If you’ve ever longed for that perfect blend of crispy bacon, velvety Swiss cheese, and a luxuriously creamy custard nestled in a buttery crust, then the Classic French Quiche Lorraine with Bacon, Swiss Cheese, and Cream Recipe is exactly what you need to bring your brunch or dinner table to life. This timeless dish is a celebration of rich textures and comforting flavors that make every bite feel like a warm hug from a dear friend. Whether it’s a weekend gathering or a special holiday meal, this quiche manages to create an elegant yet effortless impression that’s sure to impress and satisfy everyone seated at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the first step to mastering this classic French quiche. Each item brings its own magic, whether it’s the saltiness of the bacon, the creamy smoothness of the Swiss cheese, or the subtle richness of the cream, making the final quiche a perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color.
- Pie crust: Use store-bought or homemade for a flaky, buttery base that holds all the delicious fillings.
- Bacon (6 slices): Cook until crispy and crumble to add smoky, savory crunch to every forkful.
- Swiss cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts beautifully to lend a nutty, creamy flavor that’s quintessential to this quiche.
- Eggs (4 large): The backbone of the custard, binding everything together with rich silkiness.
- Milk or cream (1 ½ cups): Creates a luscious, tender filling that sets just right.
- Salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper (¼ tsp): Adds subtle warmth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Nutmeg (¼ tsp, optional): Brings a delicate hint of spice that complements the creamy custard perfectly.
How to Make Classic French Quiche Lorraine with Bacon, Swiss Cheese, and Cream Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Crust
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C), a critical step to ensure even baking. Nestle the pie crust into your dish and give it a quick par-bake for about 8 minutes. This step prevents sogginess later, maintaining a crisp, flaky base to hold all the luscious fillings.
Step 2: Layer the Bacon and Cheese
Scatter the crispy, crumbled bacon evenly across the partially baked crust, followed by the shredded Swiss cheese. This layering builds the classic flavor foundation of the quiche Lorraine, creating savory pockets of gooey melted cheese balanced by smoky bacon bites.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk or cream, salt, pepper, and a touch of nutmeg if you’re using it. The whisking blends these simple ingredients into a smooth custard that will bake into the silky filling this recipe is famous for—just like the traditional French version.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Pour the prepared custard over the bacon and cheese nestled in the crust, making sure it spreads evenly. Slide it into your oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center, achieving a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 5: Rest Before Slicing
Once baked, let your quiche rest for about 10 minutes outside the oven. This pause allows the filling to settle and makes slicing a breeze while preserving its luscious creaminess inside every slice.
How to Serve Classic French Quiche Lorraine with Bacon, Swiss Cheese, and Cream Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your quiche Lorraine with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or even a few sprigs of tarragon. These not only add bursts of fresh green color but also bring a gentle herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich custard.
Side Dishes
Perfectly paired with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables, this quiche also shines alongside simple sides like a fresh tomato salad or pickled vegetables for a balance of flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this quiche Lorraine in individual muffin tins to create personal-sized portions. Alternatively, cutting the quiche into wedges and pairing each with a small dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche dressed with lemon zest offers an elegant touch for entertaining guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can refrigerate leftover quiche covered with aluminum foil or in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This makes it a fantastic option for easy lunches or quick breakfasts, maintaining all those wonderful flavors and textures.
Freezing
Classic French Quiche Lorraine with Bacon, Swiss Cheese, and Cream Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Wrap the cooled quiche tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you want a delicious meal fast, just thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 15 minutes or until warm throughout to preserve the crisp crust and creamy filling. Avoid microwave reheating to keep the texture as delightful as when freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use Gruyère cheese instead of Swiss cheese for this quiche?
Absolutely! Gruyère is a classic alternative that melts just as nicely and adds a slightly nuttier, more complex flavor that complements the bacon beautifully in this quiche.
What if I don’t have pie crust ready?
You can easily make your own pie crust with basic pantry staples like flour, butter, and a pinch of salt. Alternatively, puff pastry can be a delicious substitute that gives the quiche an extra flaky texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the bacon with sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or spinach to maintain that savory depth without the meat. The Swiss cheese and creamy custard still provide plenty of rich flavor.
Can I prepare the quiche the night before serving?
Definitely, the Classic French Quiche Lorraine with Bacon, Swiss Cheese, and Cream Recipe tastes even better the next day once the flavors meld. Bake it the night before and gently reheat before serving.
Why add nutmeg to the custard?
Nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and aromatic complexity that enhances the creamy custard’s flavor without overpowering the bacon and Swiss cheese, a traditional touch in French cooking.
Final Thoughts
Making the Classic French Quiche Lorraine with Bacon, Swiss Cheese, and Cream Recipe is such a joy because it brings a true taste of France right into your home kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. I can’t encourage you enough to try this recipe and savor the perfect balance of that crispy, creamy, and cheesy goodness. It’s versatile, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser whether for a leisurely brunch or a cozy dinner with loved ones.
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Classic French Quiche Lorraine with Bacon, Swiss Cheese, and Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A classic French quiche with creamy custard, crispy bacon, and melted Swiss cheese baked in a flaky pie crust — perfect for brunch, holidays, or tea-time.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Filling
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese
- 4 eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk or cream
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the quiche evenly.
- Par-bake crust: Place the pie crust in a pie dish and bake it for 8 minutes to partially cook the crust, preventing it from becoming soggy when the filling is added.
- Add filling: Spread the cooked and crumbled bacon evenly over the crust, followed by the shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese to build the flavorful base of your quiche.
- Prepare custard: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or cream, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using) until fully combined and smooth.
- Pour custard over filling: Carefully pour the egg mixture over the bacon and cheese in the crust, ensuring an even distribution.
- Bake the quiche: Place the assembled quiche in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is lightly golden.
- Rest and serve: Remove the quiche from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the custard to firm up for perfect slices.
Notes
- For extra flavor and texture, add sautéed onions, spinach, or mushrooms to the filling.
- This quiche can be made ahead and reheated; perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- Quiche freezes well after baking—wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
