Yields:
6 Servings
Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 30 Mins
Cook Time:
25 Mins
Total Time:
55 Mins
Mary Berry Quiche Lorraine is a classic savory dish that combines a buttery pastry crust with a rich and flavorful filling. Originating from the Lorraine region of France, this quiche has become a beloved staple in many households. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, or picnic, or simply craving a comforting meal, Mary Berry’s Quiche Lorraine is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
This recipe serves 6-8 people and can be prepared in approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
What is Mary Berry Quiche Lorraine?
Mary Berry Quiche Lorraine is a traditional French savory tart made with a crisp shortcrust pastry crust. The filling consists of eggs, cream, cheese, and crispy smoked turkey or chicken strips. The combination of these ingredients creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: Mary Berry’s Quiche Lorraine is straightforward to make, even for beginners.
- Versatility: Serve it warm or cold—perfect for any occasion.
- Comforting: The creamy filling and flaky crust make it a comforting choice.
Ingredients Needed for Mary Berry Quiche Lorraine
Shortcrust Pastry:
- 250g (9 oz) all-purpose flour
- 125g (4.5 oz) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- A pinch of salt
- Cold water (about 2-3 tablespoons)
Filling:
- 200g (7 oz) smoked turkey or chicken strips, cooked and chopped
- 4 large eggs
- 200ml (7 fl oz) heavy cream
- 100g (3.5 oz) Gruyère cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional:
- Chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish
Equipment
- Rolling pin
- 9-inch (23 cm) tart pan with a removable bottom
- Baking parchment or aluminum foil
- Baking beans (for blind baking)
Instructions for Mary Berry Quiche Lorraine
Step 1. Prepare the Pastry:
- In a food processor, pulse the flour, butter, and salt until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add cold water gradually until the dough comes together.
- Wrap in cling film and chill for 30 minutes.
Step 2. Blind Bake the Pastry:
- Roll out the pastry and line the tart pan.
- Prick the base with a fork and line with parchment/aluminum foil.
- Fill with baking beans and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes.
Step 3. Prepare the Filling:
- Whisk the eggs and cream together.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the cooked turkey or chicken strips over the pastry base.
- Pour the egg mixture over the meat.
- Sprinkle with grated Gruyère cheese.
Step 4. Bake the Quiche:
- Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30-35 minutes or until golden and set.
Step 5. Serve Warm or Cold:
Garnish with fresh chives or parsley.
What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Quiche Lorraine?
- Green Salad: Pair your quiche with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette. The freshness of the greens complements the richness of the quiche.
- Sliced Tomatoes: Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze over sliced tomatoes. The acidity balances the creamy filling of the quiche.
- Crusty Bread or Baguette: A warm baguette or crusty bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover quiche goodness on your plate.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a side of roasted asparagus or bell peppers, which add a pleasant texture and sweetness to the meal.
- Fruit Salad: A light, citrusy fruit salad can cleanse the palate and lighten the overall meal.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Quiche Lorraine
- Chill the Pastry: Ensure the pastry is well-chilled before blind baking. Cold pastry results in a flakier crust.
- Precook the Meat: Cook the smoked turkey or chicken strips until they’re just beginning to crisp for added texture and flavor in the quiche.
- Creamy Filling: Whisk the eggs and cream thoroughly. A well-mixed filling ensures a silky texture throughout.
- Cheese Choice: While Gruyère cheese is traditional, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or Swiss.
- Seasoning: Don’t forget to season each layer starting with the pastry, the meat, and the egg mixture to enhance the overall flavor of the quiche.
Variations of Mary Berry Quiche Lorraine
- Spinach and Feta Quiche: Add sautéed spinach and crumbled feta cheese to the filling. The earthy spinach pairs beautifully with the creamy custard, creating a flavorful and colorful dish.
- Smoked Salmon Quiche: Replace the smoked turkey or chicken with smoked salmon for an elegant twist. Garnish with fresh dill for extra flavor and a touch of sophistication.
- Mushroom and Leek Quiche: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms and leeks into the filling. The umami from the mushrooms complements the mild, sweet flavor of the leeks.
- Ham and Cheddar Quiche: Use chopped cooked ham in place of smoked turkey or chicken and cheddar cheese instead of Gruyère. This classic combination provides a hearty and comforting flavor profile.
- Roasted Vegetable Quiche: Add a mix of roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. This not only adds a burst of color but also enhances the dish with a sweet and smoky flavor.
How Do I Store Mary Berry Quiche Lorraine Leftovers?
After enjoying your delicious quiche, follow these steps to store any remaining portions:
- Cool It Down: Allow the quiche to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes after baking.
- Refrigerate: Place the leftover quiche in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap.
- Label and Date: Don’t forget to label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
- Refrigerate: Store the quiche in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How Do I Reheat Mary Berry Quiche Lorraine Leftovers?
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, follow these reheating tips:
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place the quiche slices on a baking sheet.
- Warm them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Microwave Method:
- Place a quiche slice on a microwave-safe plate.
- Heat it on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking for doneness.
- Microwaving in short intervals prevents overcooking.
Serve Warm: Enjoy your reheated quiche warm!
- Place the quiche slices on a baking sheet and warm
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 400 kcal
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
FAQs
How do I make the perfect crisp and buttery shortcrust pastry for Mary Berry Quiche Lorraine?
Making the pastry for Mary Berry Quiche Lorraine is surprisingly easy.
Follow these steps:
- Combine Ingredients: In a food processor, mix 175g plain flour with 85g hard block margarine or chilled butter, cut into cubes. Blend until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- Add Cold Water: Gradually add 3 tablespoons of cold water until the pastry comes together in a ball.
- Roll Out and Line: Roll out the dough on a floured surface and use it to line a greased, 9-inch loose-bottomed flan tin. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Blind Bake: Preheat the oven to 220°C (fan 200°C/425°F/gas mark 7). Blind bake the pastry case for about 15 minutes to ensure a crisp base.
How can I avoid a “soggy bottom” in my Mary Berry Quiche Lorraine?
To prevent a soggy crust:
- Blind Bake: Always blind bake the pastry first, without the filling. This ensures that the pastry case is cooked through and won’t become soggy when the filling is added.
- Reduce Oven Temperature: After blind baking, reduce the oven temperature to 180°C (fan 160°C/350°F/gas mark 4) before adding the filling.
What are the key ingredients for Mary Berry Quiche Lorraine?
The essential ingredients for this classic quiche are:
- 175g smoked turkey or chicken strips
- 1 onion, peeled and chopped
- 125g Gruyère cheese, grated
- 2 large eggs
- 250ml single cream
- Pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper
How do I assemble and bake Mary Berry Quiche Lorraine?
Follow these steps:
- Layer the Base: Crisp the smoked turkey or chicken strips in a sauté pan, then transfer them to the cooled pastry case. Leave the juices in the pan.
- Caramelize Onions: In the same pan, cook the onion until golden, then add it to the quiche along with the grated cheese.
- Prepare the Filling: Whisk together the eggs, cream, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the meat and onions.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the quiche at 180°C (fan 160°C/350°F/gas mark 4) for 25–30 minutes until golden and just set. Avoid overcooking to maintain a tender filling.
Final Words
Mary Berry Quiche Lorraine is a timeless recipe that brings together the best of French cuisine. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or simply indulging in a delicious meal, this quiche won’t disappoint. Remember to share it with friends and family—they’ll appreciate your culinary skills!