Effortless & Delicious: The Best Crustless Broccoli Cheddar Quiche Recipe for Any Meal

Discover the joy of a homemade quiche without the fuss of a crust! This incredibly versatile and easy-to-make crustless quiche, featuring classic broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese, is a true kitchen hero. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a healthy breakfast, or a delightful brunch centerpiece, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. Its adaptability means you can effortlessly swap in different cheeses or vegetables you have on hand, making it an ideal “use what you have” meal. Imagine it with vibrant spinach and creamy mozzarella, or earthy mushrooms and nutty Swiss cheese – the possibilities are endless and equally delicious.

Why Choose a Crustless Quiche?

There are numerous benefits to opting for a crustless quiche, making it a popular choice for many home cooks. Firstly, it significantly cuts down on preparation time, eliminating the need to make or roll out dough. This is a huge win for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something wholesome without the extra effort. Beyond convenience, crustless quiches are naturally gluten-free, making them an excellent option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. They are also lower in carbohydrates and calories compared to their crust-filled counterparts, offering a lighter yet equally satisfying meal. The focus shifts entirely to the rich, savory filling, allowing the flavors of the eggs, cheese, and vegetables to truly shine through. It’s a healthier, simpler, and just as delicious alternative that you’ll want to add to your regular rotation.

Recipe

Crustless Vegetable Quiche

4.50 from 8 votes

We’ve used broccoli and cheddar in this delicious and easy crustless quiche, but you can substitute different cheeses or vegetables to use what you have. Try it this way or with spinach and mozzarella cheese or mushrooms and Swiss.

AuthorAuthor: Mary Ann

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Main Dish

Cuisine American, Gluten-free, Vegetarian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 283

Ingredients

  

• 8 eggs, beaten
• 10 ounces frozen chopped broccoli
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup milk

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Instructions

• Cook, drain and chop 10 ounces frozen chopped broccoli. To ensure your quiche isn’t watery, it’s crucial to thoroughly drain the cooked broccoli. You can press it between paper towels or use a fine-mesh sieve to squeeze out excess liquid.
• In a large bowl, combine 8 beaten eggs, 1 cup milk, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined and slightly frothy, ensuring a light and airy texture for your quiche. Gently stir in the prepared broccoli and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the mixture evenly into a greased 8-inch pie pan with 2-inch high sides. A good non-stick spray or butter works well for greasing.
• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 40-50 minutes, or until the center is set. You can test for doneness by inserting a knife into the middle; if it comes out clean, your quiche is ready. Be careful not to overbake, as this can lead to a rubbery texture. Let the quiche rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For a delicious spinach quiche, use 1 (10 oz) package of frozen spinach. Make sure to defrost it and squeeze out all excess water before adding to the egg mixture. Alternatively, for an entirely different flavor profile, sauté sliced mushrooms until tender and combine them with Swiss cheese for a rich and savory mushroom quiche.

Nutrition per serving

Calories: 283 calCarbohydrates: 6 gProtein: 20 gFat: 20 gSodium: 361 mgFiber: 1 gSugar: 3 g

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Ingredients Spotlight: The Heart of Your Quiche

Each ingredient in this crustless quiche plays a crucial role in creating its delightful texture and flavor. Understanding their purpose can help you customize the recipe even further.

• Eggs: The base of any quiche, eggs provide structure and richness. Beating them well before mixing ensures an even, fluffy texture throughout. We recommend using large eggs for consistency.
• Frozen Chopped Broccoli: Broccoli adds a fantastic pop of color, texture, and a healthy dose of vitamins. Using frozen chopped broccoli is incredibly convenient, saving you prep time. Just remember the critical step: cook it and drain it thoroughly to prevent a watery quiche.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar delivers a bold, comforting flavor that complements the broccoli perfectly. Its excellent melting qualities ensure a creamy, gooey result.
• Milk: Milk is essential for the custard-like consistency of the quiche. Whole milk will yield the richest texture, but you can use lower-fat alternatives if preferred. For an extra decadent quiche, consider using half-and-half or heavy cream.
• Salt and Pepper: These basic seasonings enhance all the other flavors. Feel free to adjust the amounts to your taste, or add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or a tiny dash of nutmeg for an extra layer of complexity.

Unleash Your Creativity: Endless Quiche Variations

The true beauty of this crustless quiche recipe lies in its adaptability. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover ingredients or customize it to suit your family’s preferences or dietary needs. Here are some inspiring ideas to get you started:

