Looking for a delicious way to impress your friends at brunch? This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Quiche is your answer! It’s simple to make and packed with fresh flavors. With just a few key ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a dish that everyone will love. From creamy textures to fun variations, I’ll guide you through each part. Let’s dive into crafting this perfect quiche for your next gathering!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Simple Preparation: This quiche is easy to make, requiring just a few simple steps that even beginner cooks can follow.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of sharp cheddar cheese and fresh broccoli creates a flavorful experience that everyone will love.
- Versatile Dish: This quiche can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, making it a great addition to any meal plan.
- Leftover Friendly: It’s perfect for meal prep, as leftovers can be easily stored and reheated for a quick meal during the week.
Ingredients
List of Required Ingredients
To make a tasty Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Quiche, gather these simple ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pie crust (9-inch)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Ingredient Substitutions
If you need to swap ingredients, here are some great options:
- Use a homemade pie crust or a gluten-free crust.
- Swap the sharp cheddar for mild or pepper jack cheese.
- Replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter quiche.
- You can use almond, soy, or oat milk instead of regular milk.
- Fresh garlic can replace garlic powder if you prefer more flavor.
Tips for Selecting Fresh Broccoli
Choosing fresh broccoli is key for this quiche. Here’s what to look for:
- Pick bright green florets with tight buds.
- Avoid any yellowing or wilting.
- Stems should be firm and not too woody.
- If you can, smell the broccoli. It should have a fresh, earthy scent.
- Store broccoli in the fridge and use it within a few days for the best taste.
Fresh ingredients make a big difference in flavor. Enjoy cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Broccoli
Start by boiling water in a medium saucepan. Once it boils, add 2 cups of broccoli florets. Blanch them for 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green. This step keeps the broccoli crisp and vibrant. After blanching, drain the broccoli and put it in an ice bath to stop cooking. When it’s cool, chop the florets into smaller pieces. These little bits will mix well in the quiche.
Making the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together 4 eggs, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 1/2 cup of milk. Add 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder for flavor. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Mix until everything is well combined. Now, stir in the sautéed broccoli and 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese. Make sure to distribute the cheese and broccoli evenly throughout the egg mixture.
Baking the Quiche
Pour the egg and broccoli mix into a 9-inch pre-made pie crust. Spread it out to ensure even baking. Place the quiche in your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 35-40 minutes. The edges should set, and the center will be slightly jiggly but not liquid. You want the top to be a golden brown. After baking, let the quiche cool for 10-15 minutes. This helps the filling set up nicely. Now, it’s ready to slice and serve!
Tips & Tricks
How to Achieve a Creamy Texture
To get that creamy texture in your quiche, use heavy cream and milk. The mix of these two gives a rich taste. Whisk them well with the eggs. This helps blend all the flavors. For extra creaminess, add a little more cheese. Sharp cheddar melts nicely and adds flavor.
Browning the Top of the Quiche
Browning the top of the quiche makes it look great. To do this, bake it until the edges set and the center is a bit jiggly. This usually takes about 35-40 minutes. If the top is not golden yet, set it under the broiler for a few minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Serving Suggestions for Perfect Pairings
Pair your quiche with a fresh salad or some fruit. A light green salad adds crunch and balances the rich quiche. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a tangy sauce. This adds zest and makes every bite exciting. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature for brunch.
Pro Tips
- Blanching Broccoli: Blanching the broccoli before sautéing locks in its bright color and nutrients. This quick process helps maintain the broccoli’s vibrant green hue and enhances the overall flavor.
- Cheese Selection: Using a sharp cheddar cheese elevates the taste of your quiche. It adds a rich, tangy flavor that complements the creaminess of the filling beautifully.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the quiche to cool for 10-15 minutes after baking helps the filling set properly. This step ensures cleaner slices and a better texture when serving.
- Customize Your Greens: Feel free to add other vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition. This quiche is versatile and can be tailored to your taste!
Variations
Adding Different Cheeses
You can change the flavor of your quiche by using different cheeses. Try mozzarella for a milder taste. Feta adds a nice salty kick. For a richer flavor, use gouda or gruyere. Mixing cheeses can create a unique taste that you will love. Just remember to keep the total cheese amount the same for the best results.
Vegetable Substitutions
While broccoli shines in this quiche, you can swap it out for other veggies. Spinach offers a soft texture and bright color. Bell peppers add crunch and sweetness. Zucchini is another great choice. Just make sure to remove excess moisture from these veggies. This keeps your quiche from getting soggy.
Gluten-Free Options
If you need a gluten-free quiche, use a gluten-free crust. Many grocery stores sell these now. You can also make a crustless version. Just pour the filling directly into a greased pie dish. This option is easy and cuts down on prep time. Enjoy your delicious quiche without worry!
Storage Info
Best Ways to Store Leftover Quiche
To keep your leftover quiche fresh, let it cool first. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and prevents it from drying out. Store your quiche in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to enjoy your quiche again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the quiche on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it from burning. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. This way, it warms up evenly. You can also use a microwave. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes.
Freezing Guidelines
If you want to save quiche for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Try to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze quiche for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
How long does Broccoli Cheddar Quiche last?
Broccoli Cheddar Quiche can last for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. If you keep it at room temperature, it won’t last longer than 2 hours. I always recommend checking for signs of spoilage before eating any leftovers.
Can I make Quiche in advance?
Yes, you can make quiche in advance! You can bake it a day or two before your brunch. Just let it cool, wrap it well, and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. This makes brunch stress-free and fun!
What can I serve with Broccoli Cheddar Quiche?
You can serve your quiche with a fresh salad, fruit, or breakfast potatoes. A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette pairs well. For a sweeter option, fresh berries or a fruit salad adds a nice touch. You can also serve it with a side of yogurt for a creamy contrast. Enjoy mixing and matching!
To sum up, we explored how to make a delicious broccoli cheddar quiche. We covered essential ingredients and substitutions, shared tips for fresh broccoli, and detailed step-by-step prep and baking. I offered tips for creamy texture and browning the quiche. You can add variations, store leftovers properly, and serve with tasty sides. Embrace this recipe for a simple yet delightful meal your family will love. Enjoy your cooking and savor every bit
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Quiche
Ingredients
- 1 9-inch pre-made pie crust
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 2 cup milk
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- optional fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for about 2-3 minutes until bright green. Drain the broccoli and immediately transfer it to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, chop the florets into smaller pieces.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped broccoli and sauté for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the mixture is well combined.
- Stir in the sautéed broccoli and the shredded cheddar cheese into the egg mixture until evenly distributed.
- Carefully pour the mixture into the pre-made pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Place the quiche in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly but not liquid. The top should be a beautiful golden brown.
- Once cooked, remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will help the filling set further.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley or chives if desired. Enjoy!
