Quick & Savory: Ina Garten’s Quiche Lorraine Recipe for Brunch
Quiche lorraine stands as a classic French dish that whispers comfort and elegance in every creamy, savory bite.
Rich, golden eggs meld perfectly with crisp bacon and delicate Ina Garten quiche lorraine recipe techniques that elevate this traditional breakfast staple.
Buttery pastry cradles a silky custard studded with smoky bacon pieces that dance across your palate.
The recipe promises a delightful balance of flavors that speaks directly to culinary lovers seeking authentic French cuisine.
Professional chefs and home cooks alike adore this timeless breakfast classic for its simplicity and depth of flavor.
Each slice promises a journey through rustic French culinary traditions, combining simple ingredients with expert techniques.
Your weekend brunch will never be the same after mastering this irresistible quiche that brings Paris right to your dining table.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Calories: 360 kcal
Servings: 8
Essentials for Ina Garten’s Quiche Lorraine
For Base and Flavor:
Pie Crust: Buttery foundation that cradles all ingredients, select a pre-made or homemade crust with flaky, golden texture.
Bacon: Smoky protein that adds rich, savory depth, choose thick-cut for maximum flavor and crisp texture.
Onion: Aromatic vegetable that provides subtle sweetness and complexity, select fresh, firm white or yellow onions.
For Binding and Creaminess:
Eggs: Crucial protein that helps set the quiche and create silky texture, use fresh, room-temperature large eggs.
Heavy Cream: Luxurious liquid that ensures smooth, rich consistency, opt for high-quality, full-fat cream.
For Seasoning and Depth:
Swiss Cheese: Melty, nutty cheese that adds creamy richness, select authentic Swiss or Gruyère for authentic flavor.
Salt: Essential mineral that enhances overall taste, use fine sea salt for even distribution.
Sugar: Subtle sweetener that balances savory elements, use white granulated sugar.
Cayenne Pepper: Spicy kick that provides gentle heat, adjust amount based on personal heat preference.
Best Tools for Perfect Quiche Lorraine by Ina
Skillet: Essential for cooking bacon to crispy perfection.
Paper Towels: Used to drain excess bacon grease.
Whisk: Perfect for blending cream, eggs, and seasonings smoothly.
Mixing Bowl: Necessary for combining quiche filling ingredients.
Pie Dish: Holds the quiche and gives it classic shape.
Sharp Knife: Helps chop bacon and check quiche doneness.
Cutting Board: Provides surface for chopping bacon and slicing quiche.
How to Bake Ina Garten’s Quiche Lorraine at Home
Bacon Cheese Comfort Feast
Oven Warmup
Crank the oven to a toasty 425°F, getting ready for a delicious adventure.
Bacon Magic
Sizzle those bacon strips in a skillet until they turn perfectly golden and crispy, then let them rest on paper towels to drain excess grease.
Flavor Foundation
Sprinkle the chopped bacon pieces, crumbled Swiss cheese, and softened onions into a waiting pie crust, creating a tasty base layer.
Creamy Custard
Whisk together rich cream, fresh eggs, a pinch of salt, a touch of sugar, and a whisper of cayenne for a smooth, luxurious filling.
Baking Transformation
Pour the silky mixture over the bacon and cheese, then slide into the hot oven. Start with 15 minutes at high heat, then lower the temperature and continue baking until the center sets beautifully.
Resting and Serving
Allow the quiche to relax for a few minutes, letting the flavors mingle and settle before slicing into golden, inviting wedges.
Variations on Ina Garten’s Classic Quiche Lorraine
Experiment with different bacon styles by cooking it extra crispy or leaving it slightly chewy for varied texture and flavor profiles.
Replace Swiss cheese with Gruyère, sharp cheddar, or goat cheese to create unique taste variations that match your personal preferences.
Prepare the quiche completely, refrigerate overnight, and reheat at 325°F for 15-20 minutes to enjoy a convenient make-ahead breakfast or brunch option.
Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers to the basic recipe for extra nutrition and color without compromising the classic quiche texture.
Use a store-bought pie crust for quick preparation or make your own homemade pastry for a more authentic, flaky base that elevates the entire dish.
Creative Serving Options for Quiche Lorraine
Serve Fresh and Hot: Slice the quiche into wedges right after it cools slightly and enjoy while the cheese is still melty and edges are crisp.
Pair with Fresh Salad: Complement the rich quiche with a light mixed green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creamy texture.
Wine Pairing Delight: Choose a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay that cuts through the quiche's richness and enhances its delicate flavors.
Weekend Brunch Star: Present this quiche as a centerpiece for a relaxed weekend brunch, accompanied by fresh fruit and mimosas for a complete meal.
Storing and Reheating Ina’s Quiche Lorraine
Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftover quiche in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep it covered to maintain moisture and prevent absorbing other food odors.
Freeze for Later: Wrap individual slices or the whole quiche tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat with Care: Warm individual slices in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to keep the crust crispy. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make the texture soggy and tough.
Serve at the Right Temperature: Let chilled quiche sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance flavors and improve texture. This trick helps the quiche taste freshly baked.
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.
Michael Reynolds
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.