Golden, creamy, and decadently savory — Quiche Lorraine is the queen of French tarts. Hailing from the Lorraine region in northeastern France, this beloved dish has become a staple in French cafés, home kitchens, and brunch menus around the world.

With its flaky pastry crust, rich custard filling, and salty morsels of bacon, Quiche Lorraine is the perfect balance of rustic charm and refined flavor. In this blog, we’ll explore its origins, how to make it like a French local, and tips to elevate your quiche game.

🇫🇷 What Is Quiche Lorraine?

Quiche Lorraine is a savory tart traditionally made with:

A buttery shortcrust pastry

A rich egg and cream custard

Crisp lardons or smoked bacon

While today many versions include cheese, the original French version did not. However, adding Gruyère or Emmental has become popular and widely accepted—even in France!

🏰 A Brief History

Originating in the Lorraine region, near the German border, the word "quiche" comes from the German word "Kuchen," meaning cake. The dish evolved from a peasant pie baked in wood-fired ovens into the elegant version we enjoy today.

Originally made with just eggs and cream in a bread dough crust, Quiche Lorraine became the buttery, flaky, bacon-rich dish we now associate with French cuisine after the 19th century.

🧂 Classic Ingredients

To make a traditional Quiche Lorraine, you’ll need:

Shortcrust pastry (pâte brisée) – Homemade or store-bought

200g smoked bacon or lardons – Cut into small pieces

3 large eggs

250ml heavy cream (or crème fraîche)

Salt, pepper, and nutmeg

Optional: 100g grated Gruyère or Emmental cheese

🧑‍🍳 How to Make Quiche Lorraine – Step-by-Step

🔪 Ingredients:

1 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought shortcrust)

200g bacon lardons or thick-cut smoked bacon

3 large eggs

250ml heavy cream (or half cream, half milk)

1/4 tsp salt, freshly ground pepper, pinch of nutmeg

100g grated Gruyère (optional but delicious)

🍳 Instructions:

1. Blind Bake the Crust

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).

Roll out your pastry and line a tart tin (9-inch), prick the base with a fork.

Line with parchment and fill with pie weights or dried beans.

Bake for 10–12 minutes, remove weights, and bake another 5–7 minutes until lightly golden.

2. Prepare the Filling

Sauté the bacon in a dry pan until crisp. Drain on paper towels.

In a bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

Stir in the cheese (if using).

3. Assemble the Quiche

Spread the bacon evenly over the pre-baked crust.

Pour the custard mixture over the top.

Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30–35 minutes, or until the filling is just set and lightly golden on top.

4. Cool and Serve

Let it cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

🥗 Serving Suggestions

Quiche Lorraine is extremely versatile and can be served in many ways:

With a green salad and vinaigrette for a light lunch

As part of a brunch spread with croissants and fruit

Paired with white wine (Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, or Crémant)

Packed for a picnic or casual gathering

🧀 Variations to Try

While Quiche Lorraine is delicious in its original form, feel free to add a twist:

Spinach and Cheese Quiche – Add sautéed spinach and nutmeg.

Mushroom Quiche – Sauté mushrooms with garlic and thyme.

Goat Cheese and Tomato Quiche – Creamy and tangy, perfect for summer.

Vegetarian Lorraine – Replace bacon with caramelized onions or leeks.

📝 Tips for the Perfect Quiche

Use full-fat cream for a richer, silkier texture.

Always blind-bake the crust to avoid a soggy bottom.

Don’t overbake – the center should still have a gentle wobble when it comes out of the oven.

Let it rest before slicing – this helps the custard set properly.

❤️ Why You’ll Love Quiche Lorraine

Quiche Lorraine is a dish that never goes out of style. It’s elegant yet comforting, impressive yet easy to make. Whether for breakfast, lunch, brunch, or dinner, it’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table.

It’s also perfect for meal prep—just refrigerate or freeze slices and reheat as needed.

🇫🇷 Final Thoughts

Quiche Lorraine is the soul of French home cooking—a warm, savory embrace wrapped in flaky pastry. With just a few ingredients and a little care, you can recreate this classic at home and bring a slice of France to your kitchen.

So the next time you're planning a brunch or looking for a make-ahead meal that wows, say “oui” to Quiche Lorraine.

Bon appétit!