The Ultimate Deep-Dish Quiche Lorraine Recipe

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Craving Comfort Food? This Deep-Dish Quiche Lorraine is Your Answer!

Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, savory slice of quiche. But not just any quiche – a deep-dish Quiche Lorraine, packed with creamy custard, smoky bacon, and nutty Gruyère cheese. It’s surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Ready to bring this naturally delicious dish to your table?

Why You’ll Love It

Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of eggs, cream, and cheese creates an incredibly decadent and satisfying flavor profile that is naturally comforting.
Perfectly Balanced Texture: The flaky, buttery crust complements the creamy, custard-like filling, providing a wonderful contrast in every bite and enhancing the naturally delicious flavors.
Easy to Prepare: While it looks impressive, this deep-dish quiche comes together with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. It’s naturally achievable for any home cook.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Serve it for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. It’s equally delightful for casual family meals or elegant gatherings and fits naturally into any menu.
Customizable to Your Taste: Easily adapt the recipe with different cheeses, meats, or vegetables to create your personalized quiche masterpiece, enhancing the naturally great flavors.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

What sets this Deep-Dish Quiche Lorraine apart is the emphasis on a generous filling and a perfectly golden-brown crust. By pre-baking the crust and using a higher ratio of custard to fillings, we achieve a depth of flavor and texture that is truly extraordinary. The naturally sourced ingredients shine through, creating a dish that’s both comforting and elegant.

Ingredient List

Pastry Dough: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ tsp salt, ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter (cubed), ¼ cup ice water. This forms the foundation of our quiche.
Bacon: 6 ounces thick-cut bacon, diced. Bacon infuses a delightful smoky flavor throughout the quiche.
Eggs: 6 large. They are crucial for creating the creamy custard base.
Heavy Cream: 1 ½ cups. Adds richness and helps create a velvety texture.
Gruyère Cheese: 1 cup shredded. Gruyère brings a nutty and slightly sweet flavor.
Nutmeg: Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg. Adds a warm, aromatic touch.
Salt and Pepper: To taste. Seasoning is essential to balance the flavors naturally.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pastry Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Pre-bake the Crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to fit a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. Press the dough into the plate, trim the edges, and crimp as desired. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the parchment paper and weights, and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown. Let cool slightly.
Cook the Bacon: While the crust is pre-baking, cook the diced bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat.
Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Quiche: Sprinkle the cooked bacon and shredded Gruyère cheese evenly over the bottom of the pre-baked crust. Pour the egg mixture over the bacon and cheese.
Bake the Quiche: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-55 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden brown. The center should be just slightly jiggly.
Cool and Serve: Let the quiche cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature for a naturally delicious experience.

Optional Toppings/Variations

Want to elevate your Deep-Dish Quiche Lorraine even further? Consider these delightful additions:

Caramelized Onions: Slowly cook sliced onions in butter until they are golden brown and sweet. Spread them over the bacon and cheese before adding the egg mixture. Their sweetness naturally complements the savory filling.
Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh thyme, chives, or parsley over the top of the quiche before baking for an extra burst of flavor and color. These naturally enhance the aroma.
Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter with garlic until tender. Add them to the quiche along with the bacon and cheese. They introduce an earthy flavor that naturally enhances the dish.

Expert Tips

Keep Ingredients Cold: Using cold butter and ice water when making the pastry dough is crucial for a flaky crust. This helps prevent the butter from melting too quickly, resulting in a naturally tender texture.
Pre-bake the Crust: Pre-baking the crust prevents it from becoming soggy when you add the filling. This step is essential for achieving a crispy, golden-brown base.
Don’t Overfill: Avoid overfilling the quiche crust, as this can cause the filling to spill over during baking. Leave about ½ inch of space at the top of the crust.
Bake Low and Slow: Baking the quiche at a lower temperature ensures that the filling cooks evenly and prevents it from becoming rubbery. This results in a naturally creamy texture.
Let it Rest: Allowing the quiche to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing helps the filling set and makes it easier to cut. This ensures each slice holds its shape nicely. Letting it rest brings out the flavors naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I substitute the Gruyère cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Gruyère with other cheeses like Swiss, Emmental, or even sharp cheddar. Each will provide a slightly different flavor profile, but all will work beautifully in this recipe. Selecting naturally flavorful substitutes can create exciting variations.
Can I make this quiche ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the quiche (unbaked) and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to bake it. This makes it naturally convenient for meal prep or entertaining.
How do I store leftover quiche?
Store leftover quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave. Leftover quiche is a naturally delicious snack or light meal.
Can I freeze this quiche?
Yes, you can freeze baked quiche. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Freezing is a naturally great way to preserve it for later enjoyment.
What can I serve with this quiche?
This quiche pairs well with a simple green salad, fresh fruit, or a side of roasted vegetables. A light soup also complements it nicely. These options naturally enhance the meal.

Variations and Customization Options

Make this Deep-Dish Quiche Lorraine your very own! Here are some fun variations to try:

Vegetarian Quiche: Omit the bacon and add sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or asparagus. Consider adding feta cheese for a salty, tangy twist. The natural flavors of the vegetables make a wonderful vegetarian dish.
Seafood Quiche: Incorporate cooked shrimp, crabmeat, or smoked salmon for a luxurious seafood quiche. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. The natural taste of the sea adds an elegant dimension.
Spicy Quiche: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for a little heat. Consider using pepper jack cheese for an extra kick. This naturally adds warmth and excitement.

Serving Suggestions

This Deep-Dish Quiche Lorraine is a showstopper all on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it even more special. Serve it warm or at room temperature with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. A side of fresh fruit, like berries or melon, also complements the richness of the quiche. For a brunch gathering, consider serving it alongside mimosas or a pitcher of iced tea. This naturally creates a balanced and delightful meal.

Ready to Bake Your Own Deep-Dish Quiche Lorraine?

This Deep-Dish Quiche Lorraine is a naturally satisfying and impressive dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. With its creamy filling, smoky bacon, and flaky crust, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your home. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece! Don’t forget to snap a photo of your finished quiche and share it with friends. Happy baking!

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