French quiche is a classic dish loved for its rich, savory flavor and creamy texture. Quiche Lorraine, in particular, combines eggs with cream or milk to create a filling that’s both soft and flavorful.

Unlike traditional pies with a top crust, quiches are open-faced, showing off the colorful ingredients inside. Some people like to decorate their quiches with tomato slices or other toppings along the edges.

Quiche works well for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. Today, we’ll make a mushroom and diced meat quiche with cheese and a buttery, tender pastry crust.

Ingredients for the Crust

For the pastry dough, we need:

- 200g all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)

- 50g unsalted butter, cold and diced

- 1 egg yolk

- A pinch of salt

- 50ml cold water

This dough will form a light, tender base that supports the rich filling.

Ingredients for the Filling

For the savory filling, we need:

- 500g fresh mushrooms, chopped

- 200g diced smoked chicken

- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced

- 3 eggs

- 25cl (250ml) cream

- 5g shredded cheese (cheddar or gruyère)

- Nutmeg, a pinch

- Salt, to taste

This combination gives the quiche a balanced flavor of earthy mushrooms, savory cooked chicken, and creamy custard.

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 200g flour, 50g cold butter, 1 egg yolk, and a pinch of salt.

2. Rub the butter into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

3. Gradually add 50ml cold water, kneading gently until it forms a smooth dough. Do not overwork it.

4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap, sprinkle a little flour on top, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes. Chilling ensures a tender, flaky crust.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

1. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add the 500g chopped mushrooms. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.

2. Add 200g diced cooked meat and the sliced onion. Stir occasionally until the mixture turns lightly golden.

3. Add 100ml water to cover half the mushrooms. Sprinkle in a pinch of nutmeg and stir.

4. Simmer on medium heat for 10 minutes, until the mixture thickens and most of the water evaporates. Taste and adjust salt as needed.

This step develops the flavors and ensures the filling isn’t watery.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

1. Lightly flour a clean surface and remove the dough from the fridge.

2. Roll the dough into a circle about 3–4mm thick.

3. Grease an 8-inch baking pan with butter and place the dough inside, pressing gently along the edges. Trim any excess.

4. Use a fork to poke small holes all over the base. This prevents puffing during baking and ensures a crisp bottom.

Step 4: Mix Eggs and Cream

1. In a separate bowl, beat 3 eggs.

2. Add 25cl cream and 5g shredded cheese, whisking until smooth.

3. Combine this mixture with the cooked mushroom, diced meat, and onion filling. Stir thoroughly so the flavors are evenly distributed.

This custard mixture will set beautifully in the oven, creating a creamy texture.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

1. Preheat the oven to 250°C (480°F).

2. Pour the filling mixture into the prepared crust and spread evenly.

3. Bake at 250°C for 10–12 minutes, until the top begins to turn golden.

4. Reduce the oven temperature to 200°C (390°F) and bake for another 15 minutes.

5. Remove the quiche and let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing. The top should be golden brown, and the filling creamy yet firm.

Tips for the Perfect Quiche

- We can easily customize quiches by adding vegetables, herbs, or different cheeses.

- Avoid adding too much liquid to the filling, or it may become runny.

- Allowing the quiche to rest slightly helps it hold its shape when sliced.

Enjoying Our Quiche

Making a French quiche at home is easier than it looks. With fresh ingredients and simple step-by-step instructions, we can create a dish that works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Once we’ve mastered this classic recipe, we can get creative with different flavors and fillings. Let’s roll out the dough, prepare the filling, and savor every golden, creamy bite of this delicious French treat together!