What Is a Quiche? (2024)

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WithEasterand brunch season (think Mother’s Day and Father’s Day) fast approaching, I’m reminded of one of the simplest and most delicious dishes to feed a crowd: the quiche. (It also makes a perfect centerpiece to the table!)

A quiche is a simple dish. It’s just an egg custard (eggs whisked with milk or heavy cream) baked in a flaky, buttery pie crust. It is entirely customizable, with additions such asmeats,cheeses,seafood,vegetables, and herbs. A perfect quiche is fluffy, creamy, rich yet still light, with textural elements including sautéedvegetablesor meats, such asbaconorham.

So, how did this versatile crowd pleaser come into existence? Its origins stretch centuries in the past, and are rooted in a place that sounds like a location fromLord of the Rings. And when made just the right way, a quiche is precious….

Who’s Lorraine?

Quiche is known as a classic dish of France, where it gained popularity, yet you might be surprised to learn it actually originated in Germany and dates back to the 1400s. Its name comes from the German word “kuchen,” meaning cake or tart.

This dish was the local cuisine of the German kingdom of Lothringen, which the French took over in World War I. After obtaining the territory, they promptly gave the region a more fitting French moniker, Alsace-Lorraine. The French soon discovered this beloved and tasty dish, adding smoked bacon lardons to the egg custard and calling it “quiche Lorraine.”

Quiche was originally prepared using bread dough for the crust housing a silky egg custard. The bread dough was eventually swapped for puff pastry or a flaky pie crust, resulting in a more delicate dish and giving us thebrunch staplewe all know and love today.

To be considered “Lorraine,” a quiche must consist of eggs, heavy cream or crème fraiche, and lardons, thick, smoky bacon sliced into matchsticks. Some variations of Lorraine exist, such as quiche Alsacienne (see recipe below), which takes a quiche Lorraine and adds grated Gruyère cheese, and quiche Vosgienne, which also includes roasted onions. Quiche Florentine features spinach and Swiss cheese in addition to the eggs and cream.

Endless quiche possibilities

One reason this brunch star is so appealing is the countless variety of options you have when making it. Have some fun experimenting withseasonal produce, leftover meats (such assausageor ham), andsalmonorcrab. Utilize soft cheeses and an array of grated cheeses, too, to give it even more tang and richness. Toss in some zesty herbs and smoky spices for added flair.

Another possibility, and immediate favorite, are mini quiches. For these, start with a standard egg custard and incorporate some different flavors, such asasparagusand ricotta with prosciutto, spinach and goat cheese, butternut squash with thyme and rosemary, or a classic combination of chorizo and cheddar.Mini versionsof this dish are playful and appeal to the appetites of many guests.

Need more reasons why the quiche is a quintessential brunch dish? You can assemble its components ahead of time, saving you from last-minute preparation, and it is equally delicious when served at room temperature or cold, allowing you to mingle and enjoy your guests. With its ease of preparation, adaptability, and make-ahead nature, quiche is here to make your entertaining a whole lot simpler.

I recommend serving any quiche alongside breakfastbreads,pastries,fruits, and crispybacon. You now have a stunning brunch!

Our favorite quiches

For an even easier brunch set-up, check out the gorgeous gourmet quiches from Harry & David. They do the hard work for you, and you get to enjoy every last bite.

Bright Blooms Brunch Gift Box with Wine

I am forever a lover of sweet, caramelized onions, and shamelessly add them to everything, especially eggs. This bundle includes a caramelized onion and triple cheese quiche that is incredible. It also comes with Wolferman’s Bakery English muffins, blueberry preserves, a delicious blueberry loaf cake, coffee, and sparkling wine.Mimosas, anyone?

I love this bundle for any occasion requiring a special toast and gorgeous brunch spread. The gift box it arrives in is just as pretty as the array of goodies inside.

Crab Quiche Duo

Growing up on the East Coast, I have always had a soft spot for crab as an ingredient. This quiche, with its delicate flavor profile, features lump crab, herbs, and Swiss cheese. It is a bit unexpected yet sure to delight everyone’s taste buds.

Brunch Bites Appetizer Trio

Your springtime — or anytime — brunch needs this trifecta of apps. It has something sweet (lemon coconut cheesecakes) and some savory bites (assorted mini quiches and seasonal asparagus wrapped in flaky phyllo dough). The quiches are also made with phyllo dough, giving them a lighter texture than the traditional preparation with pie crust. These little nibbles will make your next brunch impressive yet effortless.

Want to make your own quiche? Try this classic version with Gruyère cheese.

Print Pin

Quiche Alsacienne

5 from 2 votes

Ingredients:

4 strips thick bacon (sliced into lardons (matchsticks))
1 recipe flaky pie dough
4 whole eggs
2 cups heavy cream
¾ cup shredded Gruyère cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions:

For the quiche

In a medium skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Preheat the oven to 375˚ Fahrenheit.
Roll the pie dough out on a lightly floured surface and line a 9-inch pie plate with the dough, building a rim. Place a piece of parchment paper inside the pie plate directly onto the dough and fill with pie weights or dry beans to line the bottom. Par bake the dough for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, cheese, salt, nutmeg, and pepper. Add the bacon.
Reduce the oven to 350˚, remove the parchment from the pie dough, and pour the egg custard into the pie shell. Bake for 25-30 minutes until set. Serve warm or at room temperature.

