Quiche is a savory dish consisting of a pastry case filled with an egg-based custard. This tends to be a shortcrust pastry, however, there are many variations to suit whatever your tastes are!
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Where does quiche come from?
Quiche originated in the kingdom of Lotharingia in Germany in medieval times. The name comes from the German kuchen, meaning cake. Lotharingia was annexed by France and renamed Lorraine - where the name of Quiche Lorraine is believed to have originated from.
There are many recipes from various cuisines that include the basic components of pastry, eggs, and cream. This is recorded in 14th century English cuisine and 13th century Italian.
It grew in popularity during the 80s and 90s in the US as a make-ahead breakfast food.
So, what goes well with it?
Salad
Green salads are a simplistic classic. They’re not going to blow anyone away, but they’re not going to detract from the taste of the quiche either. Greek salads are a great option if you want something slightly more interesting but not an attention stealer.
Try some raw vegetable salads - think kohlrabi, fennel, cabbage, radishes, celery. The crunch will add a different texture profile to your plate and be the perfect contrast to the richness of the quiche.
Coleslaw can also work well with a quiche, but we recommend cutting down on the mayo. Very saucy salads can detract from the quiche and make the plate overwhelmingly rich and creamy.
Acidic dressings such as balsamic vinaigrettes are refreshing and cut through the richness of the quiche beautifully. A similar principle applies to salads with nuts and dried fruits.
A more adventurous suggestion is to serve your quiche with a fruit salad! Drizzled with a little balsamic vinegar, the sweet and acidic notes will complement the quiche perfectly.
An alternative to these ideas is to whip up a quick cous cous salad. Adapt the additions to make the flavor profile suit your quiche. We love a roasted vegetable cous cous salad, or a Moroccan inspired one full of apricots and raisins.
Bread
Who among us doesn’t love bread? Honestly, we can’t think of a single situation where bread wouldn’t be a great addition.
Coupled with some salty, rich butter this transforms a humble slice of quiche into a fulfilling meal.
Another solid contender is garlic bread. Some crispy ciabatta, lightly brushed in garlic butter, is there anything more indulgent?
Potatoes
Roasted, boiled, fried, mashed, or made into fries - you can never steer wrong with the humble potato.
They offer a mild but substantial addition to any meal, and quiche is no exception.
Beans
You could make a cold bean salad with a flavorful dressing if you want a temperature contrast. If you are looking for a warm accompaniment, what about a serving of baked beans?
Beans are a healthy source of protein and fiber but are low in fat. They will make your quiche turn from a snack to a hearty meal.
Pasta
A cold pasta salad tossed in a light tomato or Italian dressing will give a substantial addition to your quiche.
Soup
This is not too heavy of a dish and works well as a side dish for quiche. You should not serve a rich or thick soup with quiche, instead, choose a soup with a subtle flavor profile. Tomato soup is a great option, particularly for an indulgent Quiche Lorraine.
Another great soup to accompany a quiche is a roasted vegetable bisque. Choose the vegetables included to complement the flavors of the quiche.
We also love a temperature contrast. Try serving a warm quiche with a cold soup such as a gazpacho for an experience like no other.
Roasted vegetables
Roasted vegetables are one of our favorite ways to get those nutrients in. Vegetables are light and flavorful. The roasting process brings out the flavors more and makes them easier to eat.
Our favorite vegetables to roast are potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus. Toss in some onion and garlic to add extra flavor! Adapt this to include whatever vegetables are in season for the best results.
You could even create a ratatouille from tomato, zucchini, mushrooms, onion, and white potato. Layer and bake in the oven for up to an hour for a crispy and delicious side dish.
Steamed vegetables
If you are in the mood for something lighter and more fresh than roasted vegetables, try steaming or boiling them.
Broccoli, green beans, and corn on the cob are our personal favorites.
Drinks
Coffee
Particularly if you are serving your quiche for breakfast, a caffeine hit can go a long way.
The bitter richness of the beverage enhances the creaminess of the quiche and offsets the richness.
Iced tea
This is a great drink for serving at a summer’s lunch. It is sweet and refreshing with a fruity element.
Try passion fruit, mango, and berry flavors to complement the quiche’s flavor.
Hot chocolate
This is great for a cold evening to warm you up from the inside out. Particularly if you are serving kids, this will go down a treat.
Chocolate has long been paired with creamy savory foods, and it might surprise you how well this combination works.
Juice
We love citrussy flavors of juice to balance the quiche. Tomato, pineapple, and orange are our favorites as the acidity cuts through the richness.
Smoothies made from banana and mango also work shockingly well.
Alcohol
If you are looking for a brunch drink, what beats a mimosa?
Bellinis and champagne with fruit also make perfect additions to a brunch meal.
Summary
There are many amazing side dishes that work excellently with quiche. Depending on how, when, and where the quiche is being served you can adapt the side dish to suit.
We particularly enjoy playing with temperatures and textures. Raw, shredded vegetable salads and cold soups make for a very interesting plate of food.
Quiche works as a meal at any time of the day. Vary the accompaniments to suit the mealtime, and you are set!
