Quiche Lorraine Bites

Introduction

Quiche Lorraine Bites bring all the elegance and indulgence of the classic French quiche into a perfectly poppable, bite-sized form! These mini delights boast a flaky, buttery crust that cradles a rich, velvety custard made with eggs, cream, melty cheese, and crispy bacon. Each bite is a perfect balance of creamy and savory, making them an irresistible addition to any gathering.

I still remember the first time I served these at a brunch with friends—their eyes lit up at the first bite, and the plate was empty in minutes! These little quiches are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can stick with the classic Quiche Lorraine flavors or get creative by adding caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or fresh herbs for an extra layer of flavor.

What makes them even better? They’re easy to make ahead and reheat beautifully, so you can spend more time enjoying the moment rather than being stuck in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a party, planning a picnic, or just treating yourself to a gourmet snack, Quiche Lorraine Bites are sure to be a hit!

Perfect for:

• Brunch gatherings
• Cocktail parties
• Holiday celebrations
• Make-ahead breakfasts
• French cuisine lovers

Why You’ll Love This Quiche Lorraine Bites

Here’s why Quiche Lorraine Bites will become your go-to appetizer:

• Flaky and Buttery Crust: The mini tart shells provide the perfect crisp base for the creamy filling.
• Rich and Savory Flavor: Bacon, cheese, and a silky egg custard create an irresistible combination.
• Perfectly Bite-Sized: Easy to serve at parties, these mini quiches are a crowd-pleaser.
• Easy to Make Ahead: Prepare them in advance and reheat for a quick snack or breakfast.
• Customizable: Add vegetables, different cheeses, or herbs to suit your taste.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Servings: 24 mini quiches
• Calories per serving: Approximately 80-100 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 6g, Fat: 7g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Quiche Lorraine Bites:

• 1 sheet refrigerated pie crust (or homemade tart dough)
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup whole milk
• ½ cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
• 4 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for added depth of flavor)
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Pie Crust: A pre-made crust simplifies the process, but a homemade version adds extra flakiness and flavor.
• Gruyère Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, adding a nutty richness to the custard.
• Bacon: Crisp, smoky bacon is the heart of Quiche Lorraine, providing delicious savory notes.
• Heavy Cream & Milk: The combination creates a smooth, creamy texture without being too heavy.
• Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg enhances the overall depth of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Quiche Lorraine Bites:

Prepare the Mini Quiche Shells

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin or use non-stick cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Crust: Roll out the pie crust on a lightly floured surface. Using a 2.5-inch round cutter, cut out circles and press them gently into the mini muffin cups.
3. Dock the Dough: Use a fork to poke a few holes in the bottom of each crust to prevent puffing during baking.

Make the Filling

4. Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Drain on a paper towel, then crumble into small pieces.
5. Whisk the Custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg until smooth.
6. Assemble the Quiches: Evenly distribute the crumbled bacon and shredded cheese into each pie crust cup. Pour the egg mixture over the top, filling each cup about ¾ full.

Bake the Mini Quiches

7. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the filling is set.
8. Cool: Let the quiches cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with chopped chives for a fresh, decorative touch.

How to Serve Quiche Lorraine Bites

Quiche Lorraine Bites are versatile and can be enjoyed in several ways:

• Classic Platter: Arrange warm quiche bites on a serving tray with a garnish of fresh parsley or chives.
• With Dipping Sauces: Serve alongside small bowls of crème fraîche, Dijon mustard, or a light garlic aioli.
• On a Charcuterie Board: Pair with cured meats, cheeses, grapes, and crackers for an elegant appetizer spread.
• In Mini Pastry Cups: Serve the quiche mixture inside crispy phyllo cups for a different texture.
• As Part of a Brunch Buffet: Present them with croissants, smoked salmon, and fruit salad for a complete brunch.
• With a Side Salad: Plate a few quiche bites with a small arugula or mixed greens salad for a light meal.
• Stacked on Skewers: Alternate with cherry tomatoes and basil for a visually appealing finger food.
• Topped with Garnishes: Add a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of crispy bacon or caramelized onions.
• Served in Individual Cups: Place each quiche bite in a mini cupcake liner for an easy grab-and-go option.
• Paired with Sparkling Wine: Serve as an appetizer with a glass of Champagne or Prosecco for a sophisticated touch.

