Easy & Versatile Crustless Quiche: Your Go-To Recipe for Any Vegetable & Cheese

Discover the ultimate versatile meal that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner – our delicious and easy crustless quiche! While we’ve crafted this particular recipe with the classic, crowd-pleasing combination of vibrant broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese, its true magic lies in its adaptability. This simple base allows you to effortlessly substitute various cheeses and vegetables, making it an ideal “use what you have” meal that helps reduce food waste and keeps your grocery budget in check.

Whether you’re aiming for a vegetarian delight or looking to incorporate more greens into your diet, this crustless quiche delivers on flavor and convenience. Imagine a rich, custardy filling packed with tender broccoli florets and melty cheddar, baked to golden perfection. It’s a wholesome, satisfying dish that feels gourmet but requires minimal effort. Don’t be afraid to experiment – try it with fresh spinach and creamy mozzarella, or earthy sautéed mushrooms and nutty Swiss cheese for an entirely different, yet equally delightful, experience.

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.
• Combine 8 eggs, 1 cup milk, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper in a bowl and mix well. Stir in broccoli and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Pour into a greased 8 inch pie pan that has 2 inch sides.
• Bake at 350°F about 40-50 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Notes

For spinach quiche, use 1 (10 oz) pkg. frozen spinach, defrosted, with the water squeezed out, or use sliced sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese for an entirely different flavor.

Nutrition per serving

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

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Why Choose a Crustless Quiche?

Opting for a crustless quiche offers numerous benefits that extend beyond mere simplicity. First and foremost, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking a gluten-free or low-carb meal, as it eliminates the traditional pastry crust entirely. This makes it a fantastic option for various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. Furthermore, a crustless quiche is significantly quicker to prepare than its crusted counterpart. You save valuable time by skipping the steps of making, rolling, or pressing a pie crust, making it a perfect solution for busy weeknights or impromptu brunch gatherings.

Beyond the practical advantages, the absence of a crust allows the rich, savory egg custard and its flavorful fillings to truly shine. Each bite is packed with the goodness of vegetables and cheese, creating a lighter yet equally fulfilling experience. It’s also a more forgiving dish for novice cooks, as you don’t have to worry about a soggy bottom or unevenly baked crust. This recipe proves that you don’t need a fancy pastry to create an elegant, healthy, and incredibly delicious dish that will impress your family and friends.

The Classic Combination: Broccoli and Cheddar

The pairing of broccoli and cheddar cheese in a quiche is a timeless classic for good reason. The mild bitterness and slight crispness of cooked broccoli perfectly complement the sharp, creamy notes of cheddar. This combination isn’t just delicious; it’s also incredibly nutritious. Broccoli is a powerhouse of vitamins (especially C and K), fiber, and antioxidants, while cheddar cheese provides a good source of protein and calcium. When combined in this crustless quiche, they create a well-balanced meal that is both satisfying and good for you.

Using frozen chopped broccoli, as this recipe suggests, adds another layer of convenience. It requires minimal prep, as it’s already chopped and ready to be cooked. Plus, frozen vegetables are often picked at their peak freshness and flash-frozen, locking in their nutrients. This makes them a fantastic pantry staple for quick, healthy meals any time of the year. The cheddar cheese melts beautifully into the egg mixture, creating pockets of savory goodness that infuse every forkful with incredible flavor.

