Easy Crustless Broccoli Quiche

A warm, comforting dish that effortlessly balances richness and lightness, Easy Crustless Broccoli Quiche is a delightful culinary creation. This quiche, devoid of a traditional pastry crust, focuses on the pure, unadulterated flavours of its filling: tender broccoli florets embraced by a creamy, savoury custard. It’s a dish that promises satisfaction without heaviness, perfect for a leisurely brunch, a light lunch, or a simple yet elegant dinner. Prepare to be charmed by its simplicity and captivated by its deliciousness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

• Effortless Elegance: This crustless quiche achieves a sophisticated flavour and presentation with minimal effort. It’s an impressive dish to serve guests, yet simple enough for a weeknight meal, offering a touch of culinary flair without demanding hours in the kitchen.
• Pure Flavour Focus: By eliminating the crust, this recipe allows the spotlight to shine brightly on the star ingredients: the broccoli and the creamy custard. You taste the true essence of the quiche filling, unmasked and beautifully balanced, for a more direct and satisfying flavour experience.
• Versatile Mealtime Hero: Easy Crustless Broccoli Quiche is remarkably adaptable to any meal of the day. Enjoy it warm for brunch or dinner, or chilled for a refreshing lunch. Its versatility makes it a reliable and welcome dish for any occasion.
• Customizable Ingredient Canvas: While broccoli is the featured vegetable, this quiche is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Easily incorporate other vegetables, cheeses, or seasonings to tailor the flavour profile to your personal preferences, making it a recipe that evolves with your tastes.
• Comforting and Light: This dish manages to be both deeply comforting and surprisingly light. The creamy custard and tender broccoli provide a satisfying richness, while the absence of a heavy crust keeps it from feeling overly indulgent, offering a balanced and enjoyable meal.

Ingredients

For the Savoury Quiche Filling

• 1 lb broccoli florets, fresh or frozen (thawed and drained). Broccoli is the star vegetable, providing a slightly earthy and subtly sweet flavour, as well as a pleasant tender-crisp texture when cooked in the quiche. Using florets ensures even cooking and a visually appealing presentation.
• 1 cup milk, whole milk is recommended for richness, but reduced-fat milk can also be used. Milk forms the liquid base of the custard, contributing to its creamy texture and binding the ingredients together. It creates a smooth and luscious quiche filling.
• 4 large eggs, these are the binding agents and texture creators. Eggs are essential for creating the custard base of the quiche. They provide structure, richness, and a delicate set that is characteristic of a well-made quiche.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, sharp cheddar cheese is preferred for its bold flavour, but mild or medium cheddar can also be used. Cheddar cheese adds a savory, slightly tangy, and melty element to the quiche, complementing the broccoli and enhancing the overall richness. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, adds a salty, nutty, and umami-rich flavour to the quiche. Parmesan cheese enhances the savory notes and contributes to a more complex and sophisticated flavour profile. Freshly grated Parmesan is recommended for its superior flavour and texture.
• 1 small onion, finely diced. Onion provides an aromatic base and a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavour of the quiche. Dicing it finely ensures it cooks through evenly and blends seamlessly into the filling.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced. Garlic is a foundational aromatic, contributing a pungent and savory note that deepens the flavour profile of the quiche. Mincing it releases its flavour compounds, infusing the filling with its characteristic aroma.
• 1 tbsp olive oil, used for sautéing the onion and garlic, adding a subtle richness and preventing them from sticking to the pan. Olive oil also helps to bloom the aromatics, enhancing their flavour.
• ½ tsp salt, essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavours of all the ingredients. Salt balances the richness and brings out the best in the vegetables, cheese, and custard base.
• ¼ tsp black pepper, adds a touch of subtle spice and complexity, complementing the other seasonings and enhancing the overall flavour profile. Freshly ground black pepper is preferred for its more robust flavour.
• Pinch of nutmeg, optional but highly recommended. Nutmeg adds a warm, slightly sweet, and aromatic spice note that beautifully complements the creamy custard and savory cheese, enhancing the overall flavour complexity of the quiche. A little goes a long way.

How to Make Easy Crustless Broccoli Quiche ?

this …

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

If using fresh broccoli, cut the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces. If using frozen broccoli, thaw it completely and drain well to remove excess moisture. Excess moisture can make the quiche watery.

