I find so much joy in a meal that feels both special and simple to make, and this broccoli cheddar quiche recipe fits perfectly. Imagine a golden crust cradling a fluffy, savory filling, bursting with vibrant Green Florets and gooey Cheddar Melt goodness. This easy broccoli cheddar quiche recipe is your answer for a wholesome lunch or a relaxed family dinner. It’s especially handy for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying but quick to assemble, offering a truly irresistible dish for everyone.
What You’ll Need (Ingredients and Key Roles)
Pantry Staples & Fresh Goodies
Gather these essentials for your family-friendly broccoli cheddar quiche recipe:
- One 9-inch (23 cm) pie crust (store-bought or homemade).
- 4 large eggs (for that perfect custardy texture).
- 1 cup (240 mL) whole milk or half-and-half (for richness and silky texture; or use 2% milk if that’s what’s in the fridge).
- 2 cups (200g) fresh broccoli florets (the vibrant “Green Florets” for nutrition).
- 1.5 cups (150g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (the “Cheddar Melt” for flavor and gooeyness).
- ½ medium onion or 1 shallot, diced (an aromatic base).
- ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (essential seasonings).
Smart Swaps & Optional Boosts
Customize your “Green Florets Cheddar Melt” with these ideas:
- For a plant-based option, swap dairy milk for unsweetened almond milk and use dairy-free shredded cheese for a vegan broccoli cheddar quiche.
- Boost the flavor with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick or a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Add other cooked veggies like mushrooms or spinach for extra goodness.
Quality Counts
For the best flavor and texture:
- Choose vibrant, crisp broccoli florets for maximum freshness.
- Grate your own sharp cheddar cheese from a block; it melts better and offers superior flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
Step-by-Step Cooking Method
Prep for Success (15 mins)
Getting ready for your delicious broccoli cheddar quiche:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Press the pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate, ensuring the edges are neat.
- Lightly steam or blanch the “Green Florets” until tender-crisp, about 3-5 minutes, then drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
- Sauté the diced onion in a small skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent.
Assemble Your Quiche (10 mins)
Now, build your perfect broccoli cheddar quiche:
- Scatter the prepared broccoli and sautéed onion evenly across the bottom of the pie crust.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the vegetables, creating a cheesy base.
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk/cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg together until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Carefully pour the egg mixture over the cheese and vegetables, making sure it distributes evenly.
- Top with the remaining cheddar cheese, preparing for a glorious “Cheddar Melt” crust.
Bake to Golden Perfection (40-50 mins)
Baking your creation to a delicious finish:
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is a beautiful golden brown.
- A knife inserted near the center should come out clean, indicating it’s fully cooked through. If the edges brown too quickly, I often cover them lightly with foil for the last 10-15 minutes.
Pro Tips for the Best Broccoli Cheddar Quiche
Ensure your homemade broccoli cheddar quiche is perfect:
- Avoid over-beating the eggs, as this can incorporate too much air and lead to a rubbery texture; a gentle whisk is all you need.
- Let the quiche rest for 10-15 minutes after baking before slicing; this allows the filling to fully set, making for easier, cleaner servings. This is one of my favorite tips for any savory tart or quiche!
Perfect Occasions and Pairings
Versatile for Any Meal
This savory dish fits perfectly into various moments. It’s an ideal choice for a cozy weekend brunch, offering a comforting start to your day. It also works as a quick weekday dinner when time is tight.
- Pack individual slices for nourishing school or work lunches, making healthy meal prep easy.
- A delightful addition to holiday potlucks or special gatherings, it always impresses.
What to Serve With It
Round out your meal with simple, fresh sides that complement the rich flavor of your quiche.
- A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness and cuts through the richness.
- Fresh fruit salad makes a balanced brunch, bringing a sweet contrast.
- A warm cup of tomato soup on a chilly evening pairs beautifully for a comforting meal.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Prepare this tasty dish in advance to simplify your week. Store cooled broccoli cheddar quiche in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- For easy meal prep, bake, cool completely, slice into individual portions, and then store.
- Freeze whole or sliced quiche for up to 2-3 months; wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil.
- Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warmed through, or microwave individual slices for quick meals.
Wellness and Everyday Benefits of Broccoli Cheddar Quiche
Wholesome & Satisfying
Our broccoli cheddar quiche provides substantial goodness. Eggs deliver high-quality protein, keeping you full and energized throughout the day.
- Broccoli offers essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, contributing to good digestive health.
