Quiche Lorraine
Buttery shortcrust filled with bacon, egg and cream.
Quiche Lorraine is a classic protein-forward Continental recipe built around a handful of pantry staples. It serves 6 and comes together in roughly 75 minutes from prep to plate. It sits in the comfortable middle ground: nothing intimidating, but it rewards a little patience during the roughly 75 minutes of active cooking. The method leans on oven-baking, which is what gives the finished dish its signature texture and depth.
The headline ingredients here are shortcrust pastry, bacon and egg. Spend a little time choosing well: fresher, more carefully-sourced versions of these will lift the whole plate, while every other element is mostly there to support them.
Share this recipe
from Cook MaxEvery share includes a link back to Cook Max so friends can discover more free recipes.
125
kcal
8g
Protein
5g
Carbs
8g
Fat
Ingredients
- shortcrust pastry1
- bacon200 g
- egg4
- cream1.5 cups
- gruyere150 g
- onion1
- nutmeg0.25 tsp
- saltstaple
- pepperstaple
Method
- 1Step 1 ~19 min
Blind-bake pastry in tart tin at 200°C for 15 minutes.
- 2Step 2 ~19 min
Crisp bacon with onion; spread in shell with cheese.
- 3Step 3 ~19 min
Whisk eggs, cream, nutmeg, salt and pepper; pour over.
- 4Step 4 ~19 min
Bake at 180°C for 35 minutes till just set.
Per-step times are approximate and based on the total cook time of 75 minutes.
Pro tips & common mistakes
- Preheat the oven fully, and use the middle rack unless the recipe says otherwise — that is where the heat is most even.
- This is a longer cook, so taste as you go and adjust salt in small increments. It is much easier to season up at the end than to rescue a dish that has been over-salted early.
- Taste a small spoonful just before serving and adjust salt, acid (lemon or vinegar) and heat — that final balance check is what separates a good home cook from a great one.
You may also like
- Baked Mac and Cheese45 min · 6 serves
- Baked Macaroni & Cheese40 min · 4 serves
- Beer-Battered Fish & Chips45 min · 4 serves
- Caesar Salad20 min · 4 serves
Browse more Continental recipes or search all recipes.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does Quiche Lorraine take to cook?
- From prep to plate, Quiche Lorraine takes about 75 minutes and yields 6 servings. About a third of that is hands-on; the rest is the cooking itself.
- Is Quiche Lorraine vegetarian?
- No — this version contains non-vegetarian ingredients (shortcrust pastry, bacon, egg). For a vegetarian take, replace the main protein with paneer, halloumi, mushrooms or extra-firm tofu and keep the same spices.
- What are the key ingredients in Quiche Lorraine?
- The headline ingredients are shortcrust pastry, bacon, egg. The rest of the list is supporting cast — spices, aromatics and pantry staples — that round out the flavour rather than carry it.
- Can I scale this recipe up or down?
- Yes. The ingredient quantities scale linearly: halve for 3 servings or double for 12. Cooking times stay roughly the same, except for anything that depends on pan surface area — if you double a stir-fry, cook it in two batches rather than crowding the pan.
- How should I store the leftovers?
- Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently — low heat on the stove with a splash of water, or short bursts in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel so it does not dry out.
- Can I freeze Quiche Lorraine?
- Yes. Cool fully, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently; you may need a splash of water or stock to bring the sauce back to its original consistency.
- What should I serve with Quiche Lorraine?
- Quiche Lorraine pairs naturally with classic continental sides — a simple grain, a fresh salad, or a light pickle to cut through richness. Aim for something that contrasts the main dish in texture or temperature rather than echoing it.
- What if I do not have one of the main ingredients?
- Most ingredients in this recipe have sensible swaps. Match like-for-like by texture and cooking time and you will land somewhere close to the original.