Quiche is one of my favorite savory pastries. The soft, flaky crust filled with a creamy, piquant combination of egg, cheese, and meat is an unrivaled gastronomical experience.
What’s even better is that quiche is quite an affordable dish. Made from mainly household staples, quiche is a solid go-to recipe for whipping up a showstopping dinner in a pinch.
So, what’s the drawback? Despite quiche being a relatively simple dish to make, it takes a long time to cook.
It can even require you to make dough from scratch, depending on the recipe, making it quite labor-intensive.
If quiche only lasts a few hours at room temperature, is it really worth going through the trouble?
Can you successfully store quiche, so it keeps longer, and how long does quiche really last when stored correctly?
Luckily, quiche can last for up to 3-4 months in the freezer at 0°F. While it only lasts between 1-2 hours at room temperature, quiche can keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Signs quiche has expired include a hard, crusty texture and a dark and dull color.
Continue reading to learn how quiche expires in different settings and consequently how long it will last.
Additionally, we’ll cover the best ways to store quiche as well as the signs of spoilage to watch out for.
Does Quiche Expire?
Because quiche is made from baked eggs, cheeses, meats, and vegetables, it’s important to mind its expiration date.
A myriad of factors contributes to a quiche’s expiration date, but whether it’s homemade or store-bought, it definitely has one.
The animal products used in quiche causes it to expire more quickly than other baked goods. So, make sure to pay attention to signs that your quiche has expired.
Signs Quiche Has Gone Bad
To tell whether quiche has expired, pay attention to texture, color, and smell. You can tell that quiche is starting to expire when the egg hardens and turns a dark, yellow color.
Additionally, there may be a hard crust that develops across the soft surface of the pastry.
Perhaps the most noticeable sign of spoilage, expired quiche will smell like rotten eggs.
If you notice even a faint smell of spoiled eggs, meat, or vegetables, it’s best to discard the quiche.
What Happens if I Eat Expired Quiche?
While you might get away with eating spoiled quiche, it’s best not to risk the consequences. In most cases, eating expired quiche will cause stomach aches and nausea.
Because eggs are the main ingredient in quiche, there’s a risk of infection with Salmonella.
According to the CDC, symptoms of salmonella from egg products commence within 6 hours to 6 days of consumption.
While most cases clear up with the help of antibiotics, severe instances may require hospitalization.
How Long Before Quiche Expires?
Unless the best-by date says otherwise, quiche expires within 3-4 days when refrigerated.
The longevity of quiche is contingent upon whether it’s stored properly and how often the packaging is opened.
Other methods of storage can either shorten or lengthen the shelf life of quiche. Before quiche spoils, you will notice a decrease in flavor.
Upon noticing a bland flavor and soggy texture, you should expect your quiche to expire quickly.
Can You Eat Quiche After Expiration Date?
If it’s bought from a supermarket or bakery, there will be a best-by date on the packaging of the quiche.
Generally, the baker determines this date based on the optimum timeframe to consume the product to enjoy its peak flavors.
Sometimes, quiche may last longer than the best-by date on the packaging, so it technically can be consumed after then.
However, it’s important to remember that the main products in quiche have short shelf lives.
Because of this short window, it’s best to consume quiche by the best-by date.
Even though quiche may still be good afterward in theory, it’s best to heed the instructions on the packaging.
When in doubt, rely on your senses and check the texture, smell, and appearance of the quiche to ensure freshness.
How Long Can Quiche Be Kept at Room Temperature?
Due to its ingredients, quiche is not suitable to be left at room temperature for long intervals.
After being removed from the oven, the USDA proposes a 2-hour limit for leaving quiche at room temperature.
Commonly, people mistake quiche being served at room temperature as a green light to leave it out overnight.
While quiche sits out during a party, it’s only under the anticipation that it will be consumed within 1-2 hours.
Upon being removed from the oven, quiche has an internal temperature of 140°F, which thwarts bacteria growth.
It takes about 1-2 hours for quiche to cool to room temperature, at which point it’s susceptible to bacteria growth and spoilage.
Homemade Vs. Store-Bought Quiche
Many people prefer making their own quiche as opposed to buying one from a grocery store.
While making your own quiche grants you control over the products used, there is little difference in freshness.
Once out of the oven, all quiche has a 3–4-day shelf life. Whether you make it yourself or purchase quiche, this date will be evident or clearly marked.
If you want to maximize storage time, it’s best to make quiche yourself. However, you can browse quiches at the bakery and find a best-by date within your desired timeframe.
Either way, the freshness of your quiche is ensured, and you don’t have to worry about spoilage.
The Best Way to Store Quiche
The best way to store quiche depends on how fast you plan to consume it. If you know you will eat the quiche within the next few days, storing it in the fridge works perfectly.
However, if you make extra and wish to save it for multiple weeks, it’s best to store it in the freezer.
