How many calories are in a small cheese quiche?

November 27, 2025 •

4 min read

The calorie count for a small cheese quiche can vary dramatically, ranging from approximately 150 to over 400 calories per slice depending on its ingredients and preparation. This makes it challenging to pinpoint a single number without understanding what goes into it. Whether you're baking one at home or grabbing one from a store, the type of crust, dairy products, and cheese selection all play a significant role in the final nutritional value.

Quick Summary

Calorie counts for a small cheese quiche are not uniform, influenced by factors like crust type, dairy choices, and cheese quantity. Homemade and store-bought versions differ significantly in their nutritional profiles. Understanding these variables helps estimate the total caloric load and make informed dietary choices.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: A small cheese quiche's calorie count varies widely based on ingredients, ranging from approximately 150-400+ calories per slice.
Ingredient Impact: The type of crust, dairy product (cream vs. milk), and amount of cheese are the main drivers of total calories.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Homemade quiches typically allow for lower-calorie modifications, while store-bought versions often contain higher-fat ingredients for flavor and preservation.
Healthier Alternatives: Going crustless, using low-fat dairy and cheese, and adding more vegetables are effective strategies for reducing calories.
Calculation is Possible: For homemade quiches, summing the calories of all ingredients and dividing by the number of servings provides a reliable estimate.
Portion Control is Important: Managing the serving size, whether a whole small quiche or a slice, is crucial for controlling caloric intake.

Understanding the Calorie Count in Your Small Cheese Quiche

When you're trying to figure out how many calories are in a small cheese quiche, the answer is never as simple as one number. The size, ingredients, and method of preparation all contribute to a wide range of caloric possibilities. A single slice of a small, homemade quiche can have a much different nutritional profile than a commercially produced one. It's the small details, from the butter in the crust to the fat content of the cream, that add up and determine the final count.

The Impact of Ingredients on Quiche Calories

The fundamental components of a cheese quiche—crust, filling, and cheese—are the primary drivers of its calorie content. Here’s how each element influences the total:

The Crust: Traditional quiche recipes call for a buttery pastry crust, which is often the most calorie-dense part of the dish. A deep-dish or thicker crust will add more calories and fat compared to a thinner, shallower one. Choosing a crustless quiche can eliminate a significant portion of the calories entirely.
The Dairy Filling: The custard filling is typically made with eggs and a dairy product. The choice of dairy—heavy cream, half-and-half, whole milk, or low-fat milk—makes a huge difference. Using heavy cream can add hundreds of calories compared to using a lighter milk or a lower-fat alternative.
The Cheese: A cheese quiche, by definition, contains cheese, but the quantity and type are key. A small amount of a sharp, flavorful cheese can provide a lot of taste with fewer calories than a mild cheese that requires a large quantity to achieve the same flavor intensity. Using full-fat versus low-fat cheese also has a substantial impact.
Other Fillings: Many quiches include additional ingredients like bacon, ham, or vegetables. While vegetables are generally low in calories, meats can add significant fat and calories. A Quiche Lorraine, for instance, which includes bacon, will have a higher calorie count than a simple cheese and onion version.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Quiche Calories

There is a notable difference in the calorie content between homemade and store-bought quiches due to ingredient quality, portion size, and processing. Homemade quiches offer control over ingredients, allowing for healthier modifications. Store-bought versions, on the other hand, prioritize shelf-stability and flavor, which can mean more processed fats and added ingredients.

Comparison Table: Homemade vs. Store-Bought Quiche (per serving)


Feature	Homemade Small Cheese Quiche	Store-Bought Small Cheese Quiche
Calorie Range	~150-300 kcal	~250-450+ kcal
Ingredients	High control over quality and fat content. Can use low-fat milk and cheese.	Ingredients standardized for flavor and preservation; often includes high-fat dairy and butter.
Crust	Option for thinner, whole-wheat, or crustless versions to reduce calories.	Typically a richer, butter-heavy pastry crust, adding significant fat and calories.
Sodium	You can control the amount of salt added.	Often higher in sodium to enhance flavor and preserve the product.
Additives	Generally free of preservatives and artificial flavors.	May contain additives and preservatives for extended shelf life.
Portion Size	Can be easily portioned based on dietary needs.	Pre-determined, often larger and less flexible serving sizes.

