Broccoli Cheddar Quiche Recipe

This sensational Broccoli Cheddar Quiche combines tender broccoli florets with sharp cheddar cheese in a luscious egg custard, all nestled in a flaky, buttery crust. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this versatile dish delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. The combination of smoky paprika and tangy Dijon mustard elevates this classic quiche to new heights!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Any Meal: Equally delicious for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner – this quiche is the definition of versatile.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it ahead of time for easy entertaining or meal prep for busy weekdays.
• Customizable: The basic recipe provides a fantastic foundation that you can easily adapt with different vegetables, cheeses, or proteins.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The familiar, comforting flavors appeal to both picky eaters and food enthusiasts alike.
• Balanced Nutrition: Packed with protein, vegetables, and just enough richness to satisfy without weighing you down.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Pie Crust: Use a spelt or butter crust for that perfect flaky foundation. The crust provides the structural support and buttery contrast to the creamy filling.
• Broccoli: Delivers lovely color, texture, and nutrition. Fresh broccoli gives the best texture, but frozen works in a pinch when properly prepared.
• Eggs: The backbone of any quiche, providing structure and richness. Farm-fresh eggs will give your quiche an even more vibrant color.
• Milk and Heavy Cream: This combination creates the perfect silky custard texture – don’t substitute with low-fat alternatives if you want that classic quiche texture.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tangy depth that enhances the savory flavors without overwhelming them.
• Kosher Salt: Brings all the flavors together. Remember that different brands have different levels of saltiness, so adjust accordingly.
• Smoked Paprika: Provides a gentle smoky note that complements the broccoli and cheddar beautifully.
• Black Pepper: Adds that essential spicy warmth that pairs perfectly with eggs.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: For that irresistible savory, slightly tangy flavor that melts beautifully throughout the quiche. Freshly shredded cheese melts much better than pre-shredded varieties.

Variations

Take this basic recipe and make it your own with these delicious alternatives:

Veggie Variations

• Mediterranean Style: Add roasted red peppers, feta cheese, and a sprinkle of oregano
• Spinach Mushroom: Replace broccoli with sautéed mushrooms and wilted spinach
• Asparagus Gruyère: Swap broccoli for asparagus tips and cheddar for Gruyère cheese

Protein Additions

• Add crispy bacon bits or diced ham for a meaty variation
• Incorporate smoked salmon and dill for an elegant twist
• Mix in some crumbled breakfast sausage for a hearty morning option

Cheese Swaps

• Try Gruyère for a nuttier flavor
• Use a combination of cheddar and Parmesan for depth
• Experiment with goat cheese for a tangy contrast

How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Quiche

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Roll your pie dough into an 11-inch circle and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate. Press firmly into the sides and bottom, then crimp the edges. Prick the bottom with a fork and freeze for at least 15 minutes while your oven preheats to 425°F.

Step 2: Blind Bake the Crust

Line the chilled crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights. Bake on the lower rack for 20 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment and bake 5 more minutes until lightly golden. This crucial step ensures your crust stays crisp, not soggy.

Step 3: Prepare the Broccoli

Steam your broccoli florets until bright green and crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Immediately cool them under running water to stop the cooking process and drain well. Properly prepared broccoli gives the perfect texture – not too soft, not too crunchy.

Step 4: Make the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, Dijon mustard, salt, smoked paprika, and pepper until thoroughly combined. The mixture should be smooth and uniform in color.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Spread the broccoli and cheese evenly in the par-baked crust, then pour the egg mixture over the top. Bake at 375°F for 50-55 minutes until the center is set and slightly puffed. If the crust edges start to brown too much, cover them with aluminum foil.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the quiche cool for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the custard to set up properly for clean, beautiful slices.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Cold Ingredients, Hot Oven: Keep your crust ingredients cold before rolling for maximum flakiness.
• Don’t Skip the Blind Bake: This step prevents the dreaded soggy bottom that can ruin an otherwise perfect quiche.
• Watch for Doneness: The center should be just set with a slight jiggle – it will continue to firm up as it cools.
• Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly.
• Drain Vegetables Well: Excess moisture from vegetables can make your quiche watery, so make sure your broccoli is well-drained.

How to Serve

Broccoli Cheddar Quiche is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options:

For Breakfast or Brunch

Pair with a light fruit salad and coffee for a satisfying morning meal. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette makes a perfect accompaniment for brunch.

For Lunch or Dinner

Serve with a more substantial side salad loaded with fresh vegetables and a light vinaigrette. A cup of tomato soup also pairs beautifully with this quiche for a complete meal.

Garnish Options

A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley adds color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche on the side provides a cool contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

You can prepare the entire quiche up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate it. Alternatively, blind bake the crust and prepare the filling components separately, then assemble and bake when needed.

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate leftover quiche in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap for up to 3 days. The flavor often improves after a day in the refrigerator as the ingredients meld together.

Freezing

Baked quiche freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap individual slices or the entire quiche (cooled completely) tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and place in a freezer bag.

Reheating

For refrigerated quiche, reheat in a 325°F oven for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. From frozen, reheat covered with foil at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, then uncover for the last 5 minutes to crisp the crust.

For best texture, avoid microwaving quiche when possible, as it can make the crust soggy.

FAQs

Can I make this quiche crustless?
Absolutely! Simply grease your pie dish well and pour the filling directly in. Reduce the baking time by about 10 minutes and check for doneness. A crustless version is perfect for those following a gluten-free or lower-carb diet.

Why did my quiche turn out watery?
Watery quiche usually comes from excess moisture in the vegetables or underbaking. Make sure to drain your broccoli thoroughly after steaming, and ensure the quiche is properly set before removing from the oven. The center should be just barely jiggly.

Can I use milk instead of the cream for a lighter version?
While you can substitute all milk for the cream, the texture won’t be as rich and silky. A better alternative is to use half-and-half in place of the heavy cream for a lighter version that still maintains good texture.

How do I know when my quiche is perfectly done?
A perfectly done quiche will be set around the edges with a slight jiggle in the center – similar to how a cheesecake looks when done. Insert a knife about an inch from the center; it should come out clean. The quiche will continue to set as it cools.

Final Thoughts

This Broccoli Cheddar Quiche brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels both comforting and special. The contrast between the flaky crust, tender broccoli, and creamy egg filling makes each bite a delight. Whether you’re preparing a leisurely weekend brunch or need a reliable dinner option that works just as well for leftovers, this recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal fuss. Give it a try with your own favorite variations and discover why quiche has stood the test of time as one of the most beloved versatile dishes!

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