Quiche Lorraine: A Classic French Savory Pie with Bacon, Cheese, and a Flaky Pastry Crust

Quiche Lorraine: A Classic French Savory Pie with Bacon, Cheese, and a Flaky Pastry Crust

Quiche Lorraine is a timeless French dish that combines a rich, custardy filling with crispy bacon and melted cheese, all encased in a buttery, flaky pastry crust. This savory pie is perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner and pairs wonderfully with a fresh, crisp salad.

Ingredients:

For the pastry crust:
– 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 3-4 tablespoons ice water

For the filling:
– 6 slices of bacon, chopped
– 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
– 1/2 cup finely chopped onions or shallots
– 3 large eggs
– 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the pastry crust:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough begins to come together.
4. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Pre-bake the crust:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish.
3. Transfer the dough to the pie dish and press it into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough.
4. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans.
5. Bake the crust for about 15 minutes, then remove the parchment paper and weights and bake for another 5 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside.

3. Prepare the filling:
1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
2. In the same skillet, add the onions or shallots and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

4. Assemble the quiche:
1. Sprinkle the cooked bacon, onions, and grated Gruyère cheese evenly over the pre-baked crust.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Pour the egg mixture over the bacon and cheese in the pie crust.

5. Bake the quiche:
1. Place the quiche in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is lightly browned.
2. Remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your delicious Quiche Lorraine, a savory masterpiece that showcases the perfect harmony of creamy filling, crispy bacon, and a flaky pastry crust!