If you’re a fan of breakfast buffets like the ones offered at MGM Grand, you’ve probably seen a variety of soufflés and quiches on menus. But have you ever wondered what the difference is between these two dishes? While both are made with eggs and cheese and baked in an oven, they have distinct differences that set them apart.
The most obvious difference between soufflés and quiches is their shape. Soufflés are made and served in ramekins which help make it fluffy and tall. Quiches are served in round pie containers. In terms of texture, souffles are soft and fluffy while quiches are dense.
What is a Soufflé?
A soufflé is a light and airy egg-based dish that originated in France. They can either be savory or sweet, with sweet versions like chocolate or vanilla soufflés made similarly to savory soufflés.
Savory soufflés are made mainly of eggs, cheese, and milk. You’ll need to beat the egg whites and then fold it into the egg yolk mixture that has been added with seasonings.
The mixture is then poured into a ramekin and then baked for about 40 minutes in the oven. Some may require longer baking time especially if they are big in size.
What is a Quiche?
A quiche is classified as a savory tart made from a custard that you bake in a pastry crust. Quiches are always savory and have a base made from a savory pastry, usually pie dough or pâte brisée. You will need to pre-bake the dough using a specially shaped dish or a pie dish.
The savory custard filling consists of eggs, cheese, and cream, with other savory ingredients added to create different flavor profiles. The custard is added to the pastry shell which you need to pre-bake and then bake the dish for about 30 minutes (may take longer depending on the size of the pie) until the egg mixture has fully set.
Quiches can also be made without a crust, in which case they are referred to as crustless quiches. This can create confusion, as there are other dishes like frittatas that look similar.
Differences Between Soufflés and Quiches
Aside from their shape and texture, there are other differences between these two dishes. Soufflés often contain milk, whereas quiches contain cream, which contributes to differences in their texture.
A traditional quiche has a pastry crust while a souffle doesn’t. In terms of cooking and preparation, they both require the same amount of time to cook however the quiche has a pie crust that needs to be pre-baked.
Whether you prefer the light fluffiness of a soufflé or the dense, savory goodness of a quiche, there’s no denying that both dishes are equally delicious.