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.

Follow

updated Aug 15, 2023

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

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 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 is the ratio of eggs to cream in quiche reddit? ›

I use the rules 1 egg to 1/2 cup dairy, so my standard is 3 eggs and 1.5 cups of a mix of cream and milk (depending on how healthy I'm making it!). More cream = more rich. I've seen recipes fully heavy cream, and recipes fully semi-skimmed milk. I tend to do half and half or 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup cream.

What is the function of milk in quiche? ›

The proteins and especially the fat in milk and cream stabilize the custard, as well as adding taste and texture. The higher the amount of fat, the more unctuous and creamy the custard will be; a high level of fat also retards curdling when the custard is overcooked.

Can you put too many eggs in a 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. Follow This Tip: Remember this ratio: 1 large egg to 1/2 cup of dairy.

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.

What is the formula for quiche? ›

What Is the Best Eggs-to-Dairy Ratio for Quiche? The ratio maintains your custard's consistency. A good quiche custard typically features: 1 large egg to 1/2 cups of dairy.

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.

Can I use 2 milk instead of cream in quiche? ›

The Custard: For your custard to set properly in the oven, use this easy ratio: 1 part dairy to 2 parts eggs. Classic custards use heavy cream, but 2% milk contains a fraction of the saturated fat and is still plenty rich.

What is the main function of eggs in a quiche? ›

Eggs play an important role in everything from cakes and cookies to meringues and pastry cream — they create structure and stability within a batter, they help thicken and emulsify sauces and custards, they add moisture to cakes and other baked goods, and can even act as glue or glaze.

Why is my quiche like scrambled eggs? ›

Quiche will have a texture similar to scrambled egg if it is baked at too high of a temperature or too little fat is incorporated into the custard. Follow your recipe closely and be sure to bake your quiche at a lower temperature for the correct amount of time, using the prescribed amount of cream and whole milk.

Can you put too much cheese in quiche? ›

A Few General Rules for Making Perfect Quiches

2. Never use more than 2 cups of cheese. Too much cheese will make the quiche not set properly.

Why did my quiche go flat? ›

Why is my quiche flat and rubbery? If you've added too many eggs to liquid, you'll end up with a flat rubbery quiche. Overcooking will also give you a similar result.

How much milk should you add to eggs? ›

How much milk do you put in scrambled 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.

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).

How much milk do I substitute for eggs? ›

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.

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.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Stevie Stamm

Last Updated:

Views: 6469

Rating: 5 / 5 (60 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Stevie Stamm

Birthday: 1996-06-22

Address: Apt. 419 4200 Sipes Estate, East Delmerview, WY 05617

Phone: +342332224300

Job: Future Advertising Analyst

Hobby: Leather crafting, Puzzles, Leather crafting, scrapbook, Urban exploration, Cabaret, Skateboarding

Introduction: My name is Stevie Stamm, I am a colorful, sparkling, splendid, vast, open, hilarious, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.