Broccoli Cheddar Quiche

Broccoli Cheddar Quiche: A Creamy, Cheesy, and Irresistible Delight 🥦🧀🥧

1. Introduction

Broccoli Cheddar Quiche is the ultimate comfort food that brings together the earthy goodness of fresh broccoli with the rich, melty perfection of cheddar cheese, all nestled in a golden, buttery crust. Whether you’re looking for an impressive brunch centerpiece, a hearty breakfast to start your day, or a simple yet satisfying dinner option, this quiche delivers on all fronts. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

If you love egg-based dishes, you might also enjoy our Spinach and Feta Egg Muffins for another protein-packed breakfast option. For those mornings when you need something quick, our Protein-Packed Overnight Oats are a fantastic make-ahead alternative.

2. Ingredients

Gathering high-quality ingredients is key to making the perfect Broccoli Cheddar Quiche. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade if you prefer that extra touch of love)
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 small onion, finely diced (yellow or white onions work best)
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for maximum flavor)
• 4 large farm-fresh eggs (the star of the show)
• 1 cup whole milk (for creaminess)
• ½ cup heavy cream (this makes it extra rich)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter for more flavor)
• ½ teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (for depth of flavor)
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional but highly recommended for that special touch)

For those looking for more vegetable-packed meals, check out our Roasted Delicata Squash or Chickpea and Spinach Stuffed Sweet Potatoes.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

Begin by thoroughly washing your broccoli under cold running water. Pat it dry with paper towels, then chop into small, uniform florets. For those who prefer their broccoli with a bit more tenderness, you can blanch it quickly in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then immediately plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process. This step helps maintain that beautiful bright green color while softening the texture just right.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and slightly caramelized, about 3-4 minutes. The aroma at this stage is absolutely heavenly! Add the chopped broccoli and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, just until the broccoli brightens in color. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance all the natural flavors. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

If you’re a fan of vegetable-forward dishes, you might also enjoy our Cauliflower Fried Rice or Roasted Chickpeas for other healthy meal ideas.

Step 3: Assemble the Quiche

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s perfectly heated when you’re ready to bake. Gently place your pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it lightly against the sides. Using a fork, prick the bottom of the crust all over – this prevents it from puffing up during baking. Sprinkle half of your shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the crust – this creates a delicious barrier that helps keep the crust crisp. Next, distribute the sautéed broccoli and onion mixture evenly over the cheese layer. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese, creating that beautiful cheesy blanket that will melt into golden perfection.

For more cheesy inspiration, take a look at this similar Broccoli Cheese Quiche recipe from Feel Good Foodie.

Step 4: Pour the Egg Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them vigorously until well beaten and slightly frothy. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until fully incorporated. The nutmeg (if using) adds a wonderful depth of flavor – just a pinch will do! Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Slowly pour this creamy custard over the broccoli and cheese in the pie crust, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Gently tap the pie dish on your counter a few times to release any air bubbles that might be trapped beneath the surface.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Carefully transfer your assembled quiche to the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, rotating halfway through for even cooking. You’ll know it’s done when the center is just set (no longer jiggly) and the top develops a beautiful golden-brown crust. If the edges of your pie crust begin to brown too quickly (which often happens), simply cover them with strips of aluminum foil to prevent burning. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing – this allows the custard to set properly and makes for cleaner slices.

4. Serving Suggestions

This Broccoli Cheddar Quiche is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. For a complete brunch spread, pair it with our Hearty London Breakfast Plate or some fresh fruit. It makes an excellent light dinner when served with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, add roasted potatoes or a cup of tomato soup on the side. Garnish your quiche slices with fresh chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

5. Storage Tips

Leftover quiche stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Allow it to cool completely before covering and refrigerating for up to 3 days. To reheat, individual slices can be warmed in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore that freshly-baked texture. For a quicker option, microwave slices for 1-2 minutes, though the crust won’t be as crisp. You can also freeze the quiche (either whole or in slices) for up to 2 months – just wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

6. Variations

The beauty of this Broccoli Cheddar Quiche recipe is how easily it adapts to different tastes and dietary needs:

• Meat lovers: Add ½ cup of cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham for extra protein
• Cheese variations: Try Gruyère for a more sophisticated flavor, or pepper jack for some heat
• Vegetable additions: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes
• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free pie crust or make a crustless version
• Lighter option: Substitute whole milk for the heavy cream and use reduced-fat cheese

For more breakfast inspiration, try our Frozen Yogurt Bark or Green Tea Smoothie for healthier alternatives.

7. Nutritional Benefits

This quiche isn’t just delicious – it’s packed with nutritional goodness! Broccoli provides vitamins C and K, fiber, and powerful antioxidants. Eggs offer high-quality protein and essential nutrients like choline for brain health. Cheddar cheese contributes calcium and protein, while the crust (especially if homemade with whole wheat flour) adds complex carbohydrates. It’s a well-balanced meal that keeps you satisfied for hours. For those watching their macros, one slice (⅛ of the quiche) typically contains about 300 calories, 20g fat, 18g carbs, and 15g protein.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in your quiche. You might want to pat it dry with paper towels before using.

What’s the best way to prevent a soggy crust?
Pre-baking (blind baking) the crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling helps, as does the cheese layer on the bottom. Also, make sure your vegetable mixture isn’t too wet.

Can I make mini quiches instead?
Yes! Use a muffin tin and reduce the baking time to about 20-25 minutes. Perfect for parties or meal prep!

Is there a dairy-free version?
You can substitute the milk and cream with unsweetened almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free cheese. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

For more protein-rich options, don’t miss our Protein Ice Cream for a guilt-free dessert.

9. Conclusion

This Broccoli Cheddar Quiche truly is the perfect combination of simplicity and sophistication. With its golden, flaky crust, creamy custard filling, and the wonderful pairing of broccoli and cheddar, it’s a dish that satisfies on every level. Whether you’re serving it at a special occasion brunch, packing it for a picnic, or enjoying it as a quick weeknight dinner, it never fails to impress. The recipe is forgiving enough for beginner cooks yet offers plenty of opportunities for experienced chefs to showcase their skills through variations and personal touches.

We hope this recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen as it has in ours. The aroma of it baking will fill your home with warmth and anticipation, and the first bite will confirm that every minute spent preparing it was well worth it. Happy cooking, and even happier eating! 🍽️✨

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