If you are a fan of delicious, savory brunch items, then chances are you have heard of Quiche Lorraine. This classic dish hails from the Lorraine region of France and typically features a buttery crust filled with a rich mixture of eggs, cream, bacon, and cheese. One slice of this savory pie clocks in at around 334 calories, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. Keep reading to learn more about this popular dish and how you can make it at home.

In addition to being tasty, Quiche Lorraine also offers some nutritional benefits. Eggs are a great source of protein, while the bacon and cheese add some healthy fats to the dish. However, it is important to enjoy this dish in moderation as it can be high in calories, sodium, and saturated fat.

In this article, we will explore the history and variations of Quiche Lorraine, as well as some tips for how to make it at home and serve it up for brunch or dinner.

What is Quiche Lorraine and its Nutritional Content?

Quiche Lorraine is a savory pie that originated in the Lorraine region of France. It is typically made with a buttery crust and filled with a rich mixture of eggs, cream, bacon, and cheese. One slice of Quiche Lorraine (based on a recipe that serves 8) contains approximately 334 calories, 23 grams of fat, 14 grams of protein, and 16 grams of carbohydrates. This dish also provides a good amount of calcium and vitamin D, thanks to the cheese and eggs.

Ingredients of Quiche Lorraine

To make Quiche Lorraine, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pre-made pie crust
• 6-8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 4 eggs
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

You can also add in some diced onions, mushrooms, or spinach to add extra flavor and nutrients to your Quiche Lorraine.

How to Make Quiche Lorraine?

To make Quiche Lorraine, follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Roll out the pie crust and press it into a 9-inch pie dish.
3. Sprinkle the cooked bacon crumbles onto the bottom of the pie crust.
4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir in the shredded cheese.
5. Pour the egg mixture into the pie crust, making sure it is evenly distributed.
6. Bake the quiche for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
7. Allow the quiche to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

You can serve your Quiche Lorraine warm, room temperature, or chilled. It pairs well with a light green salad or some fresh fruit for a balanced meal.

What are the Variations of Quiche Lorraine?

While the classic Quiche Lorraine recipe is delicious on its own, there are plenty of variations you can try to change up the flavor and add some variety to your brunch menu. Some popular variations include:

• Spinach and Feta Quiche - swap out the bacon and Gruyere cheese for some fresh spinach and crumbled feta cheese for a lighter, vegetarian version of this classic dish.
• Ham and Cheese Quiche - use diced ham and cheddar cheese for a heartier, protein-packed quiche.
• Tomato and Basil Quiche - add some fresh cherry tomatoes and chopped basil to your Quiche Lorraine for a burst of summery flavor.

Get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations to find your perfect Quiche Lorraine recipe.

What Goes with Quiche Lorraine?

Quiche Lorraine is a versatile dish that can be served for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. It pairs well with a variety of sides and beverages, such as:

• Fresh fruit salad
• Green salad with vinaigrette dressing
• Roasted vegetables
• Crusty bread or toast
• Coffee, tea, or orange juice

Get creative and mix and match your favorite side dishes to create a complete meal.

How to Store Leftover Quiche Lorraine?

If you have leftovers of your Quiche Lorraine, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop a slice in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Is Quiche Lorraine Healthy?

Quiche Lorraine can be a part of a healthy and balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. Eggs provide protein and healthy fats, while the bacon and cheese add some extra flavor and nutrients. However, it is important to keep portion sizes in mind, as Quiche Lorraine can be high in calories, sodium, and saturated fat. Pairing your quiche with some fresh veggies or fruit can help balance out your meal and add some extra vitamins and minerals to your diet.

History of Quiche Lorraine

Quiche Lorraine has been a popular dish in France for centuries, hailing from the Lorraine region in the northeast of the country. The dish was originally made with a bread dough crust and filled with a mixture of eggs, cream, and smoked bacon. Over time, the recipe evolved to include a buttery pastry crust and other ingredients such as cheese and onions. Quiche Lorraine became a popular dish in other parts of Europe and the United States during the 20th century, though some purists argue that only the original recipe made with bacon and eggs should be considered true Quiche Lorraine.

Famous Quiche Lorraine Recipes

Quiche Lorraine has been featured in many cookbooks and cooking shows over the years, with some chefs putting their own spin on the classic recipe. Some famous Quiche Lorraine recipes include:

• Julia Child's Quiche Lorraine - this recipe from the famous chef includes bacon, gruyere cheese, and a homemade pastry crust for a rich and indulgent quiche.
• Ina Garten's Quiche Lorraine - Food Network star Ina Garten adds some extra herbs and spices to her recipe, including chopped scallions and garlic.
• Paul Hollywood's Quiche Lorraine - this popular British chef and TV personality offers his own take on the classic dish, adding some Dijon mustard and crème fraîche for an extra layer of flavor.

Try one of these famous Quiche Lorraine recipes or experiment with your own flavor combinations to find your perfect recipe.

Quiche Lorraine vs Other Types of Quiche

While Quiche Lorraine is perhaps the most well-known type of quiche, there are many other variations out there to explore. Some other popular types of quiche include:

• Quiche Florentine - made with spinach instead of bacon, this lighter quiche is both vegetarian and packed with nutrients.
• Crustless Quiche - omitting the crust can help cut down on calories and make this dish suitable for gluten-free diets.
• Asparagus Quiche - this springtime favorite features fresh asparagus, Gruyere cheese, and a buttery pastry crust.

Try out these other types of quiche and see which one is your new favorite.