There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a cheesy delight wafting through the kitchen, especially when it’s coming from a crustless quiche Lorraine! This easy recipe combines crispy bacon, rich Gruyere cheese, and bright chives into a fluffy custard base that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly effortless to whip up. Perfect for a leisurely brunch or as a satisfying weeknight dinner, this quiche requires no crust, making it a great gluten-free option without sacrificing flavor.
Imagine slicing into a warm, cheesy masterpiece that holds its shape beautifully, revealing layers of flavor that dance on your palate. Plus, it’s ideal for meal prep—leftovers reheat wonderfully for a quick lunch throughout the week. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just treat yourself, this Cheesy Crustless Quiche Lorraine is bound to become a beloved staple in your home cooking repertoire! Let’s dive into how to create this delightful dish.
Why is Cheesy Crustless Quiche Lorraine so special?
Simplicity at its Best: This recipe is a breeze to make, requiring minimal time and basic cooking skills.
Flavor Explosion: Each bite is a harmonious blend of crispy bacon and nutty Gruyere, with fresh chives elevating every mouthful.
Gluten-Free Goodness: Enjoy all the deliciousness without the crust, making it a perfect gluten-free option.
Versatile Meal Prep: Great for any time of day, this quiche is perfect for brunch or quick dinners, and it reheats beautifully for leftovers.
Customizable Delight: Easily swap ingredients to create your own variations, whether it’s with different cheeses or proteins. Prepare to impress your family with this irresistible quiche!
Cheesy Crustless Quiche Lorraine Ingredients
• Create your own culinary masterpiece with these simple ingredients!
For the Filling
- Center-Cut Bacon – Crispy, smoky goodness that forms the flavor base of the quiche.
- Heavy Cream – Delivers richness to the custard; you can replace it with half-and-half for a lighter option.
- Gruyere Cheese – Provides that classic nutty flavor; Swiss cheese is a great substitute if needed.
- Nutmeg – Just a pinch enhances the flavor profile; opt for freshly grated for the best taste.
- Kosher Salt – Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your palate for the perfect balance.
- 2% Milk – Lightens the heavy cream while maintaining creaminess; whole milk can be used for extra richness.
- Chives – Fresh and vibrant, they add color and flavor; green onions can easily replace them.
- Large Eggs – The backbone of the quiche; use them at room temperature for a smooth mixture.
- Ground Black Pepper – An important seasoning that adds depth and a hint of spice.
For Baking
- Cooking Spray or Bacon Fat – Grease the dish and add an extra layer of flavor for easy serving.
How to Make Cheesy Crustless Quiche Lorraine
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your quiche bakes evenly, creating that perfect fluffy texture.
Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes until crispy. Drain the excess fat and crumble the cooked bacon, saving a tablespoon for greasing.
Grease a 9-inch pie dish using cooking spray or the reserved bacon fat. This step helps prevent sticking and adds delicious flavor to your quiche.
Layer the crumbled bacon at the bottom of the greased dish, then sprinkle the evenly shredded Gruyere cheese on top for cheesy goodness.
Whisk together room-temperature eggs, heavy cream, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg in a bowl until smooth. This creates a creamy custard base that will hold everything together beautifully.
Pour the egg mixture over the bacon and cheese, making sure to distribute it evenly for consistent texture throughout.
Garnish with chopped chives for a touch of freshness and color before baking.
Bake the quiche in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is slightly jiggly but set. This ensures your quiche is cooked perfectly!
Cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing into generous pieces, allowing flavors to settle for clean servings.
Optional: Serve with a light mixed greens salad or fresh fruit for a lovely balance.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Cheesy Crustless Quiche Lorraine are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can cook the bacon and whisk the custard mixture up to 24 hours in advance; simply store them separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness and flavor. Layer the crumbled bacon and cheese in the quiche dish, and when you’re ready to bake, pour the prepared egg mixture over the top and bake as directed. If you have leftovers, refrigerate them for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring you cover them tightly. Just reheat slices in the microwave (60-90 seconds) or in a 350°F oven (15-20 minutes) for a quick and delicious meal!
Cheesy Crustless Quiche Lorraine Variations
Customization is the key to making this quiche truly your own, and there’s so much delicious flexibility to explore!
Veggie Delight: Add sautéed spinach or bell peppers to introduce colors and nutritional goodness to your quiche. It’s a perfect way to sneak in some greens!
Different Proteins: Swap out bacon for cooked ham or smoked salmon for a new twist, giving you a rich and satisfying flavor in every bite.
Cheese Experimentation: Try using sharp cheddar or tangy feta for an unexpected taste that will surely delight your palate. It’s fun to explore different cheese profiles!
Herb Infusion: Replace chives with fresh herbs like thyme or basil for an aromatic spin that brightens up the dish beautifully. Fresh herbs always elevate any baked recipe!
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to increase the heat level, offering a delightful contrast to the creamy richness. Spice lovers will be delighted!
Creamy Alternatives: Substitute heavy cream with a plant-based option like cashew cream for a dairy-free version that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Your lactose-sensitive friends will appreciate this!
