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MonMay 20

National Quiche Lorraine Day – May 20, 2024

National Quiche Lorraine Day is on May 20, and we could not be more pleased that this dish is getting the attention it so rightly deserves. This dish has humble beginnings in Medieval Europe and has managed to evolve and tingle the taste buds ever since. Imagine a full English breakfast — some cheesy eggs, baked beans on toast, bacon, sausages, maybe some sautéed mushrooms, and other veggies on the side. Now, imagine it all comes together in one glorious dish. That’s exactly where quiche comes in, and it’s here to stay.

History of National Quiche Lorraine Day

Though hailed as a French dish, Quiche Lorraine originated in the German Kingdom of Lothringen (modern-day Lorraine), during the 1500s. Lothringen was unique because of its geographical location between both France and Germany, with each country laying claims to the region at different points in history. The Germans in Lothringen had an open pie with bits of meat, the ‘Kuchen,’ which means ‘cake’ in German. This savory cake evolved into the word ‘Kische’ and when France conquered Lothringen, they conquered the rights to the dish as well. It was renamed Lorraine and the spelling of ‘Kische’ was Frenchified into ‘quiche’ (pronounced kee-sh). It was said to be a favorite of Duke Charles III of Lorraine.

Originally a poor man’s dish, the key components of Quiche Lorraine at the time were custard made of cream and eggs, and smoked bacon or lardons (cubes of lard), which were cooked on a bread-base in a cast-iron skillet. These were all staples that most households had. Cheese was added later on, as it evolved. A traditional Quiche Lorraine also doesn’t include onions, so adding those will turn a Quiche Lorraine into Quiche Alsacienne.

While not much is known about how the day itself came into being, quiche itself rose in popularity in the 1970s and 1980s. Due to its versatility, it became a popular brunch item (and we all know how millennials love brunch) that could be served hot or cold and was equally good as both a vegetarian and non-vegetarian dish. Though briefly losing popularity among men in the 1980s (because it was associated with brunch — a ‘feminine’ concept), it made a comeback by the next decade and is as popular as ever now.

National Quiche Lorraine Day timeline

1500s
Quiche Lorraine is Born

The French conquer Lothringen and seize possession of its dish too.

1970s
Quiche Gains Popularity in the U.S.

Quiche fast becomes a brunch/party staple in the U.S.

1982
“Real Men Don’t Eat Quiche”

Bruce Fierstein publishes his bestseller, which labels quiche as being ‘effeminate’.

1997
World’s Biggest Quiche Lorraine

Chef Alain Marcotullio unveils the biggest Quiche Lorraine in Paris, which serves 125 people.

National Quiche Lorraine Day FAQs

What’s the difference between a quiche and a Quiche Lorraine?

If you wish to stick to tradition, Quiche Lorraine consists of heavy cream, bacon, and European cheeses like Swiss, Gruyere, or Emmental (widely used in French and German cooking). Regular quiche, on the other hand, has many variations and you can pretty much toss in what you like, in terms of the different meats and cheeses. You can make it lighter by using half-and-half, or make it vegetarian by adding only veggies. 

Why is quiche so good?

Considering quiche is made primarily of eggs (lots of eggs), it is a rich source of protein — the kind that is really good for your body.  So those on a keto or paleo diet may find this especially gratifying, given that it’s a dish that is not only scrumptious but complete in all the amino acids your body needs. What more can we ask for!

Is quiche breakfast or dinner food?

Quiche is an anytime food! Depending on what you pair it with, it can be breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner (even a teatime snack). The versatility of quiche is what makes it a great dish, as you can pretty much add in whatever you wish, and have it on its own, or with sides. Just add fruit or a salad, and voila, you will not be left in doubt any longer.

What is the difference between quiche and frittata?

A frittata is like a quiche without pastry or a baked omelet. For those lazier chefs out there who do not want to make their own pastry crust, a frittata is quicker and easier. It’s also great for weight-watchers, as frittatas have all the protein-goodness of quiche, without the carbs. 

How to Celebrate National Quiche Lorraine Day

  1. Don an apron and experiment

    If your creative juices are flowing in the kitchen, this would be a great time to try your hand at making a Quiche Lorraine yourself. The basics you need are bacon, eggs, cream, milk, and cheese. Go the whole nine yards by also making your shortcrust pastry from scratch, which always tastes better than a store-bought one.

  2. Picnic like the French would

    Pair your Quiche Lorraine with a nice white Alsatian wine (from the region of Alsace), and go for a picnic with your loved ones, catching the last rays of the spring sunshine. The French would approve!

  3. Take a pastry-making class

    Many people find it daunting to make the pastry crust, just because the dough can always be a bit tricky to get right. Confront your fears and learn how to make pastry from scratch. After that, there’s no going back to store-bought crust, ever.

5 Facts About The Region Of Lorraine That Will Make You Go “Aah”

  1. Feminism has roots there

    The historical role model for women, Joan of Arc, hails from Lorraine.

  2. Lorraine is not just a pretty name

    The feminine name, Lorraine, is derived from the Germanic ‘Lothar,’ meaning 'famous army'.

  3. Fine wines from the vines of Lorraine

    Alsace and Lorraine is a popular region in France because of its viticulture, producing quality white wines.

  4. Popular for more than just its quiche

    Apart from its quiche, Lorraine is known for its madeleines, Mirabelle plums, macarons, and a dish called Lorraine hotpot.

  5. Most hotly contested region

    The region of Alsace and Lorraine has been a site of a tug-of-war between France and Germany for centuries.

Why we love National Quiche Lorraine Day

  1. The variations are endless

    There’s almost no limit to the combinations of things you can put in a quiche, as long as you have the eggy custard part and pastry. You can even use ingredients that are specific to your culture and make it your own.

  2. A dish that suits every occasion

    Not only is quiche suitable for all mealtimes, but it can also be adapted to suit different kinds of occasions. So whether you aim to impress your boss over dinner or welcome new neighbors — your quiche can be dressed up (or down) to serve the purpose.

  3. Anyone can make quiche

    Since the filling of a quiche just involves tossing things into your eggy custard, it’s a great dish to get the whole family involved in prepping. A traditional Quiche Lorraine is even simpler, so enjoy bonding in the kitchen as you prepare this delicious savory tart.

National Quiche Lorraine Day dates

YearDateDay
2024May 20Monday
2025May 20Tuesday
2026May 20Wednesday
2027May 20Thursday
2028May 20Saturday

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