If you have a soft spot for comforting, savory dishes that bring a burst of color and flavor to your table, this Broccoli Cheddar Quiche Recipe is absolutely the one to try next. Imagine a flaky, buttery crust cradling a rich custard filled with vibrant green broccoli and sharp, melty cheddar cheese—each bite delivers that perfect balance between creamy and crisp. It’s versatile enough for brunch, lunch, or even a cozy dinner, and it makes enough to share with friends or family, ensuring everyone gets a slice of something truly delightful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples but come together beautifully to create a quiche that’s both hearty and fresh. Each element plays a vital role, from adding texture and flavor to enhancing the dish’s eye appeal.
- Prepared spelt pie crust or The Best Butter Pie Crust: Provides a flaky, buttery base that holds everything together perfectly.
- 12 ounces broccoli (3-4 cups), cut into small florets: Use fresh or frozen, adding a lovely green pop and subtle crunch.
- 8 large eggs: The foundation of the custard, giving the quiche structure and creaminess.
- ½ cup whole milk: Adds moisture and lightness to the egg mixture.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Brings richness and a velvety texture to the filling.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: A hint of tangy depth that brightens the overall flavor.
- 1 ½ teaspoons coarse kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every ingredient’s natural taste.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Offers a subtle smoky note that complements the broccoli and cheese beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of spicy warmth.
- 4 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 1 cup): The star ingredient that melts into gooey, savory pockets throughout.
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Quiche Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Begin by rolling out your spelt or butter pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish. Gently press it to fit the shape, making sure there are no air bubbles. Chill it in the fridge for 15 minutes to keep that crust flaky and prevent shrinkage during baking.
Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
Lightly steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 3 to 4 minutes just until tender but still bright and vibrant. This step ensures your broccoli won’t be soggy inside the quiche and maintains that fresh crunch.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper until fully combined and smooth. This luscious egg mixture will set into a custard-like filling that’s rich and flavorful.
Step 4: Assemble Your Quiche
Scatter the cooked broccoli evenly on the crust, then sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top. Carefully pour the egg mixture over everything, allowing it to fill in around the broccoli and cheese for even distribution.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your quiche on the middle rack of a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 40 to 50 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the quiche cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing—this lets the custard finish setting and makes serving easier without any spills.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Quiche Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or parsley on top adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that pairs wonderfully with the creamy cheddar and broccoli filling.
Side Dishes
Serve this quiche alongside a crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted cherry tomatoes to complement the richness of the quiche without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the quiche into mini servings using a small round cutter for an elegant brunch spread, or prepare individual quiches in muffin tins for portable, bite-sized delights perfect for picnics or parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover quiche tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s an easy, grab-and-go meal perfect for busy weekdays.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Broccoli Cheddar Quiche Recipe well beyond the day of baking, simply wrap individual slices in foil and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep beautifully for up to 2 months.
Reheating
For the best taste and texture, reheat quiche slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes until warm through and the crust is crisp again. Avoid microwaving to keep that delicate crust from turning soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli in this Broccoli Cheddar Quiche Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the broccoli well to prevent excess moisture from making the quiche soggy. A quick steam or blanching before adding is also recommended.
What other cheeses can I substitute for sharp cheddar?
While sharp cheddar gives the quiche its classic flavor, Gruyère, Swiss, or even a tangy fontina can work wonderfully depending on your taste preferences.
Is it necessary to use both milk and cream?
Using a combination of milk and heavy cream creates the perfect custard texture—creamy but not too heavy. You can adjust the ratio slightly but keep some cream for richness.
Can I prepare the quiche crust from scratch?
Yes! Homemade crust adds a special touch, and spelt or butter pie crusts are excellent options that bring a flaky, flavorful base to this dish.
How long can I keep a baked quiche in the fridge?
Store your baked quiche in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for the freshest taste and best texture before reheating or freezing.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Cheddar Quiche Recipe is truly one of those dishes that makes every meal feel a bit more special. It strikes a lovely balance of flavors and textures while being simple enough to prepare on any given day. Trust me, once you try this quiche, it will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for brunch, lunch, or an easy dinner that impresses without the fuss. So go ahead, give it a try and share the joy with your loved ones!
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Broccoli Cheddar Quiche Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Broccoli Cheddar Quiche is a savory and satisfying dish featuring a flaky spelt pie crust filled with tender broccoli florets, rich cheddar cheese, and a creamy egg custard infused with Dijon mustard and smoked paprika. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner, it combines fresh or frozen broccoli with sharp cheddar to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 prepared spelt pie crust or The Best Butter Pie Crust
Filling
- 12 ounces broccoli (3–4 cups), cut into small florets (fresh or frozen)
- 8 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1½ teaspoons coarse kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces (about 1 cup) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: If using a store-bought or homemade spelt pie crust, place it into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it firmly against the bottom and sides. Prick the bottom lightly with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking.
- Pre-bake the crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake the crust for about 12-15 minutes until the edges start to set but are not fully browned. Remove weights and parchment, then bake for another 5 minutes to dry out the base. This prevents sogginess once the filling is added.
- Prepare the broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, blanch the florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately transfer to an ice bath to retain color and texture. Drain and pat dry. If using frozen broccoli, thaw and squeeze out excess moisture.
- Mix the custard filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Assemble the quiche: Spread the broccoli evenly over the prebaked crust. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the broccoli. Pour the egg and cream mixture gently over the filling, ensuring it distributes evenly without spilling over.
- Bake the quiche: Place the assembled quiche on a middle rack and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35-45 minutes or until the custard is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be lightly golden and puffed.
- Cool and serve: Allow the quiche to cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the custard fully set and makes slicing easier. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can substitute the spelt pie crust with a regular butter pie crust if preferred for a more classic flavor.
- For a lower-fat option, substitute heavy cream with additional whole milk or a plant-based alternative.
- If coarse kosher salt is unavailable, use fine sea salt but reduce the quantity to about 1 teaspoon to avoid oversalting.
- Ensure broccoli is well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the quiche filling.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven to retain texture.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Brunch, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
