Quiche

What is Quiche?

Quiche is a tart from France with a base made from shortcrust or sometimes puff pastry. The filling is a savoury custard, which means eggs mixed with milk or cream, and often includes cheese. Other common additions are pieces of meat such as bacon, seafood, or vegetables. The texture is smooth and set, with a golden top and a crisp crust. Quiche can be served hot, warm, or cold, making it flexible for different occasions.

Where does Quiche come from?

The dish comes from eastern France and the word 'quiche' was first recorded in the region of Lorraine in the early 17th century. Its name may be linked to the German word for cake or tart. Early forms of quiche used bread dough for the base, but modern versions use shortcrust or puff pastry. Similar baked egg dishes in pastry have been found in medieval European cooking, from France to Austria. The dish became widely known in France in the 19th century.

How is Quiche made?

To make quiche, a pastry case is prepared and filled with a mixture of beaten eggs and milk or cream. Cheese is often added, along with other ingredients such as cooked bacon, vegetables, or seafood. The filled tart is baked until the custard sets and the top turns golden. Some versions use mashed potato instead of pastry for the base. The filling can be varied to suit taste or what is available.

How and when is Quiche eaten?

Quiche is eaten at any temperature—hot, warm, or cold—so it is suitable for many settings, from a sit-down meal to a picnic. It can be served as a main dish, a light lunch, or as part of a buffet. There are no strict rules about accompaniments, but it is often enjoyed with salad or bread. Its versatility means it appears in both home cooking and cafés.

Kinds of Quiche

The most famous type is Quiche Lorraine, which features bacon or lardons in the filling. Other versions use seafood, vegetables, or different cheeses. Some recipes swap the pastry for a base made of mashed potato, flour and butter. In the United States, quiche fillings have expanded to include ingredients like broccoli. The basic method remains the same, but the fillings can be adapted widely.

What Quiche means

Quiche is seen as a classic of French cooking and is popular both in France and abroad. In the 20th century, it became associated with sophistication, especially outside France. The dish has also been the subject of satire, as in the American book 'Real Men Don't Eat Quiche', reflecting its changing image. Despite trends, it remains a familiar and adaptable food.

Questions people ask about Quiche

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle

• Quiche on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data