For the pie crust

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 stick unsalted cold butter, cut into cubes
2 ½ tablespoons ice water
In the bowl of a food processor, add the flour and salt. Quickly pulse to combine. Add the cubes of butter and slowly pulse until the mixture resembles small peas. Add the ice water 1 tablespoon at a time pulsing quickly, just until the dough comes together. You may not need all the ice water.
Turn the pie dough out onto a lightly floured surface and, with floured hands, gather it into a ball. Wrap the ball of dough in cling wrap and flatten slightly into a round disc. Refrigerate the dough at least 2 hours before using.

Author: Janine Nyquist

Course: Brunch

Cuisine: French

Keyword: bacon, quiche

Tried this recipe? Snap a pic and share.Mention @harryanddavid or tag #sharemore!

FAQs

Is a quiche just an omelette? ›

The traditional cooking methods used also set quiches, frittatas, and omelets apart. Quiches are typically baked in the oven; omelets are cooked-over stovetop heat and folded over (with the center most often left custardy and not quite set).

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What do Americans call quiche? ›

quiche in American English

(kiʃ) noun. a pielike dish consisting of an unsweetened pastry shell filled with a custard and usually containing cheese and other ingredients, as vegetables, seafood, or ham. spinach quiche.

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What makes something a quiche? ›

What Is a Quiche? Quiche is a savory French tart with an egg custard (eggs, milk or cream and seasoning) and fillings baked in a pie crust. Quiche filling typically includes at least one kind of cheese, along with blanched vegetables, cooked, diced meat and sometimes seafood.

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What's the difference between quiche and frittata? ›

A frittata is partially cooked in a skillet on the cooktop then finished in the oven. It also has a lower egg to dairy ratio making it closer to an open faced omelet than a pie. Quiche has a creamier, custard-like texture due to more dairy and is cooked entirely in the oven.

Is quiche a main dish or a side? ›

As previously stated, quiche can be served as a main dish or as a side dish and it's often served with a variety of accompaniments. For a healthy dinner, some popular options include a simple green salad, roasted or steamed vegetables, or a salad with mixed greens.

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Do people eat quiche for breakfast? ›

Simply put, quiche is a savory egg pie that is typically served at brunch or breakfast. There are so many different variations of quiche and new flavor combinations are being created every day! But, the version you have probably came across is Quiche Lorraine, which consists of bacon bits, onion and gruyere cheese.

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Are quiches healthy? ›

Not always healthy, quiche could be a diet downfall! Prepared with heavy cream and cheeses and baked in a piecrust, there can be excessive calories and fat.

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What country is famous for quiche? ›

Quiche is a French dish originating from the eastern part of the country. It may derive from an older preparation called féouse typical in the city of Nancy in the 16th century.

What culture eats quiche? ›

That's only natural, since it was in France that quiche first became popular, and it's been a staple of French cuisine for centuries. Surprisingly, though, the quiche actually originated in Germany. It dates back all the way to medieval times, when it became a local cuisine in the kingdom of Lothringen.

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What is a crustless quiche called? ›

In the most basic framework, a quiche has a pie crust and a frittata does not. A quiche is an egg custard pie and a frittata is, well, a crustless quiche.

Are flan and quiche the same? ›

What's the Difference Between Flan and Quiche? Flan, in the British sense, is an open-faced pie or tart with a savory or sweet filling. This can include egg-based pies also called quiche. Quiche is a French dish that is a savory egg tart and can include other fillings like ham, cheese, and vegetables.

Learn More Now ›

Is quiche basically an omelette? ›

Quiche. The Quiche: A quiche is an unsweetened custard pie with savory fillings, although you can certainly make one without the crust, which would be called a “crustless quiche.” It traditionally includes milk or cream and eggs as the base and added to that cheese, vegetables, cooked meats, or whatever you like.

What is a quiche classified as? ›

Quiche (/ˈkiːʃ/ KEESH) is a French tart consisting of a pastry crust filled with savoury custard and pieces of cheese, meat, seafood or vegetables. A well-known variant is quiche lorraine, which includes lardons or bacon. Quiche may be served hot, warm or cold. Quiche.

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Is a frittata just an omelette? ›

While it's similar to an omelet, crustless quiche, and Spanish tortilla, the way a frittata is cooked is what sets it apart. Frittatas are generally thicker than omelets. A frittata is made with the exact same ingredients as an omelet, but here, the milk, or more preferably, cream, is crucial.

What is a breakfast quiche called? ›

Frittatas and quiches are both egg dishes that you can serve for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner, but there are a few key differences between a frittata and a quiche.

What's the difference between egg pie and quiche? ›

The crust is usually topped with a pastry lid, but is sometimes left open. A bacon and egg pie differs from a quiche, most notably due to the absence of cheese and milk and the presence of an upper crust. Also the eggs are not beaten and are whole, or at the most yolks pierced.

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