Delightful Cheddar Broccoli Quiche: Comforting 35-Min Bake

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Delightful Cheddar Broccoli Quiche has become my go-to for those days when I need a comforting yet wholesome meal that’s surprisingly simple to whip up. I remember the first time I made this, the aroma of the baking crust and savory filling filled my kitchen, promising a delicious meal. The combination of sharp cheddar cheese, tender broccoli, and a creamy, eggy custard is just divine. It’s truly an easy quiche that impresses every time, perfect for a lazy Sunday brunch or a quick weeknight family dinner. Let’s get cooking!

Delightful Cheddar Broccoli Quiche: Comforting 35-Min Bake - Delicious broccoli and cheddar quiche filling

Why You’ll Love This Delightful Cheddar Broccoli Quiche

This quiche is a winner for so many reasons!

It’s incredibly versatile, perfect for any meal from a hearty breakfast quiche to a satisfying main course.
The combination of sharp cheddar and fresh broccoli is a classic pairing that always delivers fantastic flavor.
It’s a simple yet elegant dish, making it ideal for entertaining guests or a special family dinner.
You can easily customize it with your favorite additions, like sautéed mushrooms or a pinch of nutmeg.
The creamy custard filling and flaky crust create a wonderfully comforting texture.
It’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies for picky eaters.
The prep is minimal, especially when using a store-bought crust, making it a true weeknight-friendly option.

Ingredients for Your Delightful Cheddar Broccoli Quiche

Gather these simple ingredients to create this delicious broccoli cheddar quiche. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is!

1 pre-made 9-inch pie crust – a store-bought crust saves so much time for this easy quiche.
2 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed until tender and chopped – steaming keeps the broccoli vibrant and perfectly tender, not mushy.
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded – sharp cheddar provides the best flavor punch for this delightful quiche.
1 cup whole milk – this is key for a creamy, rich custard base.
4 large eggs – eggs are the backbone of any quiche, binding everything together.
1/2 teaspoon salt – enhances all the other flavors.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper – a classic pairing with cheese and broccoli.
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder – adds a subtle savory depth.
1/4 teaspoon onion powder – complements the garlic and cheese beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional) – adds a lovely herbaceous note if you have it on hand.
1/4 cup onion, diced (optional) – for those who love a little extra savory bite.
1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing onion) – only needed if you’re adding the fresh onion.

How to Make a Delightful Cheddar Broccoli Quiche

Follow these simple steps to create a truly delicious and easy quiche that your family will adore.

Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, prepare your broccoli. Steam the fresh broccoli florets for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still bright green. Once cooked, chop them into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: If you’re adding the optional diced onion for extra flavor, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onions until they become golden brown and nicely translucent, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Set them aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 4 large eggs and 1 cup whole milk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creates the creamy base for our delightful quiche.
Step 4: Stir in the seasonings: 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, and the optional 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme. Make sure everything is evenly distributed throughout the egg mixture.
Step 5: Now, gently fold in the chopped steamed broccoli, the cooled sautéed onions (if using), and the 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Combine these ingredients with the egg mixture until just incorporated. This filling is what makes our broccoli cheddar quiche so special.
Step 6: Carefully pour the prepared filling into your pre-made 9-inch pie crust. Spread it out evenly so you have a beautiful, consistent layer for baking. This step makes it an incredibly easy quiche to assemble.
Step 7: Place the quiche in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center is set – it shouldn’t jiggle much when gently shaken – and the top has a lovely golden-brown hue. The aroma filling your kitchen will be amazing!
Step 8: Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the quiche from the oven. Allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time is crucial for the filling to fully set, ensuring clean slices for your family dinner.

Pro Tips for the Best Delightful Cheddar Broccoli Quiche

Want to elevate your quiche game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make this dish even more amazing.

For an extra creamy filling, try using half-and-half or heavy cream instead of whole milk.
Make sure your broccoli is well-drained after steaming to prevent a watery quiche.
Don’t overbake! A slightly jiggly center is perfect, as it will continue to set as it cools.
Grate your own cheddar cheese from a block – pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that can affect meltiness.

What’s the secret to a perfect Delightful Cheddar Broccoli Quiche?

