This Egg-to-Milk Quiche Ratio Gives You a Perfect Custard Center Every Time (2024)

Kelli Foster

Kelli FosterSenior Contributing Food Editor

Kelli is a Senior Contributing Food Editor for Kitchn. She's a graduate of the French Culinary Institute and author of the cookbooks, Plant-Based Buddha Bowls, The Probiotic Kitchen, Buddha Bowls, and Everyday Freekeh Meals. She lives in New Jersey.

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updated Aug 15, 2023

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This Egg-to-Milk Quiche Ratio Gives You a Perfect Custard Center Every Time (1)

Quiche is one of those perfect dishes that’s great morning, noon, or night. Whether you love the classic quiche Lorraine, or you’re a fan of throwing whatever is in the refrigerator into one, you can’t deny its versatility and deliciousness. At its core, the ingredients are simple — pie crust, eggs, milk or cream, and favorite fillings. The key to getting your quiche just right is the custard, and this means having the correct milk to egg ratio.

It’s essential to have just enough eggs to set the dairy, but not so many that the quiche becomes rubbery. When your quiche comes out of the oven, you want to see a little wobble. The wobble is the telltale sign of creamy, silky-smooth custard in every bite. Once you have this quiche milk to egg ratio memorized you won’t even need to look up a recipe (although, we do have this essential quiche recipe on hand if you need it!).

Quick Overview

What’s the Perfect Quiche Ratio?

The best quiche ratio is 1 large egg to 1/2 cup of dairy. The ratio of the fat content from the dairy and the protein from the eggs determine the custard’s final texture. The egg proteins bond to form a soft gel-like texture, while the dairy gives the quiche a creamy flavor.

A Foolproof Formula for Perfect Quiche Every Time

So how do you get a quiche with a smooth, creamy custard? It all comes down to this foolproof formula. Remember this formula and you’ll be rewarded with a perfect quiche.

Quiche Ratio: 1 large egg to 1/2 cup of dairy

This ratio, at its heart, is 1 part egg to 2 parts dairy, by weight. A standard large egg weighstwo ouncesand 1/2 cup of dairy (whole milk) isfour ounces, therefore a handy 1:2 ratio!

You’ll need to increase the amount of eggs and milk based on the size of your quiche, so knowing the basic ratio makes it really easy to scale up or down.

For a standard9-inch quiche:

  • Use 3 large eggs (6 ounces)
  • 1 1/2 cups of whole milk or cream (12 ounces)

This will fill the crust (or the pan itself, if you prefer a crustless quiche).

What kind of dairy should I use for quiche?

The dairy can be whole milk or anything with more fat than that, like half-and-half, cream, or a mix. The fat content of the dairy will affect how thick and firm (or, conversely, how wobbly) the custard will be after baking.

This Egg-to-Milk Quiche Ratio Gives You a Perfect Custard Center Every Time (2024)

FAQs

What is the ratio of eggs to milk in a quiche? ›

The ratio maintains your custard's consistency. A good quiche custard typically features: 1 large egg to 1/2 cups of dairy. The dairy can be any combination of milk and/or half-and-half, for example: 1 large egg : ½ cup milk.

What happens if you put too many eggs in quiche? ›

The best quiche consists of a custard that's the perfect ratio between eggs and milk. Using too many eggs in the custard results in a quiche that rubbery and too firm when baked, while not using enough will prevent the custard from setting.

What is the function of milk in quiche? ›

The right ratio of milk to eggs allows the protein in the eggs to coagulate and set up a firm structure for the quiche.

Why are eggs used in a quiche? ›

In creme caramel and quiche, egg proteins unwind, then bond to form a mesh that traps milk or cream in a soft gel. And in a stirred custard or creme anglaise, eggs thicken just as effectively, but at lower temperatures than flour or cornstarch.

What is the ratio of eggs to milk? ›

Perfect scrambled eggs: step 1

Use a fork to whisk 8 eggs with 80 ml (1/3 cup) thickened cream or milk in a bowl. Using the ratio of 2 tsp of liquid for each egg prevents your scrambled eggs oozing out excess moisture.

How much milk instead of egg? ›

Using a 1/4 cup of milk or yogurt in place of eggs is perfect for baked goods where moisture is key, such as cakes or muffins. (Vegans can use plant-based milks or yogurt in its place.

What can go wrong when making quiche? ›

A quiche is a type of custard and can crack if the ratio of egg yolk to cream is not right (try about 2 whites, four yolks and a little less than 400 ml cream). If you are using light cream then that is also a mistake. A quiche can also crack if you cook it too quickly or in too hot an oven.

Why is my quiche always watery? ›

Why does my quiche have a soggy bottom? Cooking any vegetables before adding to the filling can help avoid excess moisture which can cause a soggy crust. Blind baking your crust, or baking without the filling, can also help ensure a flaky crust.

Is heavy cream or milk better for quiche? ›

Heavy Cream and Milk – For the best tasting quiche, use a combination of whole milk and heavy cream. (Or simply use half-and-half.) Using just heavy cream produces an overly thick filling. Whole milk is great, but a combo of heavy cream and milk is better.

What is the main role that egg plays in the structure of a quiche? ›

Eggs can act as binding agents. As their proteins set, eggs bind ingredients together giving strength and stability to meatloaves, casseroles and baked goods.

What is the purpose of putting milk in eggs? ›

Adding milk or plain water to scrambled eggs is an optional step that affects the texture of your finished dish. For creamy scrambled eggs, you'll add up to 1 tablespoon of milk for every egg. For fluffy scrambled eggs, you'll add up to 1 tablespoon of water for every egg.

What is the best ratio of eggs to milk in a quiche? ›

Quiche Ratio: 1 large egg to 1/2 cup of dairy

You'll need to increase the amount of eggs and milk based on the size of your quiche, so knowing the basic ratio makes it really easy to scale up or down. For a standard 9-inch quiche: Use 3 large eggs (6 ounces) 1 1/2 cups of whole milk or cream (12 ounces)

What's the difference between quiche and quiche lorraine? ›

To be considered Quiche Lorraine, the quiche must be made with eggs, heavy cream, bacon, and Swiss cheese. Any quiche that strays from this formula with the omission of bacon or the addition of other ingredients such as ham, sausage, vegetables, etc. is considered quiche, not Quiche Lorraine.

What is another name for an egg quiche? ›

A frittata, also known as a crustless quiche, is a creamy, savory egg custard baked with any combination of fillings, usually vegetables and meat.

How much milk should I use per egg? ›

To make scrambled eggs for two, you'll need 4 to 6 eggs, 4 to 6 tablespoons of milk (figure 1 tablespoon of milk for every egg), and salt and pepper to taste. Chopped fresh parsley and other herbs add flavor and visual appeal, but they're completely optional.

What is the ratio of eggs to liquid eggs? ›

Liquid eggs can be used in place of whole eggs in almost any recipe. The conversion is 3-4 tablespoons to 1 whole egg.

How many eggs does it take to thicken milk? ›

It really depends on how thick you want it. Some sites recommend one egg or 2 yolks per cup of milk. Ruhlman mentions 2 eggs per cup as 'standard', with 1 egg able to thicken 3/4 of a cup of liquid (but more fat helps).

Why is the egg filling of my quiche runny? ›

If your quiche appears watery it may just need to set for a little longer. The recipe may also contain too much dairy, so make sure that the recipe you are following has the ratio of 4 eggs to 1 cup dairy. The added ingredients could also contain too much moisture, so it is important to cook or drain additions.

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