Additional Tips for Quiche Lorraine Bites

To ensure your Quiche Lorraine Bites turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Pre-Bake the Crust – Blind bake your pastry shells for a few minutes before adding the filling to keep them crisp and prevent sogginess.
• Use Cold Butter for Flaky Pastry – If making your own crust, keep the butter cold and work quickly to achieve a tender, flaky texture.
• Shred Your Own Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture. Grate fresh Gruyère or Swiss for the best melt.
• Crisp the Bacon Properly – Cook the bacon until crispy, then drain on paper towels to remove excess grease and enhance flavor.
• Season the Egg Mixture Lightly – Since bacon and cheese are already salty, go easy on the salt. A pinch of nutmeg enhances the flavor.
• Use Heavy Cream for Richness – A mix of heavy cream and milk makes the filling creamy and prevents a watery texture.
• Don’t Overfill the Tart Shells – Leave a little room at the top, as the egg mixture will expand slightly while baking.
• Bake Until Just Set – The filling should be slightly jiggly in the center when removed from the oven; it will firm up as it cools.
• Cool Slightly Before Serving – Let them rest for a few minutes to help the flavors meld and to avoid burns from hot filling.
• Make Ahead for Convenience – Prepare and bake them ahead of time, then reheat at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes before serving.

Recipe Variations for Quiche Lorraine Bites

Here are 10 delicious variations of Quiche Lorraine Bites:

1. Spinach & Feta Mini Quiches: Add chopped spinach and feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
2. Mushroom & Swiss Quiche Bites: Sauté mushrooms and swap Gruyère for Swiss cheese.
3. Cheddar & Ham Quiches: Use diced ham and sharp cheddar for a classic flavor combination.
4. Caramelized Onion & Bacon Quiches: Add caramelized onions for extra depth of flavor.
5. Broccoli & Cheddar Mini Quiches: Finely chop steamed broccoli and mix it with cheddar cheese.
6. Goat Cheese & Sun-Dried Tomato Quiches: A tangy and slightly sweet variation.
7. Asparagus & Parmesan Quiche Bites: Perfect for spring, with fresh asparagus and Parmesan cheese.
8. Crab & Dill Quiche Bites: Add lump crab meat and fresh dill for a seafood-inspired twist.
9. Jalapeño & Pepper Jack Quiches: For a spicy kick, use diced jalapeños and Pepper Jack cheese.
10. Brie & Prosciutto Mini Quiches: A luxurious variation with creamy Brie and salty prosciutto.

Freezing and Storage for Quiche Lorraine Bites

• Freezing: These mini quiches freeze beautifully. Place cooled quiches on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Special Equipment for Quiche Lorraine Bites

Here are some helpful tools for making Quiche Lorraine Bites:

• Mini Muffin Tin: Essential for creating perfectly portioned mini quiches.
• Round Cookie Cutter (2.5 inches): Helps cut even dough circles for the crust.
• Mixing Bowls: For whisking the egg mixture smoothly.
• Whisk: Ensures a light and creamy custard.
• Cooling Rack: Allows the quiches to cool evenly.
• Pastry Brush (optional): To brush the crust edges with egg wash for extra crispness.

Frequently Asked Questions for Quiche Lorraine Bites

1. Can I use store-bought pastry shells?
   Yes! Pre-made mini tart shells save time and work just as well.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make them a day before and reheat before serving.
3. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
   Yes, but the quiches will be slightly less rich and creamy.
4. How do I keep the crust crispy?
   Pre-bake (blind bake) the crust for 5 minutes before adding the filling.
5. Can I make a vegetarian version?
   Absolutely! Just omit the bacon and add vegetables or cheese.

Print

Conclusion

Quiche Lorraine Bites are a delightful way to enjoy the classic flavors of quiche in a bite-sized form. With their rich, creamy filling, savory bacon, and flaky, buttery crust, these mini quiches are a perfect balance of elegance and convenience.

Ideal for brunches, parties, or a simple snack, these versatile bites are easy to prepare and even easier to love. Serve them warm or at room temperature for a crowd-pleasing treat that’s sure to impress.

I’d love to see how your Quiche Lorraine Bites turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!