Steam or lightly boil the broccoli florets for about 5 minutes, until they are tender-crisp and bright green. Drain well and set aside. Pre-cooking the broccoli ensures it is tender in the finished quiche and prevents it from being crunchy.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or a similar sized oven-safe dish.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Remove from heat and set aside. Sautéing the onion and garlic enhances their flavour and mellows their sharpness.

Step 3: Whisk the Custard Base

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined and slightly frothy. This creates the base for the creamy custard that will hold the quiche together.

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Mix until the cheeses are evenly distributed and the seasonings are incorporated into the custard base.

Step 4: Assemble the Quiche

Arrange the steamed broccoli florets evenly in the prepared pie dish.

Pour the egg mixture over the broccoli, ensuring it is evenly distributed and reaches all the broccoli florets.

Gently distribute the sautéed onion and garlic mixture over the top of the quiche filling.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the quiche is set and lightly golden brown on top. A knife inserted into the center should come out mostly clean, with just a slight wobble in the very center.

Let the Easy Crustless Broccoli Quiche cool in the pie dish for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the quiche to set further and makes it easier to slice.

Tips for Variations

Cheese Lover’s Quiche

Enhance the cheesy flavour by incorporating different types of cheese. Add Gruyere cheese, shredded, for a nutty and slightly sweet flavour, Monterey Jack cheese, shredded, for a mild and creamy melt, or feta cheese, crumbled, for a salty and tangy kick. Use a combination of cheeses for a more complex flavour profile.

Vegetable Medley Quiche

Add other vegetables to the quiche for a more colourful and nutritious dish. Consider incorporating sautéed mushrooms, sliced bell peppers, chopped spinach, or roasted asparagus along with the broccoli. Ensure vegetables are pre-cooked to remove excess moisture and enhance their flavour.

Herbaceous Infusion

Enhance the aromatic complexity by adding fresh herbs to the quiche filling. Stir in chopped fresh chives, parsley, dill, or thyme into the egg mixture. Fresh herbs add a vibrant flavour and aroma that complements the vegetables and cheese.

Spicy Quiche Kick

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture or include a finely chopped jalapeño pepper when sautéing the onions and garlic. You can also use a spicy cheese like pepper jack for an extra kick.

Smoked Paprika Depth

Enhance the savory notes by using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika in the seasoning. Smoked paprika adds a deep, smoky flavour that complements the broccoli and cheese beautifully, creating a more robust and complex flavour profile.

Serving Suggestions

Brunch Centrepiece

Serve Easy Crustless Broccoli Quiche as the star of a brunch spread. Pair it with fresh fruit salad, croissants, and a side of breakfast sausages or bacon for a complete and satisfying brunch menu.

Light Lunch Delight

Enjoy a slice of Crustless Broccoli Quiche for a light and flavourful lunch. Serve it with a side of mixed greens salad dressed with a vinaigrette for a balanced and refreshing meal.

Simple Dinner with Salad

Make Easy Crustless Broccoli Quiche the main course for a simple yet satisfying dinner. Serve it with a large green salad or a tomato and cucumber salad for a complete and easy weeknight meal.

Appetizer Bites

Cut the Crustless Broccoli Quiche into small squares or triangles and serve as appetizers for a party or gathering. They are perfect for finger food and can be served warm or at room temperature.

Picnic Basket Essential

Pack slices of Easy Crustless Broccoli Quiche in a picnic basket for a delightful outdoor meal. It travels well and is delicious served at room temperature, making it ideal for picnics, potlucks, or outdoor events.

FAQ

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, frozen broccoli florets can be used. Ensure the frozen broccoli is fully thawed and thoroughly drained to remove excess moisture before adding it to the quiche. Excess water can make the quiche soggy.

How do I store leftover crustless broccoli quiche?

Store leftover Easy Crustless Broccoli Quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can be enjoyed cold or reheated.

Can I freeze crustless broccoli quiche?

Yes, you can freeze baked Crustless Broccoli Quiche. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How do I reheat crustless broccoli quiche?

Reheat leftover Crustless Broccoli Quiche in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave, but the texture may be slightly softer. Oven reheating is recommended for best results.

Can I add meat to this quiche?

Yes, you can add cooked and crumbled meat such as turkey sausage, ground beef, or shredded chicken to this quiche. Brown and drain any ground meat before adding it to the quiche filling along with the broccoli in step 4. Ensure any meat is fully cooked before adding to the quiche.

Print