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Home » Knowledge

Frittata vs Quiche: What's The Difference?

Nate TeagueWritten by Nate Teague · Updated on November 5, 2022

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A frittata and a quiche

The main difference between frittata and quiche is the use of crust in quiche. Since quiche has a crust to hold the mixture together, it uses fewer eggs than a frittata. Another key difference between these two egg-based dishes is that a frittata requires sautéing the vegetable mixture for a few minutes before baking. On the other hand, you can bake quiche directly after mixing the ingredients.

This article will provide an in-depth analysis of both frittata and quiche to help you differentiate them. If you’re new to discovering these egg dishes, you will find easy-to-follow recipes for both frittata and quiche in this article, so be sure to read until the end.

Table of Contents
  • The Difference Between a Frittata and Quiche
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Final Words

The Difference Between a Frittata and Quiche

frittata vs quiche comparison

Frittata

The frittata originated in Italy and is an egg-based dish that is commonly made by sautéing vegetables and meat before adding a mixture of whisked egg and dairy such as cream or milk. After cooking for a few minutes, the frittata is then transferred to the oven, still in its pan, and baked until firm.

The flavor of a frittata will vary depending on the ingredients chosen; however, it will usually have a custard-like undertone with a fluffy texture, like an unfolded omelet.

Quiche

The quiche originally came from France and is also a baked dish that is made up of vegetables, meat, and an egg base to hold everything together. However, a quiche is cooked in a shallow tin; initially, line the tin with the pastry and blind bake before pouring the egg mixture and other ingredients into a tin. Bake in the oven until firm.

Often, a quiche will use a higher ratio of dairy, which results in a silky textured egg bake with a slight wobble to it - the increased dairy results in a creamier flavor and a smoother texture.

FrittataQuiche
OriginItalyFrance
How to eatEat slices hot or coldEat slices hot or cold
CourseBreakfast, brunch, lunch or dinnerBreakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner
Dairy usedHeavy cream, crème fraiche, sour cream, whole milk. Heavy cream, half and half, whole milk.
Pastry crust used?NoYes
Egg:dairy ratio6 eggs: ¼ cup dairy1 egg: ½ cup dairy
Commonly used cookwareFrying panQuiche tin
Cooking methodSaute the add-ins then pour over egg mixture. Fry then bake.Blind bake the pastry then pour in egg mixture before baking.
Cooking levelNoviceNovice-Intermediate
Quiche slices on a board
Quiche has a characteristic pastry crust.
homemade spinach bacon quiche

Quiche Lorraine Recipe

Print Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 sheets short crust pastry partially thawed
  • 3 eggs
  • 300 ml cream
  • ⅓ cup milk
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large diced onion
  • 6 rashers rindless bacon diced
  • 1 cup spinach leaves
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese grated

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 390°F and grease a 9” quiche tin.
  • Gently lay the pastry onto the tin and press into the base and sides. Cut off any excess pastry.
  • Line the pastry with a sheet of parchment paper and weight it down with baking beans or dried rice. Bake in the oven for 8 minutes then remove the paper and weights. Continue baking until the pastry is nicely browned, about 10 minutes then remove from oven and reduce temperature to 350° F.
  • Whisk the eggs, cream, and milk lightly until combined. Set aside.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet then sauté the onion and bacon until for 5 minutes. Add spinach and cook for 1 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool before spooning onto the pastry.
  • Sprinkle over cheese and egg mixture then bake for 30 minutes. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Quick Tip: A quiche will continue to cook after you take it out of the oven. To avoid overcooking, remove it when the texture is still slightly wobbly.

eggs spinach frittata with cheese

Frittata (aka Crustless Quiche) Recipe

Print Recipe

Ingredients

  • 8 eggs
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese grated
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 onion finely diced
  • 1 clove garlic crushed
  • 1 red chili diced
  • ½ bell pepper chopped
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives pitted
  • 1 cup spinach leaves
  • ½ cup feta cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° F.
  • Lightly whisk eggs and milk in a medium bowl until combined. Add cheese and stir in. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
  • On medium heat, sauté onion, garlic, and chili for 2 minutes. Add bell pepper and cook for 5 minutes.
  • Toss in the spinach and stir, then pour in the egg mixture and add olives. Gently stir to mix all the ingredients then allow to cook until the egg starts to pull away from the side of the pan. Transfer pan to oven and bake for 10 minutes or until the egg doesn’t wobble when it is lightly shaken.
  • Remove from oven and toss over crumbled feta. Cut into slices and serve immediately.
Frittata in a pan on the bench
A frittata is usually fried before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some ingredients to add to a frittata or quiche?

Some of the tastiest add-ins are bacon, asparagus, bell pepper, spinach leaves, cheese, mushrooms, tomatoes, ham, and onions.

What is a strata?

A strata is a casserole that puffs up when cooked and is made from eggs, cheese, and bread. The ratio of dairy and eggs is the same as what you’d use in a quiche.

What is a soufflé?

A soufflé is a cake which is cooked in a ramekin and is made from whipped egg whites, egg yolks, and a combination of other ingredients. It can be a savory dish or a dessert.

Final Words

What will you cook tonight: quiche or frittata? The difference isn’t huge between these two egg bakes. If you enjoy pastry, then a quiche will probably be the best option. You could argue it’s a more impressive looking dish for dazzling everyone at the next office potluck or picnic. If you’re looking for a quick, mid-week meal, then the frittata is an excellent choice. It is simple to make and fool-proof, but delicious. If you’re short on ingredients and don’t know what to cook, the chances are you can make a frittata. A few eggs and some leftover vegetables, and you have a meal fit for a king.  

Quiche vs. frittata: what’s your preference? Let us know in the comments below.

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Nate Teague

Nate Teague is a food writer who has been working in the food industry for the past decade. He writes for various cooking blogs and has a passion for making fine dining recipes accessible to the at-home cook.

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