If you’re looking for a comforting dish that combines vibrant veggies with rich, melty cheese, this Broccoli and Cheese Quiche Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine a golden, flaky crust embracing a creamy custard bursting with fresh broccoli florets and sharp cheddar cheese—a perfect blend of flavors and textures that makes any meal feel special. Whether it’s a weekend brunch, a cozy dinner, or a make-ahead lunch, this quiche brings warmth, color, and satisfaction to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the first step to nailing this Broccoli and Cheese Quiche Recipe. Each component plays a key role—the flaky crust offers a crisp base, while the eggs and milk create that buttery custard texture. The broccoli brings delightful freshness and a pop of green, and the sharp cheddar adds a bold, creamy punch of flavor.
- Pre-made 9-inch pie shell: Ensures a flaky, buttery crust with minimal effort and perfect structure to hold the quiche filling.
- Pie weights (or dry beans): Essential to keep the crust from bubbling up during blind baking for an even, golden base.
- 6 eggs: The heart of the custard, providing richness and a luscious, silky texture.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess and balances the eggs for the smooth filling.
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers savory warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
- ½ teaspoon oregano: Offers herbal notes that brighten the dish subtly and complement the broccoli.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and brings harmony to each bite.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle spice for depth.
- 2 cups chopped broccoli florets: Provides crunch, color, and nutrition to the quiche.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully to create a rich, tangy flavor that contrasts perfectly with the broccoli.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley: Freshens the dish with a herbal finish and adds a lovely burst of green.
How to Make Broccoli and Cheese Quiche Recipe
Step 1: Blind Bake the Pie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 375˚F to ensure a hot, consistent environment. Place your prepared pie crust on a sheet pan—this helps with easy handling and prevents spills. Line the crust with parchment paper and add pie weights or dry beans to keep it flat. Bake for 12 minutes, then carefully remove the weights and parchment. Return the crust to bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until it turns a beautiful golden brown. This step is crucial for preventing a soggy bottom and gives the crust a nice crunch that contrasts with the creamy filling.
Step 2: Whisk the Filling Ingredients
While the crust is baking, mix together your eggs, whole milk, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined—this ensures your custard will set perfectly. Then gently fold in the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped parsley. Combining everything now means the flavors meld beautifully during baking, and the cheese starts to melt into every bite.
Step 3: Bake the Quiche
Lower your oven temperature to 350˚F to bake the filled quiche gently and evenly. Pour the prepared filling into the parbaked crust, spreading everything out smoothly. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the edges of the crust are nicely browned and the center is just a little jiggly but mostly set. This balance means the quiche will continue firming up as it cools, delivering creamy texture without being runny.
Step 4: Serve Warm or at Room Temperature
Once out of the oven, let your quiche rest for a few minutes before slicing. It’s delightful when served warm, with gooey cheese and tender broccoli. But it also tastes fantastic at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics or make-ahead meals.
How to Serve Broccoli and Cheese Quiche Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Broccoli and Cheese Quiche Recipe, sprinkle extra fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving for a vibrant fresh touch. A light drizzle of good olive oil or a dusting of smoked paprika adds a pop of color and a hint of smoky warmth that pairs beautifully with the cheddar.
Side Dishes
This quiche pairs wonderfully with crisp, simple sides. A fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness and lends a refreshing balance. Roasted cherry tomatoes or a bowl of lightly sautéed mushrooms also complement the cheesy, broccoli-laden custard with earthy sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress at a brunch or party, slice the quiche into mini servings for bite-sized appetizers or use colorful ceramic tart pans for individual quiches. You can even serve alongside a vibrant vegetable puree or swirl of pesto for a gourmet look that matches the delicious flavors inside.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Broccoli and Cheese Quiche Recipe leftovers store beautifully in the refrigerator covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it ideal for easy lunches or quick dinners during the week. Just keep it chilled to maintain the custard’s texture and the crust’s crispness.
Freezing
You can freeze your quiche, but it’s best to do this before baking for optimal texture when reheated. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed. Freezing after baking may result in a softer crust but is still possible in a pinch.
Reheating
To reheat, warm slices in a preheated 350˚F oven for about 15 minutes or until heated through. This helps keep the crust crisp and the filling creamy, unlike microwaving, which can make the crust soggy and the quiche rubbery. Serve warm for a fresh-from-the-oven feel!
FAQs
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh broccoli works wonderfully in this Broccoli and Cheese Quiche Recipe. Just make sure to chop it into small florets and lightly steam or blanch so it softens slightly before adding it to the filling. This helps prevent extra moisture in the quiche.
What cheese can I substitute for cheddar?
While sharp cheddar adds a wonderful tang and meltiness, you can try gruyere, fontina, or even mozzarella for a milder, creamier flavor. Each brings a different character that complements the broccoli beautifully.
Can I make the crust from scratch?
Definitely! Making your own pie crust adds a lovely homemade touch. Use a classic butter-based pâte brisée recipe for the best flavor and texture. Blind bake the crust as instructed to ensure it holds up to the quiche filling.
Is this quiche suitable for meal prep?
Yes! The Broccoli and Cheese Quiche Recipe is perfect for meal prep because it holds well in the fridge and reheats easily. It’s great for grab-and-go breakfasts or light lunches throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
Making this Broccoli and Cheese Quiche Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a cozy culinary hug. Its vibrant colors and layers of flavor bring joy to every bite, perfect for sharing with family and friends. I hope you give it a try and discover how a simple quiche can become a beloved staple in your kitchen rotation.
PrintBroccoli and Cheese Quiche Recipe
This Broccoli and Cheese Quiche is a savory, comforting dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner. Featuring a crispy golden pie crust filled with a creamy custard of eggs, whole milk, broccoli florets, sharp cheddar cheese, and aromatic herbs, this quiche offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures. Easy to prepare using store-bought pie crust and simple ingredients, it’s an elegant yet approachable recipe that serves 8.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 9-inch pre-made pie shell (or pie crust)
- Pie weights (about a cup of dry beans or rice)
Filling
- 6 eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Parbake Crust: Preheat your oven to 375˚F. Place the prepared pie crust on a sheet pan. Line the inside of the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights, dried beans, or rice to prevent bubbling during baking. Bake for 12 minutes, then carefully remove the pie weights and parchment paper. Return the crust to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
- Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper until fully combined. Gently fold in the chopped broccoli florets, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and chopped parsley, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
- Bake the Quiche: Lower the oven temperature to 350˚F. Pour the prepared filling into the parbaked pie crust. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust edges turn brown and the center of the quiche is slightly jiggly but mostly set.
- Serve: Allow the quiche to cool slightly before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it versatile and convenient for any meal.
Notes
- Using pie weights or dried beans prevents the crust from puffing up and ensures an even bake.
- The slight jiggle in the center when done indicates the quiche will firm up as it cools, preventing overbaking.
- Fresh or frozen broccoli florets can be used; if using frozen, thaw and drain excess water before adding.
- Feel free to substitute sharp cheddar with your preferred cheese like gruyere or mozzarella for varied flavors.
- For a lighter crust, choose a low-fat or whole wheat pie crust option.
