Dive into the world of French baking with this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Quiche, a perfect blend of tender broccoli, rich cheese, and a flaky crust. Versatile and foolproof, it’s an ideal recipe for both beginners and seasoned cooks, offering a healthier, more flavorful alternative to your typical quiche.
Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a recipe that perfectly embodies this philosophy: the Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Quiche. This dish is a testament to how a few quality ingredients, such as tender broccoli florets, whipping cream, fresh eggs, cheese, and a homemade quiche crust, can create a culinary masterpiece.
It is ideal for a cozy family brunch or a sophisticated dinner, this vegetarian quiche brings together the heartiness of broccoli and the creamy, tangy goodness of cheddar cheese.
In just 5 minutes of prep time and 45 minutes in the oven, this quick broccoli cheese quiche comes to life, offering a healthy and family-friendly meal option.
The homemade quiche crust tips I’ll share will ensure a perfectly flaky and buttery base every time, elevating this dish to new heights.
Let’s dive in!
🥰 Why You Will Love This Recipe?
- Simplicity at Its Best: One of the most appealing aspects of this Creamy Broccoli Quiche Recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and a no-fuss preparation process, it’s the epitome of an easy, yet elegant dish. Even those new to French cuisine baking will find this recipe approachable and rewarding.
- Versatile and Vegetarian-Friendly: This quiche fits beautifully into a variety of meal plans. It’s a fantastic vegetarian option, packed with the goodness of broccoli, making it a great choice for those looking for healthy quiche recipes. Its versatility also means it can be served at any meal – be it a brunch, lunch, or dinner.
- Perfect for Sharing: This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Quiche is not just a meal; it’s a shareable experience. It’s an ideal dish for family gatherings, potlucks, or a comforting family meal, making it one of those family-friendly quiche meals that everyone will remember and request time and again.
- Homemade Quiche Crust Tips Included: For those who love baking from scratch, the recipe includes homemade quiche crust tips, ensuring a perfect crust every time. There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your crust, and this recipe makes it achievable.
- A Touch of French Elegance: Bringing a slice of French cuisine into your kitchen, this quiche adds a touch of sophistication to your cooking repertoire. It’s a simple way to introduce international flavors to your family and friends, making mealtime a little more special.
🥘 Ingredients and Substitutes
- Broccoli Florets add not only a delightful crunch and earthy flavor to our quiche but also pack a nutritional punch with their vitamins and fiber. If broccoli isn’t your thing or you’re simply out, feel free to swap in similar veggies like cauliflower florets, or for a greener touch, try spinach or kale. These substitutes will maintain the quiche’s integrity while offering a different yet equally delicious flavor profile.
- Whipping Cream is the secret to the quiche’s luxurious, creamy texture. It balances the flavors and adds a rich, smooth consistency. If you’re looking for an alternative, half-and-half or even full-fat coconut milk can provide that creamy texture with a slightly different, but still delightful, taste. These substitutes work great for those who have dietary preferences or just want to try something new.
- Eggs are crucial as they act as the binding agent, giving the quiche its classic, custardy texture and helping to hold all the ingredients together. In a pinch, or for a different take, try using a silken tofu blend or a chickpea flour mixture. These egg alternatives can offer a unique twist to the texture and are great options for those adhering to vegan dietary choices.
- Cheese (specifically Cheddar in this recipe) imparts a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the creamy texture. It melts beautifully, creating a delightful, gooey experience. If Cheddar isn’t on hand or you wish to experiment, try other cheeses like Gruyère for a nuttier flavor, or a mix of Monterey Jack and Parmesan for a smooth melt with a flavor kick. These cheeses can add different dimensions of taste while maintaining the quiche’s character.
- Pie Crust Dough forms the base of our quiche, offering a buttery, flaky foundation that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy filling. If homemade dough seems daunting, a store-bought pie crust is a convenient and effective substitute. For a gluten-free option, almond flour or a gluten-free pie crust mix can be used, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful dish, regardless of dietary restrictions.
👩🍳 Step-by-step Directions
Quick Note: To start, we need to prepare the crust for the quiche; I used homemade dough, but you can use the store-bought dough.
Roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness, then transfer it to the baking dish and carefully arrange the crust on the pan to avoid air bubbles under the dough, trim the excess dough from the edges, and prick the dough at the bottom of the pan with a fork. Then, place the crust in the freezer.
Quick Note: The crust is put in the freezer to maintain its shape during baking. If you don’t want to freeze the crust, you can use the blind baking method.
When the dough is well frozen, which will take about 1 hour, start preheating the oven, then bake the crust in the preheated oven at 355°F (180°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
This step is necessary to prevent the dough from being raw under the filling.
While the dough is pre-baking, we can prepare the other ingredients. Broccoli needs to be cut into florets and blanched for 3 minutes in boiling water with a little salt, then well drained.
Quick Note: If you wish, you can use frozen broccoli. In this case, add the still-frozen broccoli directly into the filling.
Then, take a bowl and crack the eggs into it, add a little salt and mix, then add the cream and mix well again to form a homogeneous sauce.
When the crust has browned a bit, arrange the broccoli evenly in the crust, then sprinkle with cheese.
Finally, pour the previously made egg and cream sauce over it.
Put the crust with the filling back in the oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the cream and egg mixture sets.
Allow it to cool well, then remove the quiche from the mold and it’s ready to serve.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Garden Salad: Pair your quiche with a fresh garden salad. A mix of leafy greens like arugula, spinach, and romaine, tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette, can add a refreshing and healthy side to your meal. This combination balances the richness of the quiche with the crispness of the salad.
- Soup Pairing: Consider serving your quiche with a comforting bowl of soup. A tomato basil soup or a classic vegetable soup can be a heartwarming addition, especially on cooler days. The combination of the warm, creamy soup with the savory quiche is utterly satisfying.
- Roasted Vegetables: For a heartier accompaniment, try roasted vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables, making them a perfect complement to the savory flavors of the quiche.
- Fruit Salad: A light and sweet fruit salad can be a great way to add a fresh and slightly sweet contrast to your meal. Mix together fruits like berries, melon, and grapes for a colorful and delicious side.
- Artisan Bread: A slice of warm, crusty artisan bread or a baguette served alongside the quiche can be ideal for soaking up any creamy filling. It adds a satisfying texture contrast and makes for a more filling meal.
- Cheese Platter: For an elegant touch, consider a cheese platter with a selection of cheeses, nuts, and grapes. This can be a great starter or a side to enhance the cheesy goodness of the quiche.
- Sautéed Greens: A side of sautéed greens like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard, seasoned with garlic and a hint of lemon, can add a nutritious and flavorful side to your meal.
😻 Recipe Variations
- Mushroom and Spinach Quiche: Replace half of the broccoli florets with sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach for an earthy twist. The mushrooms add a meaty texture, while the spinach provides a slight bitterness that pairs well with the creamy filling. This variation is great for those who enjoy a heartier, umami-rich quiche.
- Smoked Salmon and Dill Quiche: Introduce smoked salmon and fresh dill in place of broccoli for a luxurious, seafood-inspired quiche. The smokiness of the salmon and the freshness of dill create a sophisticated flavor profile, perfect for brunches or special occasions.
- Ham and Swiss Quiche: For a more traditional, meaty quiche, add diced ham and switch cheddar cheese with Swiss cheese. The saltiness of the ham complements the nuttiness of the Swiss cheese, offering a classic taste that’s always a hit.
- Roasted Red Pepper and Goat Cheese Quiche: Give the quiche a Mediterranean flair by adding roasted red peppers and substituting cheddar with creamy goat cheese. The sweetness of the peppers balances the tanginess of the goat cheese, creating a quiche that’s both vibrant in flavor and color.
- Spicy Jalapeño and Corn Quiche: Add some heat by including diced jalapeños and corn to the broccoli mixture. The spiciness of the jalapeños and the sweetness of the corn create a tantalizing contrast that’s perfect for those who enjoy a little kick in their meals.
