Description
This Crustless Quiche Lorraine is a savory, low-carb twist on the classic French quiche, featuring a flavorful combination of crispy beef or turkey bacon, caramelized shallots, shredded Gouda cheese, and a creamy egg and cottage cheese custard. Baked until golden and set, it makes a perfect warm breakfast, brunch, or light dinner option without the heaviness of a crust.
Ingredients
Meat
- 4 oz (115 g) beef bacon or turkey bacon
Vegetables
- 1 large shallot, chopped
Dairy & Eggs
- 4 oz (115 g) shredded Gouda cheese
- 12 eggs
- 1 cup cottage cheese
Seasonings & Herbs
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- Optional: ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for extra smoky flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Cook Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the beef or turkey bacon and cook until it becomes slightly crispy, releasing flavorful fat. This will form the base layer of your quiche.
- Assemble Meat Layer: Transfer the cooked bacon evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
- Cook Shallots: Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet. If needed, add a little olive oil (especially when using turkey bacon as it has less fat). Add the chopped shallots and cook over medium heat until they become softened and lightly browned, enhancing their sweetness.
- Assemble Shallot Layer: Spread the cooked shallots evenly over the bacon layer in the baking dish.
- Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the shredded Gouda cheese evenly on top of the shallot layer, ensuring full coverage for rich flavor.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a blender, combine the 12 eggs, 1 cup of cottage cheese, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth, which ensures a creamy, uniform custard texture.
- Pour Egg Mixture: Carefully pour the blended egg and cottage cheese mixture over the layered ingredients in the baking dish. Spread gently if needed to cover evenly.
- Add Herbs: Sprinkle the fresh thyme on top, adding a fragrant herbal note that complements the smoky and savory flavors.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The quiche is done when the top is golden and the center is set; it should not jiggle when gently shaken.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the quiche from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- If using turkey bacon, add a bit of olive oil when cooking the shallots to compensate for the lower fat content in the bacon.
- For a richer and more complex flavor, consider mixing beef and turkey bacon together.
- Make sure not to overblend the egg mixture to avoid air bubbles which can create holes in the quiche.
- Use fresh thyme for the best herbal aroma, but dried thyme can be substituted (use about 1 teaspoon dried).
- This crustless quiche is great for keto and low-carb diets.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French