Mini Quiche Lorraine Cups

Mini Quiche Lorraine Cups are bite-sized versions of the classic French Quiche Lorraine — featuring a buttery, flaky crust filled with a rich custard of eggs, cream, smoky bacon, and melted cheese. These dainty cups are perfect for brunch tables, parties, or even meal prep, delivering all the comfort and flavor of the traditional dish in a cute, handheld form.

Originating from the Lorraine region of France, Quiche Lorraine is a timeless classic that showcases the beauty of simple ingredients combined in a sophisticated way. The mini version makes it portable, mess-free, and irresistibly snackable.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it brings together everything comforting — creamy eggs, savory bacon, nutty cheese, and crisp pastry — into one perfect bite.

The mini size makes it elegant and practical; you can serve them at brunch, pack them in lunch boxes, or enjoy them as a grab-and-go breakfast.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because:

• It’s perfect for entertaining — easy to make ahead and looks impressive.
• It’s portable and portioned, ideal for buffets or picnics.
• It delivers the authentic French flavor with minimal effort.
• It’s kid-friendly yet sophisticated enough for adults.

In short, these quiche cups are a crowd-pleaser that turn simple ingredients into something special.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Baking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings and Calories

• Servings: 12 mini quiches
• Calories: Approx. 180–200 kcal per quiche cup

Cuisine and Course

• Cuisine: French
• Course: Breakfast, Brunch, or Appetizer

Ingredients

For the Pastry (Crust):

• 1 ¼ cups (160g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (115g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• ¼ tsp salt
• 3–4 tbsp ice water

(You can also use store-bought pie crust or puff pastry for convenience.)

For the Filling:

• 4 slices bacon, finely chopped
• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup (180 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
• ½ cup (50g) grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional, for flavor depth)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp finely chopped chives or parsley (for garnish, optional)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cook the bacon until crisp; drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the crust dough or use store-bought pastry; cut into circles and press into muffin tins.
3. Whisk together eggs, cream, and seasoning.
4. Divide bacon and cheese into the pastry cups.
5. Pour in egg mixture and bake until golden and puffed.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry

1. Combine flour and salt in a bowl.
2. Cut in cold butter using fingertips or a pastry cutter until the texture resembles breadcrumbs.
3. Add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, just until dough comes together.
4. Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.

(If using ready-made crust or puff pastry, skip to Step 2.)

Step 2: Preheat and Prepare Baking Pan

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin pan or mini tart molds.

Step 3: Roll Out and Cut the Dough

1. Roll the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ⅛ inch thick.
2. Cut out 3-inch circles using a round cutter or glass.
3. Gently press each circle into the muffin cups to form mini crusts.
4. Prick the bottoms lightly with a fork.

Step 4: Cook the Bacon

1. In a skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp.
2. Remove and drain on paper towels. Let cool slightly.

Step 5: Prepare the Egg Mixture

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir in half of the grated cheese.

Step 6: Assemble the Quiche Cups

1. Divide the bacon evenly among the pastry cups.
2. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
3. Pour the egg mixture into each cup, filling about ¾ full.

Step 7: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are puffed and golden.
2. Let cool slightly before removing from the pan.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle with fresh chives or parsley.
• Serve warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve these mini quiches as:

• A brunch or breakfast dish with fresh fruit or salad.
• Appetizers for parties and gatherings.
• A lunchbox snack or quick grab-and-go breakfast.
• Paired with sparkling wine or mimosas for a luxurious brunch spread.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Keep ingredients cold for the flakiest pastry.
• Do not overfill cups; the mixture will puff up as it bakes.
• Blind-bake crusts for 5–7 minutes if you prefer extra crispness.
• Use half milk, half cream for a lighter custard.
• Add onion or shallots for extra flavor depth.

Variations

• Spinach & Feta Quiche Cups: Replace bacon with sautéed spinach and crumbled feta.
• Mushroom & Swiss Mini Quiches: Add sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese.
• Cheddar & Ham Quiches: Use diced ham and sharp cheddar for a classic twist.
• Caramelized Onion & Goat Cheese: Sweet and tangy variation with gourmet flair.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked quiche cups in a single layer, then store in freezer bags for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat directly from frozen in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes, or until warmed through.

Special Equipment Needed

• 12-cup muffin pan or mini tart molds
• Rolling pin
• Pastry cutter (or food processor)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Skillet for bacon

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I make these without pastry?
Yes! You can make crustless mini quiches — just grease the muffin tin well and pour the filling directly in.

Q2. Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, use whole milk or half-and-half for a lighter texture.

Q3. Can these be made ahead of time?
Definitely — bake them the night before, refrigerate, and reheat before serving.

Q4. What cheese works best?
Gruyère gives the most authentic flavor, but Swiss, cheddar, or mozzarella also work well.

Q5. How do I prevent soggy bottoms?
Blind-bake the crust briefly and make sure bacon is drained of grease before adding.

Conclusion

The Mini Quiche Lorraine Cups are the perfect blend of elegance, simplicity, and deliciousness. With their golden crust, creamy filling, and savory bacon-cheese flavor, they’re everything you love about a classic French quiche — in a delightful, bite-sized form.

Whether you’re hosting brunch, preparing for a party, or planning an easy breakfast for the week, these mini quiches are a guaranteed hit. Flaky, creamy, and utterly satisfying — they’re small in size but big in flavor.