore quiche. This looks so fluffy and perfect. I'm so happy for Aimee and the entire Bourque family. I only wish we could have really been together for a shower (and not just because you were bringing quiche). ;)