Why Go Crustless? The Secret to a Healthier, Easier Quiche

For many, the crust of a quiche is merely a vessel, and often, the part we’d gladly skip for a lighter meal. Our crustless version embraces this preference, delivering all the rich, savory goodness of a traditional quiche without the extra carbs or the fuss of pastry. This innovative approach not only makes it a fantastic option for those following a low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diet but also dramatically simplifies the preparation process. Say goodbye to dough rolling, chilling, and blind baking – this recipe is about pure, unadulterated flavor and convenience.

Imagine a quiche that’s wonderfully fluffy, beautifully creamy, and bursting with the savory combination of sharp cheddar and tender broccoli. It’s so rich and satisfying, you’ll genuinely forget it’s missing its traditional casing. And the best part? According to our meticulous calculations, each generous serving clocks in at approximately 315 calories and a mere 4 grams of net carbs. This makes it an incredibly appealing choice for anyone looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle without compromising on taste.

If you’re exploring more delicious low-carb options, be sure to check out our Pork Egg Roll Bowl recipe for another quick and flavorful meal idea!

The Perfect Pairing: Broccoli and Sharp Cheddar

The magic of this quiche lies in the timeless combination of broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese. Broccoli provides a lovely texture and a dose of vibrant greens, while sharp cheddar melts into a gooey, savory dream, infusing every bite with its distinct, robust flavor. These two ingredients are a culinary match made in heaven, creating a harmonious balance that is both comforting and incredibly delicious. This dish is a testament to how simple ingredients, when thoughtfully combined, can yield extraordinary results.

We believe that healthy eating should never mean sacrificing flavor, and this quiche is a prime example. It’s a dish that appeals to everyone, whether you’re consciously counting carbs or simply seeking a wholesome and tasty meal. It’s so versatile, it can effortlessly transition from a hearty breakfast alongside some fresh fruit to an elegant brunch centerpiece or a light, satisfying dinner paired with a crisp side salad.

Effortless Preparation: A Quiche for Any Day of the Week

One of the standout features of this Crustless Broccoli Cheddar Quiche is its incredible ease of preparation. You’ll likely find that you already have most, if not all, of the necessary ingredients on hand. This makes it an ideal “no-brainer” dinner solution for those busy weeknights when you need something quick, nutritious, and undeniably delicious. Forget about complicated steps or extensive ingredient lists; this recipe is designed for simplicity without compromising on quality or taste.

Let’s walk through the straightforward steps to create this culinary masterpiece. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can bring this comforting dish to your table, making it a regular fixture in your meal rotation.

Making Your Crustless Broccoli Cheddar Quiche: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare Your Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, generously butter a 9-inch pie pan or a similar baking dish. This crucial step prevents sticking and helps create those lovely golden edges. Set it aside for now.
2. Pre-cook the Broccoli: Chop your fresh broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. Place them in a microwave-safe bowl with 2-3 tablespoons of water. Cover the bowl (a microwave-safe plate works perfectly) and cook for 3-4 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your microwave’s wattage, so keep an eye on it. The goal is to slightly tenderize the broccoli, not to make it mushy. Once cooked, remove the broccoli and drain it thoroughly on paper towels. This step is vital to ensure your quiche doesn’t become watery.
3. Whisk the Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the large eggs, sour cream, heavy cream, garlic powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper (for a subtle kick, entirely optional but recommended!), kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk vigorously until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy. The combination of sour cream and heavy cream is what gives this quiche its incredibly rich and creamy texture.
4. Combine with Fillings: To the whisked egg mixture, add the pre-cooked and drained broccoli florets, the diced green onions, and 1 cup of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Gently stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the egg base.
5. Assemble and Top: Pour the entire egg and vegetable mixture into your prepared pie pan. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of sharp cheddar cheese over the top. As an extra precaution against any potential spills or overflows during baking, we highly recommend placing your pie dish on a baking sheet before transferring it to the oven.
6. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake the quiche in your preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center is set (no longer jiggly), and the top has turned a beautiful golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible!
7. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the quiche from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the quiche firm up and makes for cleaner, more presentable slices.

Slice, serve, and savor a truly guiltless eating pleasure! This quiche is not only incredibly delicious but also completely gluten-free, making it a wonderful option for various dietary needs.

Customizing Your Crustless Quiche: Endless Possibilities

While the broccoli and cheddar combination is a classic for a reason, this crustless quiche recipe is incredibly adaptable. Feel free to experiment with other vegetables you love or have on hand. Spinach, sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or even asparagus can make excellent additions. If you enjoy a touch of heat, a few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor profile.

Don’t stop at cheddar! Gruyere, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses can all work beautifully, each imparting its unique character to the quiche. For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked protein like diced ham, crumbled bacon, or shredded chicken. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility, allowing you to tailor it to your personal taste and what’s available in your pantry.

Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips

This versatile quiche can be served warm or at room temperature, making it ideal for various occasions. For breakfast or brunch, pair it with a fresh fruit salad or a side of crispy bacon. As a light lunch or dinner, it shines alongside a vibrant green salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing. It’s also fantastic as part of a larger potluck spread or for meal prepping healthy portions throughout the week.

Storage: Leftover quiche can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place a slice in the microwave for a minute or two, or warm it in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F/150°C) until heated through.

Freezing: This quiche also freezes well! Once completely cooled, slice the quiche and wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat from frozen, you can either thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm, or reheat directly from frozen in the oven until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crustless Quiche

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible before adding it to the egg mixture. This prevents a watery quiche.

How do I know when the quiche is done?

The quiche is done when the center is set and no longer liquid. You can gently shake the pan; if the center is still jiggly, it needs more time. The top should also be golden brown.

Can I make this quiche ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the quiche the night before and refrigerate it. Simply bake it fresh in the morning. Leftovers are also delicious, making it great for meal prep.

Is this recipe truly gluten-free?

Yes, since there’s no crust made from flour, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure all your other ingredients (like any sauces or seasonings) are also gluten-free if you have strict dietary requirements.

What kind of baking dish is best?

A 9-inch pie pan (ceramic, glass, or metal) works perfectly. You can also use an 8×8 inch square baking dish for thicker slices, or even muffin tins for individual mini quiches (adjust baking time accordingly).

Crustless Broccoli Cheddar Quiche Recipe

Crustless Broccoli Cheddar Quiche Recipe

This fluffy, creamy, and cheesy crustless quiche is packed with flavor. You won’t miss the crust, and it’s perfect for a low-carb, gluten-free meal.

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Course:
Main Dish

Cuisine:
American

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
45 minutes

Total Time:
55 minutes

Yield:
6 servings

Author:
Leigh Harris

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic granules or powder
• 1/8-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
• 2 cups broccoli florets, cooked and well-drained
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup green onions, diced

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously butter a 9-inch pie dish or baking pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, heavy whipping cream, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic granules, and cayenne pepper (if using) until the mixture is smooth.
3. Add the cooked broccoli florets, 1 cup of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and the diced green onions to the egg mixture. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Carefully pour the quiche mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top of the quiche. For easy cleanup, you may wish to place the pie dish on a baking sheet before putting it in the oven.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the quiche is set in the center and the top is beautifully golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Per Serving (approx.):

• Calories: 315 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Protein: 16g
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 278mg
• Sodium: 678mg
• Potassium: 267mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g
• Vitamin A: 1290IU
• Vitamin C: 29mg
• Calcium: 290mg
• Iron: 2mg