Nothing beats the classics like a good quiche. Our broccoli cheddar version is creamy, cheesy, and so easy to whip up, it’s foolproof. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
Today, I’m sharing my go-to recipe for a Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Quiche. It’s just a mix of broccoli, cream, eggs, cheese, and a crust that’s super easy to make.
Perfect for brunch or dinner, this quiche combines hearty broccoli with creamy, tangy cheddar cheese.
It takes only 5 minutes to prepare and 45 minutes in the oven. It’s a healthy meal option that my family loves.
I’ll show you how to make a crust that comes out flaky and buttery every time.
Let’s dive in!
🥰 Why You Will Love This Recipe?
- It’s simple. This Creamy Broccoli Quiche is straightforward—just a few ingredients and easy steps. It’s perfect for anyone trying out French baking for the first time.
- It’s versatile and vegetarian-friendly. Packed with broccoli, it’s a healthy choice for any meal—brunch, lunch, or dinner.
- It’s perfect for sharing. Great for family meals or potlucks, this quiche is a hit every time.
- I’ve included tips for a homemade quiche crust that’s easy to master and satisfying to make.
- Plus, it brings a touch of French elegance to your table, adding a sophisticated twist to your meals.
🥘 Ingredients and Substitutes
- Broccoli Florets: These add a crunchy, earthy flavor and lots of nutrients. You can swap in cauliflower, spinach, or kale if you prefer.
- Whipping Cream: This creates a luxurious, creamy texture. For a twist, try half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk.
- Eggs: They bind everything together and give the quiche its custardy texture. For a vegan option, use silken tofu or a chickpea flour mixture.
- Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor and melts into gooey goodness. Feel free to use Gruyère for a nuttier flavor, or a mix of Monterey Jack and Parmesan for extra zing.
- Pie Crust Dough: Forms the flaky base of the quiche. Use a store-bought crust or a gluten-free option like almond flour if you need an easy or allergen-friendly substitute.
👩🍳 Step-by-step Directions
Quick Note: First, let’s get the crust ready. You can use homemade dough or grab some from the store if you’re short on time.
Roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick, fit it into your baking dish, and trim any excess off the edges. Make sure to poke some holes in the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbles, and then pop it in the freezer to help it keep its shape while baking.
Quick Note: If you don’t want to freeze the crust, you can pre-bake it instead. Just call it blind baking method.
Once the crust is frozen solid, which should take about an hour, start preheating your oven. Bake the crust at 355°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes until it’s just starting to color.
This step makes sure your crust isn’t soggy under the filling.
While that’s happening, prep your broccoli by cutting it into florets and blanching them in boiling, salted water for 3 minutes. Drain them well after.
Quick Note: If you’re using frozen broccoli, no need to thaw it first—just toss it in with the filling later.
In a bowl, crack the eggs, add a pinch of salt, and whisk them together. Mix in the cream until it’s all smooth.
When your crust has pre-baked, spread the broccoli and cheese evenly over it.
Finally, pour the previously made egg and cream sauce over it.
Bake everything for another 25-30 minutes or until the filling sets and is nicely browned on top.
Let it cool a bit before taking it out of the mold. Then, it’s ready to enjoy!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Garden Salad: I like to pair my quiche with a fresh garden salad. Just toss some arugula, spinach, and romaine with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette. It’s a crisp, refreshing side that cuts through the richness of the quiche.
- Soup Pairing: A bowl of soup goes great with quiche, especially on cooler days. I recommend a tomato basil or a classic vegetable soup. It’s a warm, comforting addition that pairs perfectly with the savory quiche.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try roasting some vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini for a heartier side. Roasting caramelizes them nicely, bringing out their sweetness and making them a great match for the quiche.
- Artisan Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread or a baguette is perfect for mopping up any creamy filling. It adds a satisfying crunch and makes the meal more filling.
- Cheese Platter: A cheese platter with a variety of cheeses, nuts, and grapes can be an elegant touch, especially if you’re entertaining. It complements the cheesy quiche nicely.
😻 Recipe Variations
- Mushroom and Spinach Quiche: Try swapping out half the broccoli with sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach. The mushrooms give a nice, meaty texture, and the spinach adds a bit of bitterness that goes great with the creamy filling. Perfect for those who love a richer, earthy taste.
- Smoked Salmon and Dill Quiche: Mix it up with smoked salmon and fresh dill instead of broccoli. The smokiness of the salmon paired with the fresh dill makes for a sophisticated, luxurious quiche that’s ideal for brunches or fancy gatherings.
- Ham and Swiss Quiche: Go traditional with diced ham and Swiss cheese instead of cheddar. The salty ham and nutty Swiss are a classic combo that never fails to please.
- Roasted Red Pepper and Goat Cheese Quiche: Add a Mediterranean touch with roasted red peppers and creamy goat cheese. The sweet peppers and tangy goat cheese make for a vibrant and flavorful quiche.
- Spicy Jalapeño and Corn Quiche: For a bit of a kick, throw in some diced jalapeños and corn. The heat from the jalapeños and the sweetness from the corn offer a delicious contrast.
- Sun-dried Tomato and Basil Quiche: For an Italian spin, use sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. This combo turns the quiche into a flavor-packed, summery dish.
🏆 Expert Tips. What to Pay Attention To?
- Pre-Bake the Crust: For a flakier crust, pre-bake it before adding the filling. Use pie weights or dried beans to keep the dough from puffing up. This step keeps the crust crisp and golden.
- Cutting the Broccoli: Cut broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly and makes the quiche easier to slice. Remember, the broccoli will cook more in the oven, so it doesn’t need to be fully cooked beforehand.
- Egg and Cream Mixture: Whisk eggs and cream thoroughly. This step is key to getting that smooth, creamy quiche texture.
- Avoid Overfilling: Don’t overfill the crust. Leave a little space at the top to prevent spills during baking.
- Baking to Perfection: Bake until the quiche is just set and slightly wobbly in the center. Overbaking can make it rubbery, so watch it closely towards the end.
🤔 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
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Quiche! If you enjoyed making and tasting it, please rate it and leave a comment below.
Feel free to share your own variations, serving suggestions, or any tips you discovered. Your input could be really helpful for other quiche lovers.
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