The real secret is not overcooking and ensuring your ingredients are prepped properly. Steaming and chopping the broccoli small, and not overbaking the custard are key for that perfect texture in this otherwise easy quiche.

Can I make Delightful Cheddar Broccoli Quiche ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire quiche, unbaked, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Delightful Cheddar Broccoli Quiche?

A common mistake is a soggy bottom crust; blind baking the crust slightly beforehand can help. Also, avoid overmixing the filling, which can lead to a tough texture. And most importantly, don’t overbake!

Best Ways to Serve Your Delightful Cheddar Broccoli Quiche

This delightful quiche is so versatile, it’s perfect for almost any occasion! For a hearty family dinner, I love serving a generous slice alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad cuts beautifully through the richness of the quiche. If you’re planning a weekend gathering, this makes an elegant centerpiece for a leisurely brunch recipe. Consider pairing it with some fresh fruit salad or a basket of warm, crusty bread for dipping into any extra creamy custard.

Nutrition Facts for Delightful Cheddar Broccoli Quiche

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition per serving for this delightful quiche. Remember, these are estimates and can vary based on exact ingredients used.

Calories: 320
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Protein: 15g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 550mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Delightful Cheddar Broccoli Quiche

Leftovers of this delightful quiche are just as wonderful as the fresh bake, making it perfect for future meals. To store, first let your Delightful Cheddar Broccoli Quiche cool completely on a wire rack. This is important to prevent condensation, which can make the crust soggy. Once cooled, carefully transfer any remaining slices to an airtight container. You can also wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, for portion control. Stored properly in the refrigerator, leftovers will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or quick lunches after a big family dinner. If you want to keep it even longer, you can freeze the quiche for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat, gently warm slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps maintain the flaky crust. For a quicker option, you can microwave a slice, but be aware the crust might lose some of its crispness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Delightful Cheddar Broccoli Quiche

Can I use different vegetables in my Delightful Cheddar Broccoli Quiche?

Absolutely! While broccoli and cheddar are a classic combo, feel free to swap in other veggies. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach (make sure to wring out excess water!), bell peppers, or even asparagus work wonderfully. Just ensure they are cooked or prepped so they don’t release too much moisture into your quiche, keeping it an easy quiche to manage.

What kind of cheese works best besides cheddar?

Sharp cheddar is fantastic because it has a robust flavor that stands up to the other ingredients. However, Gruyère offers a nutty depth, Swiss provides a mild, creamy taste, and Monterey Jack melts beautifully. You can even mix a couple of cheeses together for a more complex flavor profile in your delightful quiche.

How do I prevent a soggy crust on my Delightful Cheddar Broccoli Quiche?

A soggy bottom is the enemy! For an extra foolproof crust, consider blind baking it for about 10-15 minutes before adding the filling. This pre-bakes the crust slightly, helping it firm up. Also, ensure your broccoli is well-drained after steaming, and don’t overmix the filling, which can add excess liquid. This ensures a perfect breakfast quiche every time.

Can I make a crustless Delightful Cheddar Broccoli Quiche?

Yes, you can! If you prefer a crustless version, simply grease your pie dish well and proceed with the recipe as usual. The eggs and cheese will set up to create a lovely, tender custard. It’s an even easier quiche, perfect for low-carb diets!

Variations of Delightful Cheddar Broccoli Quiche You Can Try

While I adore the classic combination, this delightful quiche is a fantastic base for all sorts of delicious twists! Don’t be afraid to experiment. Here are a few ideas to get you started on your own unique broccoli cheddar quiche creations.

Spicy Southwest Quiche: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the filling, and swap the cheddar for a Mexican blend cheese. Serve with a dollop of sour cream.
Smoked Salmon & Dill Quiche: Fold in about 4 ounces of flaked smoked salmon and a tablespoon of fresh dill along with the broccoli and cheese. This adds a sophisticated touch.
Crustless Low-Carb Quiche: Skip the pie crust entirely! Just grease your pie plate well and pour the filling directly into it. This is a fantastic option for a lighter, low-carb meal.
Mushroom & Swiss Quiche: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the optional onion, and use shredded Swiss cheese instead of cheddar. A pinch of nutmeg also complements this combination beautifully.