National Dish Luxembourg: Quiche Lorraine (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Quiche Lorraine, the savoury tart that has become a firm favourite on Luxembourgish tables! A crisp pastry base cradles a silky custard of eggs and cream, studded with smoky bacon and finished with nutty cheese. It is generous enough for a festive lunch yet relaxed enough for a lazy weekend brunch — and it tastes every bit as good warm from the oven as it does at room temperature.
About Quiche Lorraine
The Quiche Lorraine is a classic dish that originally comes from the Lorraine region of France, but it is enormously popular in Luxembourg too. This savoury tart has established itself over the years as a much-loved recipe in countless kitchens. Its origins lie in the plain, thrifty cooking of Lorraine, where it was once made with only a handful of ingredients. Today it is often served as a celebratory dish, equally at home at a family dinner or at a convivial gathering with friends.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 1 sheet of puff pastry or shortcrust pastry
- 3 large eggs
- 200 ml cream
- 150 g streaky bacon
- 1 onion (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 pinch of nutmeg
- 50 g grated cheese (Gruyère, for example)
Shopping for the ingredients
When making quiche Lorraine, it pays to shop for fresh, good-quality ingredients. The puff or shortcrust pastry can be bought either chilled or frozen. Choose the bacon on quality rather than price alone, as it has a decisive influence on the finished flavour. If you enjoy being creative in the kitchen, you can of course make every component from scratch, which brings even more depth to the tart.
Preparing the dish
Before you start on the Quiche Lorraine, gather and prepare all your ingredients. Roll the pastry out on a baking tray or straight into a quiche tin, then prick it all over with a fork so it does not puff up while baking. Cut the bacon into small cubes and, if you like, fry it briefly in a pan to intensify the aroma. If you are adding onions, chop them finely and sweat them gently as well to bring out their natural sweetness. This kind of savoury tart sits comfortably alongside other Luxembourgish bakes such as Zwiwwelkuuch.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Lay the rolled-out pastry into a quiche tin and prick the base with a fork.
- Scatter the bacon and onions evenly over the pastry.
- Whisk the eggs with the cream in a bowl and season generously with salt, pepper and nutmeg.
- Pour the egg and cream mixture over the bacon and onions.
- Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly across the surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30–40 minutes, until golden brown on top.
- Let the quiche rest briefly after baking and serve warm.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
You can make the Quiche Lorraine gluten-free or lactose-free without any trouble. For a gluten-free version, use one of the ready-made gluten-free pastries now stocked by most supermarkets. Reach for lactose-free cream and cheese as well; these are generally very well tolerated and still taste delicious. Experimenting with alternatives like these helps you create a dish that suits your guests’ needs without losing the essential character of the quiche.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For a vegan quiche Lorraine, replace the eggs and cream with plant-based alternatives. A combination of silken tofu or chickpea flour with plant-based cream or milk is ideal for achieving a creamy texture. Swap the bacon for smoked tofu or fried mushrooms to keep that savoury depth. Vegetables such as spinach or courgette also make a delicious, wholesome addition that lifts the nutritional value.
More tips and tricks
Playing with different ingredients makes the Quiche Lorraine wonderfully versatile. Try various cheeses to vary the flavour, or add fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme for a new dimension of aroma. Take care not to leave the quiche in the oven too long, or the filling will turn dry. A quiche is at its best freshly baked, though it also reheats well the next day — much like a slice of Flammkuch.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The Quiche Lorraine adapts easily to individual preferences. You can reduce the amount of bacon or leave it out altogether for a lighter dish. Adding vegetables such as broccoli or peppers enriches the tart and makes it more colourful at the same time. Experiment with different spices and herbs to bring your own personal signature to the recipe — and do not be afraid to be creative.
Ingredient substitutions
If some of the ingredients for quiche Lorraine are not to your liking or simply are not to hand, there are plenty of workable alternatives. Instead of cream you might use coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a different flavour direction. In place of grated cheese, nutritional yeast delivers a cheesy note. When it comes to vegetables, follow whatever is in season to get the very best out of the local larder.
Drink pairing ideas
The Quiche Lorraine goes beautifully with a wide range of drinks. A light, fresh white wine or a rosé suits its savoury character perfectly. For an alcohol-free option, choose a lively apple or grape juice to balance the richness. A refreshing iced tea also makes a pleasant companion that rounds the meal off nicely.
Serving and presentation ideas
An attractively presented Quiche Lorraine raises the whole dining experience. Serve the tart on a large wooden board and cut it into even wedges. A crisp green side salad adds a splash of colour and brings the plate to life, and a potato-based side such as Gromperesalat makes it a more substantial spread. A decorative garnish of fresh parsley or chives not only looks appealing but reinforces the fresh flavour too.
A bit of history
The history of the Quiche Lorraine is closely bound up with the cooking of Lorraine. In its earliest form it was made with simple ingredients such as bread, eggs and milk, and served as a filling meal for farming families. Over time the recipe evolved, and today it is known and appreciated across much of Europe — including in Luxembourgish cuisine. The name “Lorraine” points to the region, celebrated not only for its quiche but for many other culinary treasures.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Quiche Lorraine
Quiche Lorraine is a classic and highly adaptable dish that wins people over with the simplest of ingredients. With so many ways to adjust and extend it, it works just as well for celebrations as for everyday cooking. Whether you make it vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free, there is a version to suit everyone. Give your creativity free rein and enjoy a delicious quiche that delights both the heart and the palate.
