Crustless Quiche Lorraine

by

Indulge in the timeless delight of Quiche Lorraine without the hassle of a crust with this easy-to-follow recipe. Packed with savory bacon, onions, and Swiss cheese, this crustless version promises to tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your cravings. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this creamy and flavorful dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 5 whole eggs
  • 5 egg whites
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 Tablespoon minced fresh chives

Directions:

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium skillet. Add chopped onion and cook until tender. Add cooked, crumbled bacon and heat through.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs, extra egg whites, heavy cream, and flour. Mix well.
  3. Stir in salt, pepper, and shredded Swiss cheese.
  4. Add the cooked onion and bacon from the skillet to the egg mixture and stir to combine.
  5. Pour the mixture into a greased 10-inch pie plate or similar-sized baking dish.
  6. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 45-55 minutes, until golden brown and puffed up.
  7. Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly minced chives.
  8. *Quiche can be eaten warm, cold, or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information:

  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cooking Time: 45-55 min
  • Total Time: 1 hr
  • Servings: 10
  • Calories per serving: (to be calculated)

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Suggestions:

  1. Brunch Delight: Serve this Crustless Quiche Lorraine as the star of your brunch spread. Pair it with freshly baked pastries, a colorful fruit salad, and a side of crispy hash browns for a satisfying meal.
  2. Lunchbox Favorite: Pack leftover slices of quiche into lunchboxes for a delicious and portable midday meal. Add a side salad or some fresh fruit for a well-balanced lunch option.
  3. Dinner Entrée: Elevate your dinner table with this flavorful quiche as the main course. Serve alongside a light salad dressed in vinaigrette and crusty bread for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it has cooled completely before transferring to prevent condensation and maintain its texture.
  2. Freezing: This quiche can be frozen for longer storage. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  3. Reheating: To reheat refrigerated quiche, place individual slices on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated to your liking.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy the delightful flavors of Crustless Quiche Lorraine anytime with ease and convenience. Whether you’re planning a brunch gathering or need a quick weekday meal, this versatile dish is sure to please.

Variations:

  1. Vegetarian Twist: Omit the bacon and incorporate diced mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for a flavorful vegetarian version.
  2. Ham and Cheese: Substitute the bacon with diced ham and swap the Swiss cheese for cheddar or Gruyère for a classic ham and cheese quiche.
  3. Spinach and Feta: Add chopped spinach and crumbled feta cheese to the mixture for a Mediterranean-inspired twist on the traditional recipe.
  4. Broccoli and Cheddar: Stir in steamed chopped broccoli florets and shredded cheddar cheese for a colorful and nutritious variation.
  5. Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil: Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil leaves for a burst of vibrant flavors in every bite.
  6. Mexican-Inspired: Incorporate diced jalapeños, black beans, corn, and Mexican cheese blend for a spicy and savory twist on quiche.
  7. Mushroom and Gruyère: Sauté sliced mushrooms and shallots until golden brown and mix with shredded Gruyère cheese for a sophisticated flavor combination.
  8. Sausage and Spinach: Brown crumbled breakfast sausage and wilt fresh spinach before adding them to the egg mixture for a hearty and satisfying quiche.
  9. Caprese Style: Layer sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves in the quiche for a delicious Caprese-inspired variation.
  10. Southwestern Fiesta: Add diced green chilies, black beans, corn, and Monterey Jack cheese for a Tex-Mex twist packed with flavor.
  1. Artichoke and Feta: Add chopped marinated artichoke hearts and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired twist with a tangy kick.
  2. Bacon and Spinach: Combine crispy bacon pieces with chopped fresh spinach for a classic combination that adds color and flavor to your quiche.
  3. Asparagus and Goat Cheese: Incorporate blanched asparagus spears and creamy goat cheese for a sophisticated and elegant quiche variation.
  4. Smoked Salmon and Dill: Mix in flaked smoked salmon and chopped fresh dill for a luxurious quiche bursting with savory flavors.
  5. Caramelized Onion and Gouda: Caramelize sliced onions until golden brown and pair them with shredded Gouda cheese for a sweet and savory flavor profile.
  6. Tomato and Basil: Layer sliced tomatoes and fresh basil leaves in the quiche mixture for a vibrant and refreshing twist on Quiche Lorraine.
  7. Mushroom and Spinach: Sauté sliced mushrooms and spinach until tender and mix them into the quiche for a hearty and nutritious variation.
  8. Chorizo and Pepper Jack: Cook crumbled chorizo and mix it with shredded Pepper Jack cheese for a spicy and flavorful quiche with a kick.
  9. Caramelized Onion and Bacon: Combine caramelized onions with crispy bacon pieces for a savory and indulgent quiche that’s sure to please.
  10. Zucchini and Gruyère: Grate zucchini and sauté it until golden brown before adding it to the quiche along with shredded Gruyère cheese for a light and delicious variation.

These variations offer a wide range of flavor profiles and ingredient combinations to suit any taste preference. Feel free to mix and match ingredients to create your perfect crustless quiche!

FAQs:

  1. Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses such as cheddar, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack to customize the flavor to your liking.
  2. Can I make this quiche ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the quiche ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight before baking. This allows the flavors to meld together, making it even more delicious.
  3. Can I freeze leftover quiche? Yes, leftover quiche can be frozen for future enjoyment. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
  4. Can I substitute the heavy cream with milk? While heavy cream creates a richer texture, you can use whole milk or half-and-half as a substitute for a lighter version of the quiche.
  5. Can I customize the ingredients in this recipe? Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, meats, or cheeses to tailor the quiche to your taste preferences.
  6. How do I know when the quiche is done baking? The quiche is done when the center is set and no longer jiggles when gently shaken. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
  7. Can I make mini quiches instead of one large quiche? Yes, you can use muffin tins to make individual mini quiches. Adjust the baking time accordingly until they are set and golden brown.
  8. Can I serve this quiche cold? Yes, this quiche can be enjoyed cold, making it a convenient option for picnics, potlucks, or packed lunches.
  9. What should I serve with this quiche? This quiche pairs well with a side salad dressed in vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or a slice of crusty bread.
  10. Can I reheat leftover quiche? Yes, leftover quiche can be reheated in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Cover with foil to prevent the crust from becoming too crispy.

Indulge in the creamy richness of this Crustless Quiche Lorraine, perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or as leftovers, its delicious flavors are sure to impress. Experiment with additional ingredients like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to customize it to your liking. Bon appétit!