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
Delicious and Satisfying: Creamy filling with tender broccoli and melted cheese in every bite.
Perfect for Any Time of Day: Serve warm or cold—for brunch, lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Great Use of Vegetables: A wholesome way to incorporate more greens into your meals.
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:
1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Pie weights or dried beans (for blind baking)
For the Filling:
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cups fresh broccoli florets (or 1½ cups frozen, thawed and drained)
4 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup heavy cream (or use all milk for a lighter version)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Swiss, Gruyère, or mozzarella)
Salt and pepper, to taste
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for warmth)
Timing & Servings
Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 5 minutes
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
Sharp Cheddar: Classic and flavorful
Swiss or Gruyère: Milder and nutty
Mozzarella: Melty and mild
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
Blind bake the crust: This prevents a soggy bottom and gives a crisp base.
Cool veggies before mixing: Hot broccoli can scramble the eggs prematurely.
Don’t overfill: Leave some space at the top of the crust to prevent overflow.
Rest after baking: Allow the quiche to set fully for clean, even slices.
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.
Thaw completely and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
Chop into smaller pieces if needed.
Skip the sauté step if already tender, or warm briefly in a skillet.
Flavor Variations and Add-Ins
Protein Boosts:
Bacon or ham: Classic quiche ingredients that pair perfectly with broccoli.
Chicken: Use leftover cooked chicken for a heartier option.
Sausage: Adds spice and richness.
Vegetable Additions:
Spinach, kale, or zucchini
Bell peppers or mushrooms
Sun-dried tomatoes for sweetness and color
Spice and Herb Options:
Add fresh herbs like thyme, chives, or parsley
Spice it up with a pinch of paprika or cayenne
Make It Crustless
For a lower-carb version, skip the crust:
Grease a pie dish well with butter or oil.
Pour the filling directly into the dish.
Bake as usual, about 35–40 minutes.
Let cool before slicing—it will be more delicate than a crusted quiche.
How to Store and Reheat
Storing:
Cool completely before storing.
Cover tightly or place in an airtight container.
Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
Reheat slices in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 10–15 minutes.
Or microwave individual slices for 1–2 minutes.
Avoid overheating to maintain texture.
Freezing Broccoli Quiche
Quiche freezes very well—perfect for batch cooking.
To Freeze:
Let the quiche cool completely.
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or use freezer-safe containers.
Label and date. Freeze for up to 2 months.
To Reheat from Frozen:
Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or until heated through.
Nutritional Overview (Per Slice – Approximate)
Calories: 280–350
Protein: 12–15g
Carbohydrates: 15–20g
Fat: 20–25g
Fiber: 2–3g
Calcium: High (thanks to cheese and broccoli)
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:
Fresh fruit salad
Mimosas or fresh juice
Croissants or muffins
Lunch & Dinner:
Mixed greens with vinaigrette
Tomato soup or creamy vegetable soup
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.