- Sun-dried Tomato and Basil Quiche: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil for an Italian twist. The intense flavor of sun-dried tomatoes and the aromatic basil transform the quiche into a summery, flavorful dish.
🏆 Expert Tips. What to Pay Attention To?
- Pre-Bake the Crust: For a flakier and less soggy crust, it’s a good idea to pre-bake (or ‘blind bake’) your pie crust before adding the filling. This process involves baking the crust for a short time with pie weights or dried beans to prevent the dough from puffing up. Pre-baking helps to achieve a beautifully crisp and golden crust that will hold up to the wet filling.
- Cutting the Broccoli: When preparing your broccoli florets, make sure they are cut into small, bite-sized pieces. This not only ensures they cook evenly but also makes the quiche easier to slice and eat. Remember, the broccoli will cook further in the oven, so it doesn’t need to be fully cooked before adding it to the quiche.
- Cheese Selection: The type of cheddar cheese you use can greatly affect the flavor of your quiche. A sharp or aged cheddar will give a more intense flavor, while a mild cheddar will be subtler. Grate your cheese freshly for the best melting and flavor.
- Egg and Cream Mixture: Whisk your eggs and cream thoroughly to create a smooth, homogenous mixture. This step is crucial for achieving the creamy, custard-like consistency characteristic of a great quiche.
- Avoid Overfilling: When adding your filling to the crust, be careful not to overfill it. Leave a little space at the top to prevent the mixture from spilling over while baking.
- Baking to Perfection: Bake your quiche until it is just set, but still slightly wobbly in the center. Overbaking can lead to a rubbery texture, so keep an eye on it, especially towards the end of the baking time.
- Resting Time: Allow the quiche to rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven. This resting period helps the quiche set and makes it easier to slice. Plus, quiche is often more flavorful when it’s not piping hot.
🤔 Answering Your Questions:
How Do I Know When the Quiche Is Fully Cooked?
The quiche is done when the edges are set but the center still slightly wobbles when gently shaken. This usually takes about 45 minutes at 350°F (around 175°C). Overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture, so it’s important to keep an eye on it as it bakes.
Can This Quiche Be Made in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare and bake the quiche a day in advance. Just let it cool completely, then cover and refrigerate. Reheat it in the oven at 300°F (around 150°C) until it’s warmed through. It’s a great time-saver for entertaining or meal prep.
Is It Necessary to Pre-Bake the Crust?
Pre-baking the crust, also known as blind baking, is highly recommended. It helps to prevent the crust from becoming soggy once the egg mixture is added. It also ensures a more evenly cooked and golden crust.
📋 Recipe Card:
No-Fail Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Quiche
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 oz Broccoli florets
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 4 pieces Eggs
- 5 oz Cheese
- 1 lb Pie Crust Dough
Instructions
- Prepare Crust: Roll out the dough to ¼ inch thickness and place in a baking dish. Trim excess, prick the bottom with a fork, and freeze for 1 hour.1 lb Pie Crust Dough
- Pre-Bake Crust: Preheat oven to 355°F (180°C). Bake frozen crust for 15-20 minutes until slightly browned.
- Prepare Broccoli: Blanch broccoli florets in boiling salted water for 3 minutes. Drain well. Use frozen broccoli directly if preferred.12 oz Broccoli florets
- Mix Filling: In a bowl, whisk eggs with a pinch of salt. Add the whipping cream and mix until smooth.4 pieces Eggs, 1 cup whipping cream
- Assemble Quiche: Arrange broccoli in the pre-baked crust. Sprinkle with cheese, then pour egg and cream mixture over the top.5 oz Cheese
- Bake: Return to oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until set.
- Cool and Serve: Let the quiche cool before removing it from the mold. Serve warm.
Quick Note
I highly recommend reading the entire recipe to find more tips and notes about this recipe. Read Full Recipe ⇑
Nutrition Estimates
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Quiche! If you’ve enjoyed making and tasting this delightful recipe, please take a moment to rate it and leave a comment below.
Your unique variations, serving suggestions, or any helpful tips you discovered along the way are greatly appreciated and could be incredibly useful for fellow quiche enthusiasts.
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