Easy, quick, high-protein and a guaranteed family favourite—what dish ticks more boxes than the classic quiche?
We all know (and love) the traditional quiche Lorraine, but have you ever stopped to wonder where that name actually comes from? Originating in the Lorraine region of France, quiche has long been a go-to for simple, satisfying meals—and it’s stood the test of time for good reason.
One of the best things about quiche is just how versatile it is. Start with a buttery pastry base and a rich, savoury filling, then switch things up with spinach, salmon, ham or cheese and suddenly you’ve got a completely different dish. Pair it with a crisp salad, roasted veg or a bowl of soup and you’ve got endless options for easy midweek dinners, lunches, picnics and crowd-pleasing family meals.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry household or planning ahead for the week, these are five of the best quiche recipes to have in your back pocket.
1. Classic Quiche Lorraine
The original—and still unbeatable.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet ready-rolled shortcrust pastry
- 200g smoked bacon lardons
- 100g Gruyère or mature cheddar, grated
- 4 large eggs
- 250ml double cream
- Salt, black pepper and a pinch of nutmeg
Method
Preheat the oven to 190°C (170°C fan). Line a 23cm tart tin with pastry, prick the base and blind bake for 15 minutes. Fry the bacon until crisp, then scatter over the pastry with the cheese. Whisk together the eggs, cream, seasoning and nutmeg, pour into the case and bake for 30–35 minutes until just set with a slight wobble. Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
2. Salmon & Spinach Quiche
Light, fresh and ideal for lunchboxes or relaxed suppers.
Ingredients
- Shortcrust pastry
- 150g cooked salmon (fresh or hot-smoked), flaked
- 100g spinach
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 4 eggs
- 200ml double cream
- Zest of ½ lemon
- Salt and pepper
Method
Blind bake the pastry. Wilt the spinach in a pan, squeeze out excess liquid and spread over the base with the salmon and shallot. Whisk the eggs, cream, lemon zest and seasoning, pour over the filling and bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and set.
3. Cheese & Onion Quiche
A proper British classic—cheap, comforting and endlessly popular.
Ingredients
- Shortcrust pastry
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 150g mature cheddar, grated
- 4 eggs
- 250ml double cream
- Butter, salt and pepper
Method
Cook the onions gently in butter for 15–20 minutes until soft and lightly caramelised. Blind bake the pastry, spread the onions over the base and top with cheese. Whisk the eggs and cream, season well, pour in and bake for 35 minutes until golden.
4. Ham, Leek & Gruyère Quiche
Rich, savoury and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
- Shortcrust pastry
- 1 leek, finely sliced
- 150g cooked ham, diced
- 100g Gruyère, grated
- 4 eggs
- 250ml double cream
- Salt and pepper
Method
Soften the leeks in butter for 10 minutes. Blind bake the pastry, then layer the leeks, ham and cheese into the case. Whisk the eggs, cream and seasoning, pour over and bake for 30–35 minutes until just set.
5. Mediterranean Vegetable Quiche
Colourful, meat-free and packed with flavour.
Ingredients
- Shortcrust pastry
- 1 red pepper, sliced
- 1 courgette, sliced
- 100g cherry tomatoes
- 100g feta, crumbled
- 4 eggs
- 200ml double cream
- Olive oil and dried oregano
Method
Roast the vegetables with olive oil and oregano at 200°C for 20 minutes. Blind bake the pastry, spoon in the vegetables and scatter with feta. Whisk the eggs and cream, pour over and bake for 30–35 minutes until lightly golden.
Why Quiche Is the Ultimate Midweek Meal
Quiche is one of those rare dishes that works just as well hot or cold, freezes beautifully, and adapts to whatever you have in the fridge. Swap fillings, change the sides, or serve it up differently each time and you’ve got boundless recipes for easy, crowd-pleasing dinners.
From classic quiche Lorraine to fresh veggie-packed versions, this is one meal you’ll never get bored of.
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