Classic French Quiche is the epitome of savory elegance wrapped in a flaky crust. This dish is perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner, offering a creamy, cheesy filling with a delightful touch of bacon. Let's dive into a timeless recipe that's as comforting as it is impressive.
The foundation of this dish lies in the pie crust, providing a flaky, buttery vessel for the delicious filling. Bacon adds a savory, smoky depth, while the combination of heavy cream and whole milk ensures a rich and creamy texture. The eggs work as the binding agent, creating that custard-like consistency. A hint of salt, black pepper, and nutmeg enhances the overall flavor profile, adding warmth and spice. The star of the show, however, is the Gruyère cheese, offering a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that melts beautifully. Finally, a little unsalted butter dotted on top ensures a golden, luscious finish.
Pair this quiche with a fresh, lightly dressed green salad to complement its richness. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted potatoes or a warm vegetable medley. A glass of chilled white wine or a light, sparkling beverage would also enhance the flavors beautifully.
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it's hot and ready to go when your quiche is assembled. Roll out your pie crust gently and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Trim away any excess and prick the bottom with a fork to prevent puffing. Let it chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes to firm up.
While the crust chills, cook your bacon in a skillet over medium heat. You want it crisp, but not overly crunchy. Once done, drain it on paper towels and crumble it up — this will be your savory sprinkle within the quiche.
Next, in a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, eggs, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. This mixture is the custard base and should be smooth and well combined.
Take your pie crust out of the fridge, and evenly spread the crumbled bacon and half of the grated Gruyère cheese over it. Pour the custard mixture over the bacon and cheese, ensuring even coverage. Top it off with the remaining cheese, and dot the surface with little bits of butter. This will help achieve that golden, appetizing top layer.
Bake in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the quiche is set in the center and the top is a lovely golden brown. Let it cool slightly to set further before slicing and serving. Patience is key here — it'll be worth the wait!
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