Is there a difference between a frittata vs. quiche? In the world of egg dishes, these two cause a lot of confusion.
Both are classic brunch staples, but seven key differences set them apart. The crust, texture, origin, and ingredients are just a few examples.
From breakfast to dinner, you can enjoy these dishes any time of day. They both feature eggs, and they’re often interchangeable.
But this is just about where the similarities end.
Find out what makes these two entrees distinct. Then, you can decide which to make for your next potluck, brunch, or party.
Frittata vs. Quiche (What’s the Difference?)
A frittata and a quiche are both baked egg-based dishes. And they both can include fillers like vegetables and meat. At first glance, they even look alike.
Despite these similarities, they’re not the same. Let’s break down the main differences to tell frittata and quiche apart.
1. Origin
On a map, it’s easy to see these dishes come from entirely different countries.
The frittata is an Italian dish. Originally, Italian home cooks threw it together using ingredients they had on hand. Leftovers included!
It’s something you whip up for last-minute company or an inexpensive meal.
A quiche, on the other hand, is a French dish. It has been a culinary staple of this country for centuries.
Yet, despite the association, it’s not actually from France. Records claim quiche is from Germany.
This dish turned up during the Middle Ages. The name itself comes from the German word “kuchen” meaning “cake.”
The French adopted the quiche when they invaded Lothringen, Germany.
2. Crust
Another clear distinction is the crust. A frittata is a crustless dish. Instead, it’s all about the fluffy egg filling.
However, the crust is a signature component of a quiche. (Although some crustless versions exist.)
3. Base Ingredients
Crust aside, the base ingredients are also different.
The frittata features eggs. Sometimes, it’s just the egg whites. Other ingredients get added in, but they often change.
Quiche is made with an egg custard. The egg mixture includes dairy, like milk or cream, to give it a richer texture.
4. Texture
The base ingredients result in a textural difference. Frittatas have a fluffy center and firm exterior.
When you add dairy and a crust to the mix, the texture is very different. Quiche is more custard-like with a richer filling and flaky crust.
5. Pan
An oven-safe skillet is crucial for cooking a frittata. Typically, this is a sturdy cast-iron skillet that’s about 12 inches.
For quiche, you need a pie dish or tart pan.
6. Cooking Process
The frittata starts on the stove and then gets transferred to the oven.
First, you saute your add-ins. Then, you add the eggs. Once the eggs begin to set, you finish it in the oven.
Like the frittata, quiche is a baked dish. However, it completely skips the stove top part.
Instead, you mix the ingredients and transfer them to your pan. The entire quiche cooks in the oven.
7. Timing
The amount of energy you put into each differs, too. Frittatas are a quick meal. This dish is all filling and crustless, so it helps cut down on time.
Quiche, however, takes more time to craft. The homemade crust extends the prep time.
What Is a Frittata?
A frittata is an Italian egg dish. Often, it’s referred to as an Italian omelet.
It’s sort of like an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink dish. You can toss a wide range of add-ins into the egg filling.
Meat, cheese, veggies, or herbs, there are endless combinations. If you have any leftovers like sweet potatoes or ground sausage, add those in as well.
There are many enticing frittata recipes to choose from.
The cooking process, however, always starts by sauteing your mix-ins. Then, pour in the beaten eggs. As it cooks on the stove, the eggs will begin to set.
Don’t flip it! Instead, transfer the frittata to the oven to finish cooking.
What Is Quiche?
Quiche is an egg-based French dish. It’s like a savory tart with a custard-y egg filling in a flaky, buttery pie crust.
The two main ingredients are eggs and dairy (cream or milk). Like frittata, quiche is also customizable. You can add mix-ins like meat, veggies, and cheese.
A classic quiche recipe example is quiche Lorraine. This favorite combo features ham or bacon, cheese, and onions.
Unlike frittata, quiche bakes in the oven. There is no stovetop cooking required.
Also, it has a pie crust, which can be store-bought or homemade. Although, some people prefer to ditch the carbs and go crustless.
Brunch or potluck, quiche is a staple dish for both. But really, you can eat it any time of day.
Is a Frittata Just a Crustless Quiche?
Despite how it looks, a frittata is not a crustless quiche.
The crust is a key component of a quiche. As I mentioned earlier, crustless versions exist. But that doesn’t make it a frittata!
The differences extend beyond the crust. For instance, quiche has a custard-like filling. The frittata is more fluffy and firm.
Aside from the ingredients, they also differ in preparation. Cooking a frittata involves the stove and the oven. Quiche, however, only involves baking.
When you add up all the factors, they’re not the same. Although, both are a delectable option for a meal any time of day!
