As the sun rose on a lazy weekend morning, I felt inspired to create something nourishing yet simple—a dish that would satisfy my cravings without leaving me stuck in the kitchen for hours. That’s when I remembered the ease and comfort of my go-to crustless quiche. With its fluffy eggs cradling tender broccoli and rich Gruyere cheese, this dish is a delightful blend of flavors that brings instant joy to any meal, be it brunch with friends or a cozy family dinner.
What I love most about this crustless quiche is its incredible versatility. You can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or cheeses, making it a breeze to customize based on what’s in your fridge. Plus, with the added bonus of being gluten-free, it’s an ideal choice for anyone looking to step away from the fast food cycle and embrace homemade goodness. Join me as we whip up this effortless, crowd-pleasing recipe that brings warmth to the table and comfort to the soul!
Why is Crustless Quiche a Must-Try?
Simplicity at Its Best: This crustless quiche features an easy preparation that doesn’t skimp on flavor, making it perfect for beginner cooks and busy chefs alike.
Incredibly Versatile: With endless variations to suit your taste, you can customize it with any vegetables or cheeses you have on hand.
Quick and Convenient: Whip this dish up in under an hour, saving you time without sacrificing quality—ideal for those hectic weekdays!
Gluten-Free Goodness: Enjoy a comforting meal that caters to dietary needs without the hassle of making a crust.
Whether you’re hosting brunch or seeking a light dinner, this dish delivers wholesome satisfaction every time. For more delightful ideas, check out my other easy recipes.
Crustless Quiche Ingredients
For the Base
- Large Eggs – The key ingredient for structure and richness; try egg substitutes for a vegan version.
- Milk – Adds creaminess to the quiche; swap with almond or soy milk for a dairy-free alternative.
- Sea Salt – Enhances flavor; remember to adjust according to your taste.
- Black Pepper – Offers a hint of spice; freshly ground is best for maximum flavor.
For the Vegetables
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – Used for sautéing and greasing, delivering excellent flavor; can be replaced with butter if preferred.
- Shallots – Adds sweetness and depth to the mix; substitute with onions if needed.
- Broccoli Florets – Provides a nutritious green element; swap for spinach or bell peppers for different flavors.
- Water – Helps cook the broccoli; optional, can be left out.
For the Flavor
- Gruyere Cheese – Offers a nutty flavor and creamy texture; feel free to substitute Swiss cheese or cheddar for variety.
- Fresh Thyme or Chives – Adds aromatic freshness; use any preferred herbs to enhance flavor.
This tantalizing crustless quiche is truly a canvas waiting for your creative touch!
How to Make Crustless Quiche
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, lightly grease a 9-inch or 9.5-inch pie dish to ensure easy removal later.
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Whisk Together: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sea salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This forms the creamy base of your quiche.
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Sauté Shallots: Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and sauté for 4-5 minutes until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their sweetness.
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Cook Broccoli: Stir in the broccoli florets and water, cooking until the broccoli is bright green and tender, which should take around 4 minutes. Let any excess water evaporate before proceeding.
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Layer the Vegetables: Evenly spread the sautéed shallots and broccoli in the prepared pie dish. Sprinkle the Gruyere cheese generously over the vegetables to create a rich, cheesy layer.
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Combine Mixtures: Pour the whisked egg mixture over the vegetables and cheese, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Optionally, gently shake the pie pan to help settle the mixture and eliminate air bubbles.
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Add Herbs & Bake: Finish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or chives for aromatic flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
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Cool and Slice: Let the quiche cool slightly for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, enjoying the delightful flavors!
Optional: Garnish with additional fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Crustless Quiche
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Vegetable Tenderness: Ensure vegetables are cooked until just tender for the perfect texture; overcooking can lead to a watery quiche.
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Resting Time: Allow the quiche to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing; this helps achieve clean, even cuts for serving.
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Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses, like feta or cheddar, to add unique flavors. Just remember not to use too much moisture-rich cheese, which can make it soggy.
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Ingredient Prep: If adding different vegetables, adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure all ingredients are evenly tender throughout the crustless quiche.
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Storage Savvy: Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months for a quick meal later.
Make Ahead Options
These Crustless Quiches are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking for time-saving solutions! You can sauté the broccoli and shallots up to 3 days in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep their vibrant color and flavor intact. Additionally, you can whisk together the egg and milk mixture up to 24 hours prior to baking. When you’re ready to enjoy your quiche, simply layer the prepped vegetables and cheese in the dish, pour over the egg mixture, and bake according to the original instructions. This way, you’ll have a nourishing meal on the table effortlessly, ensuring that every bite is just as delicious as if it were freshly made!
