Quiche Lorraine Appetizers are a tribute to timeless French tradition with a dash of Provençal charm. Inspired by a dreamy evening aboard a riverboat drifting through southern France, each mini quiche delivers the rich, savory flavors of crisp bacon, caramelized onion, creamy custard, and nutty Gruyère cheese—all nestled in a delicate pastry shell. Whether crafted from scratch or made with store-bought shells, these bite-sized delights celebrate the rustic elegance of French countryside cooking, perfect for dinner parties, brunch spreads, or quiet moments when only something classic and comforting will do.
Print
Quiche Lorraine Appetizers
These bite-sized Quiche Lorraine appetizers feature a flaky pastry shell filled with a rich, creamy custard of Gruyère cheese, crispy bacon, and aromatic thyme. Perfect for brunches, parties, or elegant gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini quiches 1x
- Category: Appetizers
Ingredients
- For the Pastry (optional):
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3–4 tablespoons ice water
- Or:
- 24 pre-made mini pastry shells
- For the Filling:
- 4 ounces thick-cut bacon or lardons, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pastry (if making from scratch):
-
- Combine the flour and salt in a bowl. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
- Roll into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into 2-inch rounds to fit mini tart pans. Chill again before filling.
- Make the Filling:
-
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onion until soft and translucent. Set aside to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, milk, nutmeg, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir in the bacon, onion, and Gruyère.
- Assemble and Bake:
-
- Place the pastry shells (homemade or pre-made) on a baking sheet. Fill each shell with the mixture, leaving a little space at the top.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and the tops are golden. Let cool slightly before serving.