Easy Broccoli Cheddar Quiche Recipe

Imagine pulling a golden, bubbling quiche from the oven, its rich aroma of sharp cheddar and fresh broccoli filling every corner of your kitchen. This Easy Broccoli Cheddar Quiche Recipe is the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet comes together with minimal effort, making it perfect for brunch, weeknight dinners, or meal prep. The silky egg custard, tender broccoli, and melted cheese create a harmony of flavors and textures that satisfies every time. You’ll learn how to make this crowd-pleasing dish from scratch, including tips for a perfectly set filling and a flaky, golden crust.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Broccoli Cheddar Quiche Recipe checks every box for a go-to meal. First, it is incredibly versatile, serving equally well at a weekend brunch, a holiday gathering, or a quick weekday dinner. The combination of sharp cheddar cheese and fresh broccoli delivers bold, satisfying flavors without requiring complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Every bite offers a creamy, velvety custard with pops of tender broccoli and gooey, melted cheese. Beyond flavor, this recipe is wonderfully practical. You can prepare it ahead of time and simply reheat slices throughout the week. It is also naturally gluten-friendly if you swap the crust. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a kitchen beginner, the clear steps and simple ingredients make this broccoli cheddar quiche a recipe you will return to again and again.

Ingredients List for the Easy Broccoli Cheddar Quiche Recipe

Gather these fresh, pantry-friendly ingredients before you begin. Quality matters here, especially with the cheese and eggs, so choose the best you can find.

• 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (chopped)

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (grated)

• 6 large eggs

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1 medium onion (finely diced)

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (optional)

Pro Tips

Blind bake your crust without skipping it. This single step is the difference between a crisp, sturdy base and a soggy, underdone crust. Even five extra minutes of pre-baking ensures the pastry holds up beautifully against the wet egg custard.

Do not over-bake the custard. The most common mistake with any quiche is leaving it in the oven too long. Pull it out when the center still has a gentle jiggle. Residual heat will finish the cooking as it rests, resulting in a silky, creamy texture rather than a rubbery, dry filling.

Blanch and dry your broccoli thoroughly. Excess moisture is the enemy of a clean, set custard. After blanching and ice-bathing your broccoli florets, pat them completely dry with a paper towel before adding them to the crust. This keeps your filling firm, flavorful, and perfectly sliceable every single time.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: If using homemade crust, roll it out and fit into a 9-inch pie dish.

Step 3: Prick the bottom with a fork.

Step 4: Blind bake for 10 minutes with pie weights.

Step 5: Remove weights and bake for another 5 minutes until light golden.

Step 6: Blanch broccoli florets in boiling water for 2 minutes.

Step 7: Drain and immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking.

Step 8: Sauté diced onions and garlic in butter until translucent.

Step 9: Let vegetables cool slightly before assembling.

Step 10: Whisk together eggs, milk, and heavy cream.

Step 11: Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

Step 12: Stir in fresh thyme if using.

Step 13: Layer half the cheese on the bottom of the pre-baked crust.

Step 14: Add the broccoli and onion mixture.

Step 15: Pour in the egg custard.

Step 16: Top with remaining cheese.

Step 17: Place in preheated oven for 35-40 minutes.

Step 18: Quiche is done when slightly puffed and golden brown.

Step 19: Center should be set but still slightly jiggly.

Step 20: Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Variations

Crustless Broccoli Cheddar Quiche
Skip the pie crust entirely for a lighter, lower-carb version. Simply grease your pie dish generously with butter and pour the filling directly in. The edges will set into a delicate, slightly crisp border that holds each slice together beautifully. This version is also naturally gluten-free.

Bacon and Broccoli Cheddar Quiche
Add four strips of cooked, crumbled bacon to the filling alongside the sautéed onions and broccoli. The smoky, salty bacon complements the sharp cheddar and creates an even heartier, more satisfying slice that works especially well for a savory brunch spread.

Vegetable-Packed Broccoli Quiche
Enhance the nutritional profile by folding in a handful of baby spinach, roasted red peppers, or thinly sliced mushrooms alongside the broccoli. Each vegetable adds its own distinct flavor and texture, turning this classic broccoli cheddar quiche into a colorful, nutrient-dense centerpiece dish that pleases even the most devoted vegetable lovers.

Storage and Serving

Storing Your Quiche
This Easy Broccoli Cheddar Quiche Recipe stores exceptionally well. Allow the quiche to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring slices to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in foil for up to two months. Reheat refrigerated slices in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

Serving Suggestions
Serve warm slices alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a light, balanced meal. A bowl of tomato soup pairs beautifully with this cheesy broccoli quiche during cooler months. For brunch, complement it with fresh fruit, mimosas, or a simple yogurt parfait. Garnish each slice with a pinch of fresh thyme or a crack of black pepper just before serving for a polished, restaurant-worthy presentation.

FAQs

Can I make this quiche ahead of time?
Yes. Bake the quiche completely, allow it to cool, then refrigerate it overnight. Reheat in a 325°F oven for 15 minutes before serving. The flavor often improves after resting overnight.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Frozen broccoli works well. Thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel before adding it to the crust to prevent a watery filling.

What is the best cheese for this recipe?
Sharp cheddar cheese delivers the boldest, most satisfying flavor in this cheesy broccoli quiche. Mild cheddar works but produces a less pronounced cheese flavor. Gruyère is an excellent alternative for a more sophisticated, nutty profile.

Why is my quiche watery?
A watery quiche usually results from vegetables that were not dried properly after blanching or from over-filling the crust. Always pat vegetables completely dry and avoid exceeding the recommended egg-to-cream ratio.

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes. Substituting half-and-half for heavy cream produces a slightly lighter custard that still sets beautifully. Avoid using only low-fat milk, as the custard may not achieve the same creamy, rich consistency that defines a well-made Easy Broccoli Cheddar Quiche Recipe.

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