If you're looking for a dish that combines richness, smokiness, and a touch of sweetness, this Smoked Gouda Quiche Lorraine with Caramelized Onions is your ticket. It's a delightful twist on the classic French quiche that brings comfort and elegance to any table.
The foundation is a 9-inch pie crust, which holds all the delightful fillings together. Thick-cut bacon adds savory, smoky notes that are essential to a classic Lorraine. Smoked gouda cheese, shredded, provides that creamy texture and a slight smokiness that makes this quiche special. Caramelized onions offer a sweet contrast to the savory ingredients, rounding out the flavor profile. The custard mixture, made with eggs, heavy cream, and whole milk, ensures a rich and creamy texture. Seasoned with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg, it brings warmth and subtle spice to the quiche.
This quiche pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted potatoes or a warm soup. A crisp white wine or a light-bodied red complements the flavors nicely.
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This allows the pie crust to be nice and crisp when everything comes together. Place your pie crust in a 9-inch pie pan, pressing it gently into the edges.
Next, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it's crisp. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon and let it drain on a paper towel to get rid of any excess grease.
Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the pie crust. If you haven't caramelized them yet, just cook sliced onions slowly in a bit of butter until they're golden brown and sweet.
Now, sprinkle the cooked bacon and the shredded smoked gouda evenly over the onions. These layers ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. This will form the custard for your quiche. Pour this mixture over the prepared ingredients in the pie crust.
Place the quiche in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You'll know it's done when the center is set and the top has a lovely golden hue. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing, giving the custard time to set up correctly.