Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Crustless Quiche

Broccoli and cheese quiche is a timeless favorite for many, offering a healthy, low-carb option that is versatile and delicious. This Crustless Broccoli Cheddar Quiche is a perfect choice for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. It’s packed with fiber, protein, and flavor, while skipping the traditional crust to reduce carbs. If you’re looking for a healthier version of a classic quiche, this recipe is the one to try!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients required to make this mouth-watering dish. The balance between rich cheddar, fresh broccoli, and fluffy eggs is the secret to its irresistible flavor.

• Cooking spray: Use this to grease your pie dish to prevent sticking.
• 3 cups of chopped broccoli florets: Fresh, green broccoli florets bring in essential nutrients, fiber, and a lovely crunch.
• 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar works wonderfully here, adding a bold, cheesy flavor that complements the broccoli.
• 2/3 cup of 2% milk: A lower-fat milk option that still contributes to the creamy consistency of the quiche.
• 1/4 cup of half & half cream: A little bit of half and half adds a richer texture, perfect for making the quiche soft and creamy.
• 5 large eggs: Eggs are the foundation of the quiche, holding everything together and giving it a custard-like quality.
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the entire dish.
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a slight kick, balancing out the flavors.
• Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg: Nutmeg offers warmth and depth to the overall flavor.

How to Make Your Crustless Broccoli Cheddar Quiche

Follow this easy step-by-step guide to make the quiche that’s perfect for low-carb, gluten-free diets while bursting with flavor.

1. Preheat the Oven and Prep the Pie Dish

Before you begin assembling your quiche, set your oven to 350°F to preheat. Use cooking spray to lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish, ensuring the quiche doesn’t stick to the surface. This small step will make slicing and serving much easier.

2. Prepare the Broccoli

Cut your broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces. Place the broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl with 1 tablespoon of water. Microwave for about 2 ½ to 3 minutes. This will steam the broccoli until it’s tender but still bright green—perfect for retaining its nutrients and flavor. You don’t want it to be mushy, so keep an eye on the timing.

3. Arrange the Broccoli and Cheese

Evenly distribute the steamed broccoli across the greased pie dish. This step ensures every slice has a consistent amount of broccoli. Then, sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the broccoli. This combination will give each bite that lovely cheesy flavor.

4. Make the Custard Mixture

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, half & half cream, and eggs. Add the salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. The nutmeg might seem like a small addition, but it adds warmth and a subtle complexity to the flavor. Whisk until the mixture is well-blended and smooth. This custard is the backbone of your quiche, holding all the ingredients together and giving it that signature fluffy texture.

5. Pour and Bake

Carefully pour the custard mixture over the broccoli and cheese in the pie dish. The custard will seep through the broccoli and cheddar, creating a beautifully balanced texture as it bakes. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know the quiche is ready when the center is set, and a knife inserted comes out clean.

6. Cool and Serve

Once the quiche has finished baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. This cooling period helps the quiche set fully, making it easier to slice. Cut it into 6 equal pieces and serve. It’s a perfect dish for meal prepping, hosting brunch, or enjoying as a healthy dinner.

Flavor Variations and Tips

This recipe is highly customizable. You can tweak the ingredients based on your taste or dietary preferences while keeping it low-carb and packed with flavor.

• Add Protein: Diced ham, bacon, or turkey sausage can be added for extra protein. Simply cook the meat before adding it to the broccoli layer.
• Change the Cheese: While cheddar is the classic choice, you can swap it for mozzarella, Colby Jack, or even feta for a tangier flavor.
• Swap the Milk: If you prefer a lighter texture, you can use whole milk in place of half & half. It will result in a slightly less creamy quiche, but still delicious. You can also experiment with plant-based milks for a dairy-free version—just be sure to choose unsweetened varieties.
• Make It Crusty: If you miss the traditional quiche crust, feel free to add one! Use a store-bought pie crust or make your own. Simply bake the crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling and reduce the broccoli amount slightly to fit.
• Individual Portions: For a fun twist, bake the quiche in individual ramekins instead of one large pie dish. This is great for portion control or serving at brunch parties.

Storage Tips

This quiche stores wonderfully, making it a great option for meal prepping. Simply refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat a slice in the microwave for a quick breakfast, or warm it in the oven if you prefer a crisper texture.

Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Crustless Quiche

Course: Morning Meal, Midday Meal, Light Meal
Cuisine: Western

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Portion Size: 1 slice

This is a simple and delicious low-carb Crustless Broccoli Cheddar Quiche recipe that’s ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a quick, healthy meal!

Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• 3 cups chopped broccoli florets
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 2/3 cup 2% milk
• 1/4 cup half & half cream
• 5 large eggs
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a pie dish with cooking spray.
2. Steam the broccoli florets in the microwave for about 2 ½ to 3 minutes, until tender but still firm.
3. Spread the broccoli evenly in the pie dish and top with cheddar cheese.
4. In a bowl, whisk together the milk, half & half, eggs, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
5. Pour the mixture over the broccoli and cheese.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the center is set. Let it cool before slicing and serving.

Nutrition (per slice)

• Calories: 174 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Protein: 12.5 g
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 178 mg
• Sodium: 358 mg
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Sugar: 3 g