Crustless Broccoli Cheddar Quiche: the Easy, Cheesy Comfort

Welcome to Effortless Baking: The Ultimate Crustless Broccoli Cheddar Quiche

Seriously, the smell of this baking is pure, uncomplicated comfort food. That sharp, salty Mature Cheddar melts into tender, bright green broccoli, all bound up in the most unbelievably silky custard.

The edges get this beautiful, golden, slightly chewy crust, which happens even though there’s zero pastry involved.

I used to skip quiche on weeknights because making a decent, flaky pastry felt like too much of a faff. This Crustless Broccoli Cheddar Quiche recipe is the ultimate cheat code for quick brunches or fuss free light dinners.

It’s naturally gluten-free, lower in carbohydrates than its traditional cousin, and ready to eat in just under an hour. It’s a total lifesaver.

We’re focusing on the classic pairing of powerful, sharp Cheddar with that essential green crunch. Get your whisk ready because this incredibly easy Sheet Pan Feta with Broccolini Tomato and Chickpea: Creamy Easy level of simplicity is about to become your new favorite kitchen secret. Let's crack on and get this quiche baked.

The Alchemy of Flavor: Why Broccoli and Mature Cheddar Pair Perfectly

Mastering the gluten-free and Low-Carb Quiche Base

The beauty of going crustless is that we eliminate the most complicated part of traditional quiche. This approach allows the custard base, rather than the pastry, to be the star, making it perfect for anyone monitoring their carb or gluten intake.

We simply use a good, generous coating of butter and a light dusting of flour or breadcrumbs in the dish as our anti stick insurance. That flour step is optional for gluten-free folks , but I find it really helps create that defined, golden brown edge.

Why This "No-Fuss" Approach Saves Time and Effort

Traditional quiche requires chilling, rolling, blind baking, and docking the pastry shell, which adds at least an hour to the process. By ditching the crust, we cut straight to the assembly and bake time.

This means you can throw this easy egg bake together in 15 minutes flat, making it ideal for those nights when dinner has to happen now .

A Quick Look at Prep Time and Baking Duration

Your active prep time here is minimal, mostly just chopping broccoli and grating cheese. We need about 15 minutes of hands-on time before it goes into the oven for a 40 45 minute bake.

Remember, you absolutely must factor in 10 minutes of cooling time before serving. Don't skip the rest period; that's when the magic of a firm, sliceable quiche truly happens.

Achieving a Silky Custard: The Perfect Egg-to-Dairy Ratio

If you’ve ever had a dry, rubbery quiche, you know the pain. My secret to a silky, rich interior is using a combination of whole milk and heavy cream. The high fat content from the cream provides stability, preventing the custard from seizing up or getting airy and dry, while the milk keeps the texture light.

This ratio ensures a delicious, rich mouthfeel that holds together beautifully.

Pre-Cooking the Broccoli for Tender, Not Watery, Bites

This is arguably the most crucial step for the perfect quiche. Raw broccoli holds a surprising amount of water, which it will dump into your custard as it bakes. Trust me, this leads to a sad, soupy bottom layer.

We solve this by quickly steaming or blanching the florets until they are just tender crisp (al dente). Immediately cooling them down and then patting them aggressively dry with paper towels is essential.

The Role of Mature Cheddar’s Umami and Tang

We are not using mild cheddar here; we want Mature (Sharp) Cheddar . This cheese provides a wonderful, deep umami flavor and a necessary tang that cuts through the richness of the cream and eggs. Freshly grating a block of quality Cheddar is non-negotiable for the best melt and texture.

Chef's Note: Using pre-shredded cheese is a rookie mistake because those anti caking powders will make your beautiful custard gritty. Skip the shortcut and grate it yourself!

Essential Ingredients List for Your Perfect Crustless Broccoli Cheddar Quiche

Selecting the Best Cheddar: Sharpness Matters

I strongly recommend using a sharp, high-quality English Cheddar for maximum flavor impact. If you want to switch things up, look for cheeses that melt well but retain some pungency. We want flavor that really stands up to the eggs and cream.

Prepping the Broccoli Florets: Fresh vs. Frozen Notes

Fresh broccoli is always best for texture, but if you must use frozen, that's fine too! Ensure you thaw it completely and squeeze or pat it ruthlessly dry before adding it to the quiche dish. If you don't drain frozen vegetables well, your quiche will absolutely be watery.

Swapping Dairy: Tips for Using Milk, Half and Half, or Cream

While my recipe calls for a specific blend of milk and cream for optimal silkiness, you have options. If you want a slightly lower fat quiche, you can use all half and half (cream and milk mix). I once tried this with just skim milk, and it was edible but disappointingly dry.

Stick to at least 2% or whole milk for the best outcome.

