Broccoli quiche is a flavorful, comforting, and versatile dish that works for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. It features a flaky crust filled with a creamy, savory custard packed with fresh broccoli and cheese. Whether you’re serving guests, prepping meals ahead, or simply enjoying a quiet weekend breakfast, broccoli quiche is the kind of meal that never goes out of style.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Delicious and Satisfying: Creamy filling with tender broccoli and melted cheese in every bite.
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Perfect for Any Time of Day: Serve warm or cold—for brunch, lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
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Great Use of Vegetables: A wholesome way to incorporate more greens into your meals.
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Make Ahead Friendly: Easy to store and reheat with excellent results.
What Is Broccoli Quiche?
Quiche is a French savory pie traditionally made with eggs, cream, and cheese baked inside a buttery pastry crust. Broccoli quiche is one of the most popular variations, pairing the tender crunch of broccoli with rich cheese and a soft, custardy filling. It’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors—crisp crust, creamy center, and hearty vegetables.
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make a classic broccoli quiche from scratch.
For the Crust:
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1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
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Pie weights or dried beans (for blind baking)
For the Filling:
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1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cups fresh broccoli florets (or 1½ cups frozen, thawed and drained)
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4 large eggs
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1 cup whole milk
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½ cup heavy cream (or use all milk for a lighter version)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Swiss, Gruyère, or mozzarella)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for warmth)
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
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Cook Time: 45 minutes
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Total Time: About 1 hour 5 minutes
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Servings: 6–8 slices
Step-by-Step Instructions for Broccoli Quiche
Step 1: Pre-Bake the Crust
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out your pie crust and press it into a 9-inch pie dish. Prick the bottom with a fork and line with parchment paper. Fill with pie weights and blind bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden. Remove weights and cool slightly.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Broccoli
Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet. Add chopped onion and cook until softened. Add broccoli and sauté for about 3–4 minutes until just tender. Let cool slightly before adding to the quiche.
Step 3: Make the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir in most of the shredded cheese, reserving some for the top.
Step 4: Assemble the Quiche
Spread the sautéed broccoli and onion evenly over the bottom of the pre-baked crust. Pour the egg mixture on top. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the surface.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the quiche in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the quiche cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, at room temperature, or cold.
Best Cheese for Broccoli Quiche
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Sharp Cheddar: Classic and flavorful
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Swiss or Gruyère: Milder and nutty
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Mozzarella: Melty and mild
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Feta or Goat Cheese: For a tangy twist
Mixing cheeses is also a great option for more depth and complexity.
Tips for the Perfect Broccoli Quiche
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Blind bake the crust: This prevents a soggy bottom and gives a crisp base.
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Cool veggies before mixing: Hot broccoli can scramble the eggs prematurely.
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Don’t overfill: Leave some space at the top of the crust to prevent overflow.
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Rest after baking: Allow the quiche to set fully for clean, even slices.
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Use a baking sheet: Place the pie dish on a sheet tray to catch any drips.
Using Frozen Broccoli
Frozen broccoli works well if fresh isn’t available.
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Thaw completely and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
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Chop into smaller pieces if needed.
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Skip the sauté step if already tender, or warm briefly in a skillet.
Flavor Variations and Add-Ins
Protein Boosts:
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Bacon or ham: Classic quiche ingredients that pair perfectly with broccoli.
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Chicken: Use leftover cooked chicken for a heartier option.
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Sausage: Adds spice and richness.
Vegetable Additions:
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Spinach, kale, or zucchini
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Bell peppers or mushrooms
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Sun-dried tomatoes for sweetness and color
Spice and Herb Options:
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Add fresh herbs like thyme, chives, or parsley
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Spice it up with a pinch of paprika or cayenne
Make It Crustless
For a lower-carb version, skip the crust:
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Grease a pie dish well with butter or oil.
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Pour the filling directly into the dish.
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Bake as usual, about 35–40 minutes.
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Let cool before slicing—it will be more delicate than a crusted quiche.
How to Store and Reheat
Storing:
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Cool completely before storing.
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Cover tightly or place in an airtight container.
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Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
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Reheat slices in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 10–15 minutes.
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Or microwave individual slices for 1–2 minutes.
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Avoid overheating to maintain texture.
Freezing Broccoli Quiche
Quiche freezes very well—perfect for batch cooking.
To Freeze:
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Let the quiche cool completely.
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Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or use freezer-safe containers.
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Label and date. Freeze for up to 2 months.
To Reheat from Frozen:
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Thaw overnight in the fridge.
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Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or until heated through.
Nutritional Overview (Per Slice – Approximate)
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Calories: 280–350
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Protein: 12–15g
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Carbohydrates: 15–20g
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Fat: 20–25g
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Fiber: 2–3g
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Calcium: High (thanks to cheese and broccoli)
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Vitamin C: Rich from broccoli
Nutrition will vary based on ingredients used and portion size.
Serving Suggestions
Broccoli quiche is a complete dish, but it pairs beautifully with:
Breakfast & Brunch:
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Fresh fruit salad
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Mimosas or fresh juice
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Croissants or muffins
Lunch & Dinner:
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Mixed greens with vinaigrette
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Tomato soup or creamy vegetable soup
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Roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries
FAQs
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes. Whole milk works well, but using half cream adds extra richness. For a lighter version, all milk is fine.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Bake, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat when ready to serve or enjoy cold.
Can I use egg whites only?
Yes, substitute 2 egg whites per whole egg. The texture will be lighter and slightly less rich.
What’s the best crust for quiche?
A buttery, flaky pastry crust is ideal. You can also use a whole wheat crust, phyllo, or even a hash brown base for something creative.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger casserole dish or two pie plates. Adjust baking time accordingly.
Conclusion
Broccoli quiche is a timeless, wholesome dish that brings comfort and elegance to your table. Whether you enjoy it hot out of the oven or cold from the fridge, this creamy, cheesy, vegetable-packed pie always satisfies. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and make-ahead potential make it a must-have in every cook’s repertoire.