Broccoli Cheddar Quiche

Broccoli Cheddar Quiche: A Comforting Classic with a Nutritious Twist

If you’re searching for a dish that effortlessly blends comfort, nutrition, and elegance—look no further than the beloved Broccoli Cheddar Quiche. This savory pie is a staple in brunch spreads, holiday gatherings, and cozy weekend mornings. With its buttery crust, creamy custard filling, tender broccoli florets, and sharp cheddar cheese, every bite delivers rich flavor and satisfying texture. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a make-ahead breakfast for the week, this quiche checks all the boxes: delicious, versatile, and surprisingly nutritious.

The History of Quiche: From Lorraine to Your Kitchen

The origins of quiche trace back to medieval Germany in the region of Lorraine—a territory now part of modern-day France. Originally known as “kuchen,” meaning cake, it was a simple open-faced tart made with eggs and cream. Over time, the recipe evolved, and by the 17th century, French chefs adopted and refined it into what we now know as quiche Lorraine, traditionally made with bacon, eggs, cream, and a flaky pastry crust.

As quiche gained popularity across Europe and later in America during the mid-20th century, home cooks began experimenting with new ingredients. Vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and broccoli were added, and cheeses beyond Gruyère—like sharp cheddar—became popular alternatives. The Broccoli Cheddar Quiche emerged as a favorite, particularly in American households, thanks to its family-friendly flavors and vibrant color. Today, it stands as a symbol of culinary fusion: European roots with a wholesome, modern twist.

Ingredients Breakdown: What Makes This Quiche Shine?

The magic of Broccoli Cheddar Quiche lies in its balance of textures and flavors. Let’s take a closer look at each component:

• Pie Crust: A buttery, flaky homemade or store-bought crust provides structure and richness. Opt for an all-butter crust for maximum flavor.
• Broccoli: Fresh or lightly steamed broccoli adds color, fiber, and a subtle earthiness. It’s crucial to chop it into small, even pieces for uniform cooking.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This is the star ingredient. Sharp cheddar brings a tangy, bold flavor that complements the mildness of the custard. Aged cheddar melts beautifully and enhances the overall savoriness.
• Eggs: They form the custard base, providing protein and helping the filling set into a silky, sliceable texture.
• Cream and Milk: A blend of heavy cream and whole milk creates a rich yet balanced custard. For a lighter version, half-and-half or whole milk alone can be used.
• Onion and Garlic (optional): Sautéed onion and a touch of garlic add depth and aroma, elevating the overall flavor profile.
• Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and a hint of paprika enhance the savory notes without overpowering the ingredients.

Together, these elements create a harmonious dish that’s both indulgent and nourishing.

Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make the Perfect Broccoli Cheddar Quiche

Follow these detailed instructions to bake a golden, bubbling Broccoli Cheddar Quiche that will impress every time.

Ingredients

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into small pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1/2 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional but recommended)
• Pinch of paprika (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish, crimp the edges, and prick the bottom with a fork. Line with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Blind bake for 10 minutes. Remove weights and parchment, then bake for another 5 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Blanch the Broccoli: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and cook for 2–3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking. Pat dry thoroughly—moisture is the enemy of a crisp crust!
3. Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil or butter. Add diced onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic (if using) and cook for 30 seconds more. Remove from heat.
4. Combine Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth and well blended.
5. Layer the Quiche: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar evenly over the pre-baked crust. Spread the sautéed onions (and garlic) over the cheese, followed by the blanched broccoli. Pour the egg mixture slowly over the fillings. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
6. Bake Until Golden: Place the quiche on a baking sheet (to catch any spills) and bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted near the middle comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly puffed.
7. Cool Before Slicing: Allow the quiche to rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps the custard firm up for cleaner cuts.
8. Garnish and Serve: Lightly sprinkle with paprika for color. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Success: Mastering Your Quiche Every Time

• Dry Ingredients Are Key: Ensure broccoli and onions are well-drained and patted dry. Excess moisture can make the crust soggy.
• Blind Bake the Crust: This prevents a soggy bottom. Don’t skip this step!
• Don’t Overfill: Leave about 1/4 inch space at the top of the pie dish to prevent spillage during baking.
• Avoid Overbaking: Overbaked quiche becomes rubbery. The center should jiggle slightly when shaken but not be liquidy.
• Cheese Choice Matters: Use freshly shredded cheddar instead of pre-shredded. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect meltability.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the quiche to cool slightly makes it easier to slice and improves texture.
• Use a Water Bath (Optional): For an ultra-smooth custard, place the pie dish in a larger pan filled with hot water halfway up the sides. This gentle heat prevents cracking.

Variations and Customizations: Make It Your Own

The beauty of quiche lies in its adaptability. Here are some creative twists to personalize your Broccoli Cheddar Quiche:

• Add Protein: Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon, diced ham, or sautéed sausage for a heartier meal.
• Vegetarian Boost: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, use dairy-free cheese, and replace cream with coconut cream.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pie crust or make a crustless quiche by greasing the pie dish well and pouring the filling directly in.
• Herb Infusion: Add fresh thyme, parsley, or chives to the custard for a fragrant upgrade.
• Spice It Up: Include a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
• Mini Quiches: Pour the mixture into a greased muffin tin for individual servings—perfect for parties or meal prep. Bake for 20–25 minutes.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

While often viewed as a decadent dish, Broccoli Cheddar Quiche can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. Here’s a nutritional breakdown per serving (assuming 8 slices):

• Calories: ~320–360 kcal
• Protein: 12–14g (from eggs and cheese)
• Fat: 25–28g (mostly from dairy and crust; includes healthy monounsaturated fats)
• Carbohydrates: 15–18g (primarily from crust)
• Fiber: 2–3g (thanks to broccoli)
• Vitamins & Minerals: Rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, and B vitamins (especially B12 from eggs and dairy).

Health Tips:

• To reduce fat and calories, use low-fat milk, reduce cream, or substitute one egg with two egg whites.
• Increase fiber by adding more vegetables or using a whole wheat crust.
• Monitor sodium if using store-bought crust or pre-shredded cheese—opt for low-sodium versions when possible.
• Quiche freezes well, so make ahead and reheat individual portions to avoid overeating.

This dish offers a good balance of macronutrients and can be tailored to meet various dietary needs, including vegetarian, low-carb (crustless), and freezer-friendly meal prep plans.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make Broccoli Cheddar Quiche ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and bake the quiche up to 2 days in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator and reheat in a 325°F oven for 15–20 minutes.

Can I freeze this quiche?
Absolutely. Wrap cooled quiche tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or slice and freeze individually. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.

Why is my quiche watery?
This usually happens due to excess moisture in the vegetables or undercooking. Always blanch and dry broccoli thoroughly, and ensure the center is fully set before removing from the oven.

Can I make a crustless version?
Yes! Grease the pie dish well and pour the filling directly in. This reduces carbs and calories while keeping the flavor. Cooking time may be slightly less—check at 30 minutes.

What can I serve with quiche?
Pair it with a fresh green salad, sliced tomatoes, roasted potatoes, fruit salad, or a bowl of soup for a complete meal.

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but thaw and drain it completely. Squeeze out excess water using a clean kitchen towel to prevent a soggy quiche.

Summary

Broccoli Cheddar Quiche is a timeless, versatile dish that combines a flaky crust with a creamy egg filling, tender broccoli, and bold cheddar cheese. Packed with flavor and nutrients, it’s perfect for brunch, dinner, or meal prep.