Mini Quiche Lorraine is a delightful bite-sized treat filled with creamy eggs, crispy bacon, and melty cheese. Perfect for brunch or a party!
These little gems are so easy to make, and honestly, who can resist a tasty quiche? I love serving them warm and watching friends go back for seconds! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry or Pie Crust: I love using puff pastry for its light, flaky texture. If you want something easier, a refrigerated pie crust works too! If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free pie crust options available in stores.
Bacon: The bacon adds a lovely crunch and flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon works great. For a vegetarian version, try using sautéed mushrooms or spinach instead.
Gruyère Cheese: Gruyère offers a rich taste, but Swiss cheese is a good substitute. You could also experiment with cheddar for a sharper flavor, or use dairy-free cheese if you want a dairy-free quiche.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk. If you’re avoiding dairy, coconut milk or almond milk can work well, though the texture might differ a bit.
How Do I Make Sure My Quiches Are Perfectly Set?
Getting the right texture for your mini quiches is key! Here are a few tips to ensure they’re perfectly set:
- Don’t skip the whisking step for the eggs and cream. This helps to create a smooth mixture.
- Fill the pastry shells carefully. Leave a little space at the top to prevent overflowing while baking.
- Check for doneness around the 18-minute mark. The filling should be set but still a bit jiggly. It will continue to cook as it cools.
Following these steps will give you deliciously fluffy and creamy mini quiches every time!
Mini Quiche Lorraine Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry or refrigerated pie crust
For the Filling:
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley or chives
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus about 20 minutes of baking. You’ll have delicious Mini Quiche Lorraine ready in just about 35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, lightly grease a 12-cup mini muffin tin. This will help your quiches pop out easily once they’re ready.
2. Make the Pastry Shells:
Roll out your puff pastry or pie crust on a lightly floured surface. Using a round cutter or a glass, cut out circles that are about 3 inches in diameter. Gently press each circle into the cups of the mini muffin tin, making sure to form little shells.
3. Cook the Bacon:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s nice and crisp. Once cooked, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain it on paper towels. You can leave a bit of the bacon fat in the skillet for flavor.
4. Assemble the Quiches:
Sprinkle a small amount of shredded cheese evenly into each pastry shell. Then add a few bits of cooked bacon on top. These layers will give your quiches amazing flavor!
5. Whisk the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if you’re using it) until the mixture is smooth. This is the rich filling that will make your quiches so delicious.
6. Fill the Shells:
Carefully pour the egg mixture over the bacon and cheese in each pastry shell, filling them nearly to the top. Be gentle—this is where it can get a little tricky!
7. Bake:
Pop the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. Watch them closely at the end to avoid overcooking!
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, remove the mini quiches from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Afterward, transfer them to a wire rack to cool a bit more. Before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a bit of color and flavor.
Enjoy your delightful Mini Quiche Lorraine — they’re perfect for brunch, appetizers, or just a tasty snack anytime!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Gruyère is traditional for Quiche Lorraine, you can substitute Swiss cheese or even cheddar for a different flavor. Feel free to get creative with your favorite cheese!
How Do I Store Leftover Mini Quiches?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the microwave for a few seconds, or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Can I Make These Quiches Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the mini quiche shells and filling separately a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator, and then simply assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve!
What Can I Add to the Filling?
Feel free to customize your mini quiche filling! You can add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers, or swap out the bacon for ham or cooked sausage. Just remember to keep the overall balance of wet and dry ingredients similar.