Crustless Variation: For a bit of texture, layer crispy potato slices at the bottom before adding bacon and cheese. Think of it as a crust-free potato vehicle for all that creamy goodness!
Savory Swap: Try incorporating cooked quinoa for added protein and a unique texture that takes this quiche to the next level; it’s a delicious way to include whole grains!
How to Store and Freeze Cheesy Crustless Quiche Lorraine
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This keeps the quiche fresh and ready for quick meals throughout the week.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the quiche tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Ensure it’s completely cooled before wrapping for best results.
Reheating: Thaw frozen quiche overnight in the refrigerator. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for 60-90 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Serving Idea: Enjoy the cheesy crustless quiche Lorraine on its own or pair it with a simple salad for a satisfying meal.
Expert Tips for Cheesy Crustless Quiche Lorraine
Watch the Bake Time: Remove the quiche when the center is just slightly jiggly. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture you want to avoid.
Crispy Bacon is Key: Always cook your bacon until crispy. This prevents any chewy bits in your quiche and enhances the overall flavor.
Smooth Custard: Whisk the egg mixture gently to avoid incorporating too much air, resulting in a luxuriously smooth custard for your cheesy crustless quiche Lorraine.
Grease Well: Never skip the greasing step with cooking spray or reserved bacon fat; it ensures easy serving and adds a delightful richness.
Temperature Matters: Use room-temperature eggs for better integration into the mixture, resulting in a more cohesive texture when baked.
What to Serve with Cheesy Crustless Quiche Lorraine?
Elevate your dining experience with delicious sides that beautifully complement the flavors of this comforting dish.
Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch, balancing the richness of the quiche.
Roasted Cherry Tomatoes: These burst with sweetness, providing a juicy contrast that brightens each bite of the quiche beautifully.
Home Fries: Crispy, seasoned potatoes bring heartiness to your brunch spread while adding a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with creamy quiche.
Fresh Fruit Platter: Serve a vibrant array of seasonal fruits like berries and melons for a sweet touch that enhances the meal’s lightness.
Sparkling Water with Lemon: Effervescent and citrusy, this drink cleanses the palate and lifts the meal without overwhelming flavors.
Savory Scones: Flaky and buttery, these add a lovely texture and can be enjoyed alongside your slice of cheesy crustless quiche Lorraine for added indulgence.
Embrace a symphony of flavors and textures that will make your meal unforgettable!
Cheesy Crustless Quiche Lorraine Recipe FAQs
What type of bacon should I use for the quiche?
I recommend using center-cut bacon for the best flavor and texture. It provides a wonderful smokiness and ensures crispy bits throughout the quiche. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon works well too, though it may not be quite as crispy.
How do I store leftovers from the cheesy crustless quiche Lorraine?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If the quiche is fully cooled, it can be wrapped tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh. Be sure to let it cool completely before storing to avoid condensation, which can make it soggy.
Can I freeze cheesy crustless quiche Lorraine?
Absolutely! To freeze, let the quiche cool completely first. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight, and then reheat it gently.
What should I do if my quiche puffs up in the oven?
If your quiche puffs up while baking, that’s completely normal! It happens due to steam building up in the custard base. Simply take it out of the oven once it’s slightly jiggly in the center. It will settle as it cools, and you’ll end up with that lovely creamy texture when you slice it.
Are there any common allergens in this recipe?
Yes, this cheesy crustless quiche Lorraine contains ingredients that could be allergens for some people, such as eggs and dairy. If you’re cooking for someone with allergies, consider using egg substitutes or dairy-free cream options like coconut cream or cashew cream to make it allergen-friendly.
What can I substitute for Gruyere cheese?
If you don’t have Gruyere, Swiss cheese is a great alternative that still captures the nutty, creamy flavor. Alternatively, sharp cheddar or even feta can add a delicious twist. However, keep in mind that each cheese may alter the flavor slightly, so pick one that suits your taste!
Cheesy Crustless Quiche Lorraine That's Seriously Irresistible
Equipment
- - Skillet
- - 9-inch pie dish
- - Mixing bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 8 oz Center-Cut Bacon Crispy, smoky goodness
- 1 cup Heavy Cream Can replace with half-and-half
- 1 cup Gruyere Cheese Classic nutty flavor; Swiss is a substitute
- 1 tsp Nutmeg Opt for freshly grated for the best taste
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt Adjust according to palate
- 1 cup 2% Milk Whole milk can be used for richness
- 1/4 cup Chives Can replace with green onions
- 6 Large Eggs Use at room temperature
- 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper An important seasoning
For Baking
- 1 tbl Cooking Spray or Bacon Fat For greasing the dish
Instructions
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes until crispy. Drain the excess fat and crumble the cooked bacon, saving a tablespoon for greasing.
- Grease a 9-inch pie dish using cooking spray or the reserved bacon fat.
- Layer the crumbled bacon at the bottom of the greased dish, then sprinkle the evenly shredded Gruyere cheese on top.
- Whisk together room-temperature eggs, heavy cream, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg in a bowl until smooth.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bacon and cheese, making sure to distribute it evenly.
- Garnish with chopped chives.
- Bake the quiche in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is slightly jiggly but set.
- Cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing into generous pieces.