How to Calculate Calories in Your Homemade Quiche

If you are making a quiche at home, you can get a relatively accurate calorie count by tallying the calories of each ingredient and dividing by the number of servings. For example:

Step 1: List all ingredients and their quantities (e.g., 2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup shredded cheddar, 4 eggs, 1 pie crust).
Step 2: Look up the calories for each ingredient. Websites and apps like Nutritionix can be very helpful.
Step 3: Sum up the total calories for all ingredients.
Step 4: Estimate the number of servings or slices your small quiche will yield. A small quiche might be a 6- or 7-inch pan, yielding 4-6 slices.
Step 5: Divide the total calorie count by the number of slices to get the per-slice calorie estimate.

Making a Healthier Small Cheese Quiche

For those looking to enjoy quiche with fewer calories, there are several simple swaps you can make without sacrificing flavor.

Go Crustless: A crustless quiche is one of the easiest ways to slash calories. It becomes essentially a baked egg and cheese custard with your favorite fillings.
Swap the Dairy: Instead of heavy cream, use low-fat milk, evaporated milk, or even Greek yogurt for a creamy texture with less fat.
Lighten the Cheese: Opt for a small amount of a strong-flavored cheese, or use a reduced-fat version of your favorite.
Load up on Veggies: Add more vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or onions to increase volume and nutrients while decreasing the cheese and dairy ratio.
Portion Control: Even with healthy adjustments, portion size matters. A small quiche can be a meal, but a single slice is often best treated as a side dish or snack. For more detailed nutrition information on individual ingredients, the MyPlate website is a helpful resource.

Conclusion

The number of calories in a small cheese quiche is highly variable and depends on whether it's homemade or store-bought, and the specific ingredients used. While a standard recipe might range from 200-400 calories per serving, modifications can significantly reduce this. By controlling the type of crust, dairy, and cheese, you can enjoy a delicious quiche that fits your dietary needs. The key is to be mindful of your ingredients and portion sizes to manage your caloric intake effectively.

Key Factors Influencing Quiche Calories

Crust Type Matters: A flaky butter-based crust adds more calories than a crustless option or a thin, whole-wheat version.
Dairy Choices Impact Fat: Swapping heavy cream for milk, evaporated milk, or Greek yogurt significantly lowers fat and calories in the filling.
Cheese Quantity is Key: Using less or a reduced-fat version of cheese can help reduce the overall calorie count while maintaining flavor.
Size Defines Servings: The dimensions of a "small" quiche and how it's sliced determine the per-serving calorie amount.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Homemade gives you full control over ingredients for a lower-calorie result, while commercial versions may contain higher-fat ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

A store-bought small cheese quiche can have a significant variation in calories, but a single slice might fall into the 250-450+ calorie range depending on the brand and specific recipe.

Yes, you can make a lower-calorie cheese quiche by using a crustless recipe, opting for low-fat milk or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, and choosing a sharp, flavorful cheese so you need less of it.

The crust, especially a traditional buttery pastry crust, can be a major contributor to the total calorie and fat content of a quiche. Eliminating the crust entirely by making a crustless quiche is the most effective way to reduce calories.

Mini quiches are typically lower in calories per piece, ranging from 110-250 kcal, primarily because they are much smaller than a slice from a small whole quiche. However, the ingredients per piece (like crust and cheese) still influence the count.

Adding more low-calorie vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or onions can help lower the overall calorie density of a quiche by increasing volume and nutrient content relative to the higher-calorie cheese and dairy.

To estimate the calories for a homemade quiche, you can sum the calories of each ingredient used and then divide by the number of servings you expect to get from your small quiche.

A Quiche Lorraine, which typically includes bacon and potentially more rich dairy, is often higher in calories than a basic cheese quiche, though this varies based on recipes.