Endless Customization: Beyond Broccoli & Cheddar

The beauty of this crustless quiche truly shines in its incredible versatility. While the broccoli and cheddar combination is fantastic, think of this recipe as a canvas for your culinary creativity. You can easily adapt it to whatever ingredients you have on hand, transforming it into a new dish every time. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Vegetable Swaps:
  • Spinach: As mentioned, frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) or fresh sautéed spinach works wonderfully with mozzarella or feta.
  • Mushrooms: Sautéed sliced mushrooms (cremini, button, or a wild mushroom mix) add an earthy depth, especially when paired with Swiss or Gruyère.
  • Bell Peppers & Onions: A colorful medley of diced bell peppers and onions, sautéed until tender, brings sweetness and vibrant color. Try them with Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a Tex-Mex twist.
  • Zucchini or Yellow Squash: Grated and squeezed dry, or thinly sliced and sautéed, these mild vegetables are great with Parmesan or a blend of Italian cheeses.
  • Asparagus: Blanched and chopped asparagus spears lend an elegant touch and delicate flavor, pairing well with goat cheese or provolone.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Leftover roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or cherry tomatoes can be chopped and added for a richer, more complex flavor profile.
• Cheese Variations:
  • Mozzarella: Offers a mild, stretchy texture.
  • Swiss or Gruyère: Adds a nutty, robust flavor.
  • Feta or Goat Cheese: For a tangy, Mediterranean or sophisticated touch.
  • Parmesan or Asiago: Provides a sharp, salty punch.
  • Pepper Jack: If you like a little heat.
  • Mixed Cheeses: Don’t hesitate to use a combination, such as cheddar and Monterey Jack, or Swiss and Parmesan.
• Adding Protein (Non-Vegetarian Options):

  If you’re not strictly vegetarian, this quiche is an excellent vehicle for adding cooked meats. Just be sure to pre-cook them and drain any excess fat before adding to the egg mixture:

  • Ham or Bacon: Diced cooked ham or crumbled crispy bacon bits are classic quiche additions.
  • Cooked Chicken or Turkey: Shredded or diced leftover chicken or turkey can turn this into a hearty meal.
  • Cooked Sausage: Crumbled and browned breakfast sausage or Italian sausage adds a savory kick.
• Herb and Spice Boosts:

  Don’t forget to enhance the flavor with herbs and spices! A pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, or a dash of nutmeg can elevate the quiche. Fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill, stirred in just before baking, add freshness and aroma.

Tips for a Perfect Crustless Quiche Every Time

Achieving a perfectly set and flavorful crustless quiche is easy with a few key tips:

• Pre-cook Vegetables: Most vegetables, especially those with high water content like broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms, should be cooked and drained well before being added to the egg mixture. This prevents your quiche from becoming watery. For leafy greens like spinach, make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
• Grease Your Pan Generously: Since there’s no crust to protect it, liberally grease your pie pan to prevent sticking. A good non-stick spray or buttering and flouring the pan works wonders.
• Don’t Overfill: Ensure your pie pan has at least 2-inch high sides to contain the egg mixture. The quiche will puff up slightly while baking, so leave a little room at the top.
• Even Baking: Bake your quiche in the center of the oven for even heat distribution. If you notice the top browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
• Test for Doneness: The knife test is your best friend. Insert a thin knife into the center of the quiche; if it comes out clean, your quiche is done. Overbaking can lead to a rubbery texture.
• Resting Time: Once out of the oven, let the quiche rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the custard to set further and makes for cleaner slices.

Serving Suggestions & Meal Ideas

This crustless quiche is incredibly versatile and can be served for any meal of the day. For breakfast or brunch, pair it with a fresh fruit salad, some crispy bacon, or a basket of warm muffins. For a light and satisfying lunch, a slice of quiche alongside a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is perfect. When serving it for dinner, consider complementing it with roasted potatoes, a side of steamed green beans, or a hearty lentil salad like the Mediterranean one featured below. Its rich flavor and appealing texture make it a wonderful centerpiece for any meal.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover crustless quiche stores beautifully, making it excellent for meal prep. Once completely cooled, cover the quiche tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can warm individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through, or gently warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, which helps maintain its custardy texture.

Embracing a Frugal & Flexible Cooking Philosophy

This crustless quiche embodies the essence of “use what you have” cooking. It’s a fantastic way to utilize leftover vegetables from your fridge, small amounts of various cheeses, or even a couple of extra eggs that are nearing their expiration date. By being flexible with your ingredients, you not only create delicious and unique meals but also contribute to reducing food waste and making your grocery budget stretch further. This recipe encourages creativity and resourcefulness, proving that some of the best meals come from simple ingredients and a willingness to adapt.

Conclusion

Whether you stick to the classic broccoli and cheddar, or venture into exciting new flavor combinations with other vegetables and cheeses, this easy crustless quiche recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s a healthy, convenient, and incredibly satisfying dish that can be tailored to suit any taste or occasion. Get creative with your ingredients, enjoy the simplicity of its preparation, and savor every delicious bite of this wonderfully versatile meal!

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