Spices and Seasoning: Boosting the Simple Flavor Profile

We keep the seasoning simple: salt, fresh black pepper, and a tiny, almost secret pinch of nutmeg. Nutmeg doesn't make it sweet; it actually enhances the savory depth of the cheese and eggs beautifully. Don't skip the nutmeg it’s the classic French touch that makes all the difference.

step-by-step Baking Guide: How to Assemble and Bake the Crustless Quiche

Preheating and Pan Preparation: Ensuring a Clean Release

Get your oven to 375°F (190°C) and start greasing that pie dish generously with butter. I mean, really generously. Next, dust the entire interior surface with a tablespoon of flour or fine breadcrumbs, tapping out the excess.

This non-stick barrier is crucial if you want to cleanly slice and serve the quiche.

Combining the Custard Base: Whisking Techniques

In a large bowl, whisk your six large eggs aggressively until they are uniform and slightly paler in color. This takes about 30 seconds. Then, slowly pour in the milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and that magic pinch of nutmeg. Whisk until everything is fully combined and lightly aerated.

You want the mixture to look uniform, not separated or streaky.

The Oven Method: Achieving the Golden Brown Top and Set Center

First, scatter your bone dry broccoli and most of the grated Cheddar into the prepared pie dish. Then, carefully pour the liquid custard over the fillings. Pop the quiche into the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes.

You’ll know it's getting close when the edges begin to turn golden brown and puff up slightly.

Cooling Time: Why Patience is Key Before Slicing

I know it’s tempting to slice into that golden beauty the second it leaves the oven, but you must resist! Remove the quiche and let it rest on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes.

This mandatory rest period allows the internal heat to finish setting the custard, resulting in perfect, clean slices. You can see the difference when it's properly rested.

Mastering the Crustless Quiche: Chef’s Troubleshooting and Advanced Tips

Avoiding the “Soupy” Quiche: Managing Moisture from the Broccoli

As I mentioned before, the number one culprit for a watery quiche is wet vegetables. If your quiche still seems soupy after baking, it means the water content was too high. Always par-cook, always cool immediately, and always, always pat your broccoli completely dry. It’s the single best piece of advice I can give you for an egg bake, whether you're making this quiche or a large batch recipe like my Broccoli and Cheese Twice Baked Potatoes: Ultimate Creamy Cheddar Filling .

Testing for Doneness: The Clean Knife Method

The best way to tell if your Crustless Broccoli Cheddar Quiche is finished is the wiggle test. Give the pan a gentle nudge: if the center looks liquid, it needs more time. If the center shudders slightly but looks mostly solid, it’s done.

You can also insert a knife near the center if it comes out clean, you've nailed it.

Preventing Over Browning of the Cheese Topping

Sometimes, the cheese on top gets beautifully golden well before the center is set. If you notice the cheese starting to burn or darken too quickly, simply tent the quiche loosely with a sheet of aluminum foil.

This blocks the direct heat from the top while allowing the sides and center to finish baking through completely.

Practical Guide to Storing and Reheating Your Crustless Broccoli Cheddar Quiche

Refrigeration Lifespan and Airtight Methods

This Crustless Broccoli Cheddar Quiche is excellent for meal prep! Once cooled completely, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious and fresh for up to 4 days. I prefer to slice it before storing, as this makes grabbing quick portions during the week much easier.

Freezing Baked Quiche: Whole vs. Sliced Portions

Does it freeze well? You bet it does. You can freeze the quiche whole or pre-sliced. For whole freezing, wrap the cooled quiche tightly in plastic wrap, then cover it again in aluminum foil. For slices, place them on a baking sheet to flash freeze for one hour, then transfer the solid slices to a freezer bag.

Frozen quiche will keep well for up to 3 months.

Best Practices for Reheating Without Drying Out

Never reheat quiche in the microwave if you can avoid it, as that leads to a terrible rubbery texture. The best method is the oven or toaster oven: Place the slice (or whole quiche) in a cold oven, then set the temperature to 300°F (150°C).

Allow it to heat slowly for 15– 20 minutes until warmed through. This low, slow method keeps the custard soft and silky.

Complementary Pairings: What to Serve Alongside This Easy Quiche

This hearty, flavorful quiche needs something crisp and light to balance the richness of the cheese and cream. A simple green salad dressed with a bright lemon vinaigrette is always a winner.

If you’re serving this for a cozy winter brunch, pair it with a warming, hearty bowl of soup. This quiche is wonderful served alongside a bowl of Macaroni and Cheese Soup with Broccoli: The Ultimate Creamy Winter Warmer . The double dose of comfort food is seriously satisfying.

• For Brunch: Fresh fruit platter, strong coffee, or lightly toasted English muffins.
• For Dinner: A vinegary coleslaw or a mixed green salad with slivered almonds and a simple mustard dressing.
• Condiments: A dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh chives, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.