- This balanced meal supports healthy living and serves as a great high-protein boost for any time.
Lifestyle Fits
This quiche is more than just a recipe; it’s a smart addition to your kitchen routine. It’s excellent for healthy meal prep ideas due to its versatility and make-ahead potential.
- One of the best easy dinners that the whole family will love, ensuring everyone gets their veggies.
- It can even be a nourishing snack when you need a savory bite to tide you over.
Customizing the Recipe for Your Needs
Flavor & Texture Boosts
Elevate your quiche with these simple tweaks. Sauté your vegetables before adding them to the crust to enhance their flavor and depth.
- Consider adding a layer of caramelized onions for a sweet, savory undertone.
- Try different cheese blends like Gruyere or Monterey Jack for unique “Green Florets Cheddar Melt” variations.
Dietary Adjustments
This recipe is adaptable for various dietary preferences. For a gluten-free broccoli cheddar quiche, simply use a certified gluten-free pie crust.
- To make it vegetarian, ensure your chosen cheddar cheese is animal-rennet free.
- Explore crustless options for a low-carb alternative; just grease your pie dish well and omit the crust.
Allergy & Safety Notes
Always review ingredient labels carefully for any hidden allergens, especially with pre-made crusts. Be mindful of dairy allergies when using cheese and milk, and consider plant-based alternatives if needed.
Common Questions Answered
Your Broccoli Cheddar Quiche FAQs
Is broccoli cheddar quiche a healthy option?
Yes, this dish is packed with protein from eggs and essential nutrients from broccoli. Portions can be adjusted to fit into a balanced meal, making it a wholesome choice.
Can I freeze broccoli cheddar quiche for later?
Absolutely! Once baked and completely cooled, wrap your broccoli cheddar quiche tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, freezing for up to 2-3 months. Reheat it directly from frozen in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
What’s the best substitute if I don’t have cheddar cheese?
Gruyere offers a nutty, complex flavor, while Swiss provides a mild and creamy melt. Monterey Jack also works well, giving a wonderfully gooey texture for your quiche. Any of these will be delicious!
How do I prevent a soggy quiche crust?
My go-to tip here is blind-baking. I always blind-bake my pie crust for about 10-15 minutes before filling, which really helps prevent a soggy bottom and ensures a perfectly crisp base.
Can I make this broccoli cheddar quiche crustless?
Yes, you certainly can! Simply grease a 9-inch pie dish and pour the egg mixture directly into it. This creates a delicious, low-carb broccoli cheddar quiche without the crust.
What kind of milk is best for quiche?
Whole milk or half-and-half will yield the richest, most custardy texture for your quiche. While lighter milks work too, they may result in a slightly less decadent consistency.
Conclusion
This easy broccoli cheddar quiche recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting, versatile dish that simplifies family cooking without sacrificing flavor. Pin this Green Florets Cheddar Melt recipe for your next meal planning session and enjoy a wholesome, homemade delight!
broccoli cheddar quiche recipe Green Florets Cheddar Melt
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy broccoli cheddar quiche features a golden crust with a fluffy, savory filling, packed with vibrant broccoli florets and gooey cheddar cheese. It’s perfect for a wholesome lunch or relaxed family dinner, offering a satisfying and quick-to-assemble meal.
Ingredients
- 1 9-inch pie crust, store-bought or homemade
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 medium onion or 1 shallot, diced
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- a pinch freshly grated nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Pie Crust: Press the pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate, ensuring the edges are neat.
- Cook Broccoli: Lightly steam or blanch the broccoli florets until tender-crisp, about 3-5 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
- Saute Onion: Sauté the diced onion in a small skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Layer Vegetables: Scatter the cooked broccoli and sautéed onion evenly across the bottom of the pie crust.
- Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the vegetables.
- Whisk Filling: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk or cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg together until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Pour Mixture: Carefully pour the egg mixture over the cheese and vegetables, ensuring it distributes evenly.
- Top With Cheese: Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake Quiche: Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean. (If edges brown too quickly, cover lightly with foil for the last 10-15 minutes).
Notes
For best flavor, use vibrant broccoli and grate fresh cheddar cheese. Avoid over-beating eggs to prevent a rubbery texture; a gentle whisk is sufficient. Rest the quiche for 10-15 minutes after baking before slicing to allow the filling to set.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (180 g)
- Calories: 350 calories
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
Keywords: easy quiche, broccoli cheddar, family dinner, savory tart, baked, weeknight meal, vegetarian-friendly