Crustless Quiche Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to let your creativity run wild and make this recipe your own with delightful twists that cater to your tastes!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute milk with almond, soy, or oat milk for a creamy, lactose-free option that everyone can enjoy.
- Veggie Boost: Swap out broccoli for spinach, kale, or roasted bell peppers to provide different textures and vibrant colors.
- Cheese Switch: Experiment with different cheeses, such as sharp cheddar, creamy mozzarella, or tangy feta, to create exciting new flavor profiles.
- Meaty Add-Ins: For the meat lovers, cooked bacon, diced ham, or sautéed mushrooms can add a hearty element that elevates the dish.
- Herb Garden: Substitute fresh thyme or chives with basil, parsley, or dill to transform the aroma and taste of your quiche.
- Heat it Up: Add a dash of red pepper flakes, sliced jalapeños, or diced green chiles for those who enjoy a little kick in their meals.
- Nutty Surprise: Stir in some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pine nuts, for an unexpected crunch that complements the creamy custard.
- Savory Oregano: Incorporate some Italian herbs like oregano or rosemary to create a Mediterranean-style quiche that brims with aromatic goodness.
The beauty of this crustless quiche lies in its ability to transform and adapt to what you love!
How to Store and Freeze Crustless Quiche
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven until warmed through for a quick meal.
Freezer: This crustless quiche freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw the quiche overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: For best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, ensuring the quiche is heated evenly.
What to Serve with Crustless Quiche?
Elevate your crustless quiche experience with delicious sides that add fresh flavors and textures to your meal.
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Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette enhances the savory richness of the quiche.
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Roasted Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, bursting tomatoes complement the flavors in the quiche while providing a burst of freshness with every bite.
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Crispy Potato Wedges: Golden-brown wedges offer a hearty crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy softness of the quiche.
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Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread adds a comforting, fragrant element, making it a perfect companion to soak up any leftover flavors.
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Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits brightens the table, balancing the savory quiche with sweet, juicy bites.
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Herbed Yogurt Dip: A dollop of herbed yogurt or tzatziki adds a refreshing coolness that contrasts the warm quiche, making every bite delightful.
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Sparkling Water: For a light drink option, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime refreshes the palate and cleanses the taste buds between bites.
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Dark Chocolate Squares: End on a sweet note with rich dark chocolate to satisfy the sweet cravings, beautifully contrasting the quiche’s savory notes.
Serving these delightful sides with your crustless quiche will create a memorable meal experience filled with depth and comfort.
Crustless Quiche Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe broccoli for the quiche?
Absolutely! When selecting broccoli, look for florets that are bright green and firm, avoiding any with dark spots or yellowing. Fresh broccoli should feel heavy for its size and should have tightly packed buds.
How should I store leftover crustless quiche?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I often recommend reheating slices in the microwave for a quick meal, but if you prefer, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
Can I freeze crustless quiche, and if so, how?
Very! To freeze, wrap the quiche tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. For a perfectly reheated slice, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
What should I do if my crustless quiche is too watery?
If your quiche turns out watery, it’s usually due to overcooked vegetables or too much moisture in the cheese. Make sure to sauté your vegetables until just tender before adding them. If you’re using cheese with high moisture content, like mozzarella, combine it with drier cheeses to maintain a good texture.
Is this crustless quiche suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
The crustless quiche is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t have a crust. For dairy-free diets, you can substitute the milk with almond or soy milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a savory flavor. Always check for allergies to wheat, eggs, or specific vegetables when serving!
Can I customize the ingredients in my crustless quiche?
The more the merrier! You can easily swap in your favorite vegetables, like spinach or bell peppers, or try different cheeses, such as feta or cheddar. Just remember to adjust cooking times for any new vegetables you include to ensure even tenderness throughout the dish.
Delicious Crustless Quiche: A Simple, Gluten-Free Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a pie dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sea salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the shallots for 4-5 minutes until soft.
- Add broccoli florets and water, cooking until bright green and tender, about 4 minutes.
- Spread sautéed shallots and broccoli in the pie dish, then sprinkle with Gruyere cheese.
- Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables and cheese evenly.
- Sprinkle fresh thyme or chives on top and bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.