• Vegetable Powerhouses:
  • Spinach: As mentioned in the recipe notes, use a 10 oz package of frozen spinach, thoroughly defrosted and squeezed dry. Sautéed fresh spinach works wonderfully too!
  • Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms (cremini, button, or a mix) until golden brown before adding them to the egg mixture for deep, umami flavor.
  • Bell Peppers & Onions: Sauté finely diced bell peppers (any color) and onions until soft and slightly caramelized for a sweet and savory addition.
  • Zucchini: Grate or finely dice zucchini and squeeze out excess moisture before adding.
  • Asparagus: Blanch or lightly steam chopped asparagus spears for a delicate, spring-inspired quiche.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes can be added directly to the mixture for bursts of juicy flavor.
• Cheese Dreams: Experiment with different cheeses to alter the flavor profile.
  • Mozzarella: For a milder, stringier texture. Great with spinach!
  • Swiss Cheese: Perfect with mushrooms or ham, offering a nutty, slightly sweet note.
  • Feta Cheese: Adds a tangy, salty kick, especially good with spinach or roasted red peppers.
  • Goat Cheese: Creamy and tart, pairs well with herbs like dill or chives.
  • Parmesan or Gruyère: For a more gourmet, complex flavor.
  • Monterey Jack: A melty, mild choice that pairs well with Tex-Mex flavors.
• Protein Boosts (for non-vegetarian options):
  • Cooked Ham or Bacon: Diced cooked ham or crispy crumbled bacon bits are classic quiche additions, adding savory depth.
  • Sausage: Cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage or Italian sausage can turn this into a heartier meal.
  • Shredded Chicken: Leftover cooked chicken can be shredded and folded in for a filling lunch or dinner.
• Herb and Spice It Up: Fresh or dried herbs can elevate your quiche. Consider dill, chives, thyme, parsley, or a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky undertone.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match! A combination of sautéed onions, spinach, and feta is a popular choice, or perhaps bell peppers, sausage, and Monterey Jack for a breakfast-burrito inspired quiche. The key is to ensure any high-water-content vegetables are pre-cooked and thoroughly drained to maintain the quiche’s perfect consistency.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Quiche

While the recipe card provides clear instructions, here are a few extra tips to ensure your crustless quiche turns out perfectly every time:

1. Prep Your Veggies Meticulously: As highlighted, draining your cooked broccoli (or spinach) is paramount. Excess water will make your quiche soggy. If using fresh vegetables like mushrooms or onions, sauté them until most of their moisture has evaporated and they’ve developed a nice flavor. This step not only prevents a watery quiche but also concentrates the vegetable flavors.
2. Whisk Eggs with Vigor: Beat the eggs thoroughly until they are light and slightly frothy. This incorporates air, contributing to a lighter, more tender quiche. Then, slowly whisk in the milk, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined.
3. Combine Carefully: Once the liquid base is ready, gently fold in your chosen vegetables and shredded cheese. You want the ingredients to be evenly distributed but avoid overmixing, which can lead to a tougher texture.
4. Grease Your Pan Generously: A well-greased pie pan (8-inch with 2-inch sides is ideal) is crucial for easy removal. Butter, cooking spray, or a combination of both will work. This ensures your crustless quiche slides out beautifully once baked and rested.
5. Bake to Perfection: Keep a close eye on your quiche as it bakes. Ovens can vary, so the 40-50 minute time frame is a guideline. The knife test is your best friend here – if it comes out clean from the center, your quiche is done. An overbaked quiche can become rubbery, so pull it out as soon as it’s set.
6. The Importance of Resting: Just like many baked goods, quiche benefits from a short resting period after coming out of the oven. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps the flavors meld and the quiche to set further, making for cleaner slices.

Serving Suggestions for Your Delightful Quiche

This crustless quiche is incredibly versatile and can be served for any meal of the day. Its rich flavor and satisfying texture make it a standalone star, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.

• Breakfast & Brunch:
  • A light and fresh fruit salad (like the apple and raisin salad pictured) adds a perfect contrast.
  • Crispy bacon or sausage links for a heartier meal.
  • Toasted artisan bread or warm biscuits.
  • A simple cup of coffee or a mimosa to complete the brunch experience.
• Lunch:
  • A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
  • A bowl of light tomato or vegetable soup.
  • A side of crusty bread or crackers.
• Dinner:
  • As a light main course with a side of roasted vegetables (like asparagus or sweet potatoes).
  • A simple side salad.
  • A baked potato or a small serving of rice.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftover quiche is just as delicious, making this a great meal prep option. Store any uneaten quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months.

To reheat, for best results, place individual slices in an oven preheated to 300-325°F (150-160°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, though the texture might be slightly softer. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw overnight in the fridge before warming, or add extra time in the oven.

Nutritional Insights: A Wholesome Choice

This crustless broccoli cheddar quiche is not only delicious but also packs a nutritional punch. Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and various vitamins (like B12, D) and minerals. Broccoli is a superfood, rich in fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and other antioxidants. Cheddar cheese provides calcium and more protein. The absence of a crust means fewer refined carbohydrates and fats, making this a lighter and healthier option than traditional quiche, contributing to a balanced diet while still feeling incredibly satisfying.

Embrace the simplicity and versatility of this crustless broccoli cheddar quiche. It’s a foolproof recipe that allows for endless customization, ensuring a delightful meal every time. Whether you stick to the classic combination or venture into creative variations, this easy quiche is bound to become a favorite in your household. Happy cooking!

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