If you've been on the hunt for a classic dish that impresses with minimal effort, look no further than Quiche Lorraine. This savory pie, with its rich custard filling and crispy bacon, is a staple in French cuisine and perfect for brunch or a light dinner.
The foundation of any good quiche is the pie crust. It provides a buttery, flaky base that holds all of the delicious fillings. Bacon adds a smoky, savory punch that perfectly complements the richness of the quiche. Gruyère cheese is a must for its nutty, creamy texture that melts beautifully into the custard. The eggs and heavy cream create the rich, custardy filling that is the hallmark of any great quiche. A touch of salt, black pepper, and nutmeg enhances the flavors without overpowering them.
Quiche Lorraine is delightful when served with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. It's also great alongside roasted asparagus or a fresh fruit salad, especially if you're enjoying it for brunch. A crisp white wine or a light-bodied red pairs beautifully with the flavors of the quiche.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures an even bake for your quiche. Roll out your pie crust if needed, and place it in a 9-inch pie pan. Set it aside while you prepare the filling.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s nice and crisp. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. After the bacon cools, crumble it into small pieces.
Next, distribute the crumbled bacon evenly over the prepared pie crust. Sprinkle the Gruyère cheese on top, making sure it’s spread out for even coverage.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Pour this custard mixture over the bacon and cheese in the pie crust, gently to avoid disturbing the layers.
Place the quiche in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown top and a center that’s set but still has a slight jiggle. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the custard to firm up a bit more for clean slices.