How much protein is in a piece of Quiche Lorraine?

November 27, 2025 •

4 min read

Depending on the recipe, a single slice of Quiche Lorraine can provide anywhere from 11 to 27 grams of protein, according to various nutritional analyses. This substantial variation highlights how serving size and specific ingredients critically influence the total amount of protein found in this classic dish.

Quick Summary

The protein in a slice of Quiche Lorraine varies widely based on ingredients and serving size. Key sources include eggs, cheese, and bacon. The nutritional value can be modified with ingredient swaps, offering a customizable meal.

Key Points

High variability: A single slice of Quiche Lorraine can contain between 11g and 27g of protein, depending on the recipe and serving size.
Key sources: The main protein contributors are eggs, bacon, and cheese, with eggs and dairy providing a complete protein profile.
Recipe matters: Homemade quiches often allow for more control over protein content compared to pre-packaged versions, which can vary widely.
Boost your intake: You can increase protein by adding more eggs, using high-protein cheese like Gruyère, or including additional lean meats.
Consider alternatives: Vegetarian or crustless quiches, especially those with cottage cheese, can offer a comparable or even higher protein content than the classic bacon and cheese version.
Fat vs. Protein: A classic Quiche Lorraine is often higher in fat and calories than protein due to the rich dairy and bacon.

The Protein in a Typical Quiche Lorraine Slice

A slice of Quiche Lorraine can be a significant source of protein, but the exact amount is not static. Commercial or retail quiches often contain less protein per serving compared to richer, homemade recipes, as pre-made versions can sometimes prioritize cost-effective ingredients. For example, one commercial product lists 10.3g per 100g serving, while a homemade recipe serving based on a 6-person pie can yield as much as 27g of protein. The differences boil down to the quantity and type of protein-rich ingredients used.

Key Protein Sources in Quiche Lorraine

The protein in Quiche Lorraine is derived from its key ingredients. By understanding the contribution of each, you can better appreciate the total nutritional value of a slice.

Eggs: The primary component of the quiche's custard filling, eggs are a complete protein source, meaning they contain all essential amino acids. A large egg contains about 6 grams of protein, providing a solid base for the dish.
Bacon: Bacon, a hallmark ingredient of the classic Quiche Lorraine, adds a savory flavor and a notable amount of protein. The exact contribution depends on the quantity and cut of bacon used.
Cheese: Often Gruyère, Swiss, or cheddar, the cheese in Quiche Lorraine contributes both flavor and protein. Harder cheeses generally contain more protein per ounce than softer ones.
Cream/Milk: While less concentrated than the other ingredients, the dairy used in the custard adds a small amount of protein to the overall recipe.

Factors Influencing Protein Content

Several factors can cause a significant swing in the protein count of your quiche:

Serving Size: The most obvious factor is portion size. If a quiche is cut into eight smaller slices instead of six larger ones, the protein per piece will be lower, even if the total protein for the whole pie remains the same.
Recipe Variations: Not all Quiche Lorraines are created equal. Some recipes might use extra eggs, more cheese, or a thicker cut of bacon, all of which will increase the protein. Homemade recipes generally allow for more flexibility in increasing protein.
Commercial vs. Homemade: Pre-packaged quiches from stores often have standardized recipes to meet a price point, which can lead to a lower concentration of expensive ingredients like eggs and cheese. Making it at home offers complete control over the protein level.

Comparison Table: Quiche Lorraine vs. Other Quiche Varieties

To put the protein content of Quiche Lorraine into perspective, here is a comparison with other popular quiche variations. All values are approximate and based on typical recipes.


Quiche Type	Primary Protein Sources	Approx. Protein per Slice	Notable Differences
Classic Quiche Lorraine	Eggs, Bacon, Gruyère Cheese	11-27g	High in fat, rich flavor from bacon.
Vegetable Quiche	Eggs, Cheese, Vegetables	10-15g	Lower calorie and fat if made with lean dairy and no meat.
High-Protein Cottage Cheese Quiche	Eggs, Cottage Cheese, Cheese	18-25g	Creamy texture, very high protein density, often crustless for lower carbs.
Spinach & Feta Quiche	Eggs, Feta Cheese, Spinach	12-18g	Lighter and tangier flavor, often with lower saturated fat.
Crustless Quiche	Eggs, Cheese, Fillings	10-20g	Lower carb and fat content by eliminating the pastry crust.

How to Boost the Protein in Your Quiche

If you are looking to increase the protein in your Quiche Lorraine, consider these simple modifications to your recipe:

Add an extra egg or two to the custard filling. This is a straightforward way to increase the protein without altering the flavor profile significantly.
Use higher-protein cheeses. Opt for aged Gruyère, Parmesan, or extra sharp cheddar, which typically have a higher protein concentration than milder cheeses.
Include other lean meats. Substitute or supplement the bacon with cooked chicken, ham, or sausage for a different flavor profile and added protein.
Make it crustless. By omitting the pastry crust, you reduce carbs and fat, allowing the egg and cheese filling to become a more concentrated source of protein.
Experiment with alternative dairy. Using Greek yogurt or blended cottage cheese instead of some of the cream or milk will significantly increase the protein content of the custard.

Conclusion

The protein content in a piece of Quiche Lorraine is far from uniform, ranging widely based on ingredients, serving size, and preparation method. While a traditional slice offers a healthy amount, homemade versions, especially those with ingredient modifications, can deliver an even more substantial protein boost. The classic combination of eggs, cheese, and bacon makes it a satisfying and protein-rich meal, though it is important to remember it is also high in fat and calories. By paying attention to the ingredients and portions, you can easily tailor your quiche to meet your specific dietary needs.

For more insight into crafting a high-protein version of this classic dish, consider exploring recipe modifications from culinary resources like BBC Food.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Quiche Lorraine is generally considered a good source of protein, with the egg, cheese, and bacon providing a substantial amount. The exact protein content depends heavily on the specific recipe and serving size.

The eggs and cheese are the primary protein sources in a quiche. Bacon also contributes significantly. Using a protein-rich cheese like Gruyère or extra eggs can increase the overall protein content.

No, there can be significant differences. Store-bought quiches often contain less protein per slice than homemade versions, which tend to use a higher concentration of eggs and cheese. It's best to check the nutritional label.

To boost the protein, you can add more eggs to the custard, use higher-protein dairy like Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, and include lean meats or tofu. Making it crustless also increases the proportion of the protein-rich filling.

Yes, due to the combination of eggs and dairy, the protein in quiche is complete. It provides all of the essential amino acids that your body cannot produce on its own.

The type of cheese impacts the protein. A recipe using a high-protein, hard cheese like Gruyère or Parmesan will yield more protein than one with a softer, less dense cheese. The quantity of cheese is also a major factor.

Yes, the serving size directly influences the protein content. A quiche cut into eight smaller slices will have less protein per piece than one cut into six larger, more substantial slices.