If you’re searching for a dish that’s elegant, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to prepare, quiche recipes should be at the top of your list. This French-inspired savory pie is made with a rich, creamy egg custard baked in a flaky crust and can be filled with endless combinations of meats, vegetables, and cheeses. Whether you’re serving brunch, lunch, dinner, or entertaining guests, quiche is always a delicious and impressive choice.
Why You’ll Love Making Quiche at Home
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Simple and Elegant – Quiche looks fancy but is easy to make.
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Great for Any Meal – Serve hot or cold for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
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Customizable Fillings – Use whatever meat, veggies, and cheese you like.
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Make Ahead Friendly – Prep in advance and reheat when ready to serve.
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Freezer Friendly – Quiche freezes well and makes great leftovers.
What Is Quiche?
Quiche is a savory, open-faced tart made with a creamy egg-based filling, poured into a pastry crust and baked until set. Originating from France, quiche can be made with a variety of ingredients, such as bacon, cheese, spinach, mushrooms, ham, or tomatoes. The most well-known version is quiche Lorraine, made with bacon and Gruyère cheese.
Ingredients List
For the Crust:
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1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
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½ tsp salt
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½ cup cold butter, cubed
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3–5 tbsp ice water
Alternatively: Use a store-bought pie crust for convenience.
For the Custard Filling:
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4 large eggs
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1 cup whole milk
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½ cup heavy cream
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
For Fillings (Choose 2–3 Ingredients):
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Cooked bacon, ham, sausage
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Shredded cheese (Swiss, cheddar, Gruyère, feta)
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Spinach, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes
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Herbs (chives, thyme, parsley)
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time for homemade crust)
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Cook Time: 40–50 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
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Servings: 6–8 slices
How to Make Quiche from Scratch (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
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Combine flour and salt in a bowl.
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Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until dough comes together.
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Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes.
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Roll out dough and place into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim and crimp the edges.
Step 2: Blind Bake the Crust
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Line crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or beans.
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Bake for 15 minutes, remove weights, then bake another 5–7 minutes.
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Let cool slightly before adding filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Fillings
Cook any raw meat or vegetables in advance. Sauté onions, mushrooms, or spinach to remove moisture and enhance flavor.
Step 4: Make the Custard
Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir in shredded cheese.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
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Layer cooked fillings into the crust.
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Pour egg mixture evenly over the top.
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Bake at 375°F for 35–40 minutes or until the center is just set.
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Let cool 10 minutes before slicing.
Tips for the Best Quiche
1. Don’t Overfill the Crust
Leave a little space at the top to avoid spills and help the custard cook evenly.
2. Cook Moist Vegetables First
Spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini release a lot of water. Sautéing first prevents a soggy quiche.
3. Use the Right Ratio
Stick to 1 part egg to 1.5 parts dairy for a creamy but firm texture.
4. Let It Rest Before Slicing
Allowing the quiche to cool for 10–15 minutes helps it firm up for cleaner slices.
Classic Quiche Lorraine Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 pre-baked pie crust
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6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
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4 eggs
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1 cup whole milk
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½ cup heavy cream
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Salt, pepper, and pinch of nutmeg
Instructions:
Follow the base recipe above using the listed ingredients for filling. Bake until golden and just set.
Vegetarian Quiche Recipes to Try
Spinach and Feta Quiche
Sautéed spinach with crumbled feta and chopped dill or parsley.
Mushroom and Swiss Quiche
Sliced mushrooms cooked in butter, paired with Swiss cheese and thyme.
Roasted Vegetable Quiche
A mix of roasted zucchini, red peppers, and onions with goat cheese or mozzarella.
Meat-Lover’s Quiche Variations
Ham and Cheddar Quiche
Use diced ham and sharp cheddar cheese—simple and family-friendly.
Sausage and Pepper Quiche
Cooked breakfast sausage with diced red or green peppers and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Chicken and Broccoli Quiche
Leftover shredded chicken and lightly steamed broccoli with provolone or mozzarella.
Mini Quiche for Parties and Snacks
Mini quiches are great for brunch spreads or appetizers. Use muffin tins or mini tart pans. Follow the same egg-to-dairy ratio and bake for 20–25 minutes.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
Make Ahead:
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Assemble quiche, cover, and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours.
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Bake just before serving.
Freezing:
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Freeze fully baked and cooled quiche, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months.
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Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm (about 20 minutes).
Serving Suggestions
Quiche is best served warm or at room temperature with simple sides:
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Mixed green salad with vinaigrette
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Roasted potatoes or hash browns
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Fresh fruit or fruit salad
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Soup (like tomato or leek)
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Toast or artisan bread
Nutrition and Dietary Options
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Low-Carb: Make a crustless quiche by skipping the crust. Grease a pie dish and bake as usual.
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pie crust or almond flour crust.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut milk or non-dairy cream and cheese.
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Protein-Packed: Add extra egg whites and lean meats like turkey or chicken.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes. Whole milk works well, but cream adds richness. Use both for a balanced texture.
Q2: Can I use frozen pie crust?
Absolutely. Let it thaw slightly before blind baking.
Q3: How do I know when quiche is done?
The center should be just set but slightly jiggly. It will firm up as it cools.
Q4: Can I make quiche crustless?
Yes! It will still be delicious and is perfect for a low-carb or keto-friendly option.
Q5: How long does quiche last in the fridge?
Up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. Reheat gently before serving.
Conclusion
Quiche is a timeless recipe that offers endless possibilities for customization. From classic quiche Lorraine to modern vegetarian versions, it’s one of the most adaptable and elegant dishes you can bake. Whether you’re hosting brunch, need a quick weeknight meal, or want to prep something ahead, quiche delivers comfort, flavor, and style.
Once you master the basic technique, you can get creative with whatever ingredients you have on hand. And trust me—after your first homemade quiche, you’ll never go back to store-bought.