For an easy guide to the best storage methods for quiche, use this chart as a quick reference:
| Method | Temperature | Shelf-Life |
| Room Temperature | 60-70°F | 1-2 Hours |
| Refrigerator | 35-40°F | 3-4 Days |
| Freezer | 0°F | 3-4 Months |
How Long Does Quiche Last in the Fridge?
Once the internal temperature reaches 60-70°F after baking, quiche will last in the fridge from 3-4 days in the fridge.
If using this method of storage, make sure your fridge maintains a temperature from 35-40°F.
If the temperature fluctuates outside of this range, there is a risk that the quiche will spoil.
Additionally, it’s important to make sure the quiche is stored properly. If storing a whole quiche, keep it in the pan and cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating.
If the quiche is already cut or you’re only saving a few slices, use plastic bags and remove excess air. To store, place each bag in the crisper drawer of your fridge.
How Long Does Quiche Last in the Freezer?
While eggs are notorious for freezing poorly, freezing quiche is an especially effective storage method.
Because freezing quiche preserves it for months at a time, it is considered a lauded storage method.
Generally, quiche lasts in the freezer for 3-4 months, making it a preferred method for preparing for large dinner parties.
For best results, make sure your freezer maintains a temperature of 0°F.
There are multiple methods for freezing quiche depending on your intent. You can freeze the crust and filling separately, freeze the entire quiche before cooking, or freeze it after cooking.
While different people swear by different methods, I prefer freezing the quiche prior to cooking because it’s efficient and maximizes flavor.
To learn more about the different techniques for freezing quiche, check out this comprehensive guide.
Otherwise, keep reading to learn step-by-step how to freeze a whole quiche prior to baking.
How to Freeze Quiche
Freezing a quiche prior to baking adds a just-out-of-the-oven freshness to your stored baked good.
By freezing the quiche before cooking, you minimize the deterioration of the ingredients caused by heat.
Follow these steps for a full-proof method for freezing your favorite pastry:
- Place the dough in the dish you will use for baking and mold it into a shell. Fill the shell with your filling.
- It’s important to minimize exposure to air, so wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. If you have a tight-fitting baking lid, you can also use it to cover while freezing. However, I always feel best using a layer of plastic or aluminum wrap as a safeguard.
- Keep the quiche in the freezer for up to 4 months.
- To thaw, place the baking dish in the refrigerator from 24-48 hours as-is. Then, bake per your recipe’s instructions.
I love using this method because it makes providing fresh, homecooked meals easy.
I find that freezing before cooking yields a flaky, buttery texture, unlike cooking before freezing which can cause sogginess.
Best Quiche Recipe
There are many great recipes for quiche, but this is one of my favorites. Its buttery crust and soft, decadent filling make it one of the best quiches I’ve ever tried.
This recipe is also health-conscious, as it uses a 2:5 ratio of yolks to egg whites.
I also like that it uses feta cheese and spinach instead of heavier, overused ingredients like pork and cheddar. For a breakdown of ingredients, check out this list.
It yields approximately 8 servings and takes just under 2 hours in total to complete. Prepping takes about 35 minutes, and you’ll want to leave it in the oven for about an hour.
Also, leave 10 minutes for the dough to rest both before and after the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. While the oven is heating, sauté onions, sugar, and salt for about 30 minutes. Once golden brown, add potatoes and let sit for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- For the crust, roll out the dough and cut one strip for the trim. Mold the remaining dough into a 10-inch-deep baking pan for the shell and then add the strip for the crust’s edge. You can make a spiral pattern by looping the strip into a curl before molding it to the crust. For a no-fuss option, simply mend the strip around the crust and press the excess edges down with a fork. Once assembled, let the dough rest for 10 minutes, covering it with a clean cloth.
- Line the bottom of the crust with the caramelized onions and potatoes. Then, add the egg, feta cheese, milk, and spinach. Bake for 1 hour and then let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.
Out of all the quiches I’ve made, this recipe has gotten the most compliments by far.
It’s also as diet-sensitive as a quiche can be since it omits meat entirely and is vegetarian.
Final Thoughts
Quiche is a delicious, affordable dinner option that is sure to please even the pickiest of guests.
Despite being made almost entirely of animal products, proper storage enables quiche to be preserved for up to 4 months.
The ability to keep quiche for long periods and even prepare it in advance makes it a worthwhile dish for nearly any occasion.
My name is Keren Tayler. I am a stay-at-home mama to three lovely girls, Sarah + Rachel + Hannah. Prior to becoming a mom, I had a successful career in the accounting field, steps away from becoming a CPA. I decided to give up on my career in order to raise my own kids (as opposed to letting a nanny do it, no judgment here :)) I learned a lot and I love sharing it with other moms. Along the way, I also became a Certified Food Handler.