Quiche, a savory custard-filled pie, is a delightful dish that never fails to impress.
Today, I want to share with you a mouthwatering variation called the Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche.
As the name suggests, this quiche combines the vibrant goodness of broccoli with the rich and creamy flavors of cheddar cheese, resulting in a culinary masterpiece that will satisfy your taste buds and nourish your body.
What makes quiches so fantastic is their versatility. They can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even dinner.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a comforting homemade meal, the Broccoli and cheddar quiche is an excellent choice.
The combination of tender broccoli florets and the gooey, melted cheddar cheese creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Now, let’s dive into the details of this delightful recipe. In the following sections, I’ll guide you through the list of ingredients, the preparation process, baking tips, and even some exciting variations to try.
So, get ready to embark on a culinary adventure as we explore the world of Broccoli and cheddar quiche.
Delicious Ingredients for a Mouthwatering Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche
To make a delicious Broccoli and cheddar quiche, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli adds a vibrant green color and a nutritious element to the quiche.
- Cheddar cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar cheese to impart a rich and tangy flavor that complements the broccoli.
- Pie crust: You can use a store-bought pie crust for convenience or make your own from scratch for a homemade touch.
- Eggs: Eggs serve as the base for the quiche, providing a creamy and custard-like texture.
- Milk or cream: Adding milk or cream to the egg mixture enhances the richness and creaminess of the quiche.
- Onion: A finely chopped onion adds a savory depth of flavor to the quiche.
- Garlic: Minced garlic brings a subtle aromatic note to the dish.
- Salt and pepper: Seasoning with salt and pepper allows you to balance the flavors and enhance the taste.
These ingredients come together to create a delectable combination of flavors and textures in every bite of the Broccoli and cheddar quiche.
Mastering the Art of Preparing a Perfect Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche
Delightful Broccoli And Cheddar Quiche (A Savory Sensation With A Twist)
Course: Lifestyle, Recipes6-8
servings20
minutes35
minutes250-350
kcalIngredients
1 pre-made pie crust (or make your own)
1 ½ cups broccoli florets
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 large eggs
1 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Crimp the edges if desired.
- Steam the broccoli florets until tender, then chop them into small pieces.
- In a skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Spread the sautéed onion and garlic evenly over the bottom of the pie crust.
- Scatter the chopped broccoli florets over the onion and garlic layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the broccoli.
- Pour the egg mixture over the filling, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
- Place the quiche in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the quiche is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Preparing a Broccoli and cheddar quiche is a straightforward process. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a delightful quiche:
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to the recommended temperature mentioned in the pie crust instructions.
- Prepare the pie crust: If using a store-bought pie crust, follow the instructions on the packaging for pre-baking or blind baking.
If making your own crust, roll out the dough and carefully transfer it to a pie dish, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides evenly. - Steam or blanch the broccoli florets: Prepare the broccoli by cutting it into small florets.
Steam or blanch the florets until they are tender-crisp. This helps retain their vibrant color and ensures they cook evenly in the quiche.
Set aside to cool slightly. - Sauté onions and garlic: In a skillet, heat a small amount of oil or butter over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and aromatic. Remove from heat and set aside. - Whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or cream), a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper.
This forms the base of the quiche filling, providing a creamy and smooth texture. - Combine all ingredients and pour into the pie crust: Take the pre-baked or blind-baked pie crust and spread the sautéed onions and garlic evenly on the bottom.
Next, scatter the steamed or blanched broccoli florets over the onions. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the broccoli.
Finally, pour the egg mixture over the filling, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
Golden Perfection in Baking the Ultimate Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche
Now that the Broccoli and cheddar quiche is prepared, it’s time to bake it to perfection. Follow these steps to achieve a beautifully cooked quiche:
- Preheat the oven: Ensure that your oven is preheated to the specified temperature mentioned in the pie crust instructions or recipe.
- Place the quiche in the oven: Carefully place the filled pie crust with the broccoli, cheddar, and egg mixture into the preheated oven.
Make sure it is positioned on the center rack for even heat distribution. - Bake for the initial duration: Bake the quiche for the specified initial duration, usually around 15 to 20 minutes.
This allows the crust to set and start browning. - Cover the edges with foil (if needed): If the edges of the pie crust start to brown too quickly, you can gently cover them with foil to prevent burning.
This ensures that the crust remains golden and flaky. - Continue baking until fully set: Reduce the oven temperature slightly and continue baking for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the quiche is fully set.
You can check for doneness by gently shaking the pan—the center should jiggle slightly but not appear runny. - Cool and set: Once baked, remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
This allows the custard to set further, making it easier to slice and serve.
Now, your Broccoli and cheddar quiche is ready to be enjoyed!
The combination of creamy custard, tender broccoli, and melted cheddar will tantalize your taste buds.
Serve it warm or at room temperature as a delicious brunch centerpiece, lunch option, or even a light dinner.
Creative Ideas and Exciting Variations for the Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche
When it comes to serving the delightful Broccoli and cheddar quiche, there are numerous options to explore.
Here are some serving suggestions and variations to add even more excitement to your quiche experience:
1. Serving Suggestions:
- Brunch Spread: Serve the quiche as the star of a brunch spread alongside fresh fruit, a mixed green salad, and crusty bread.
- Light Lunch: Pair a slice of quiche with a side salad or a bowl of soup for a satisfying and nutritious lunch.
- Picnic Delight: Pack individual slices of quiche for a delightful picnic. Enjoy it cold or at room temperature with some refreshing beverages.
- Party Appetizer: Cut the quiche into bite-sized squares or mini quiches for a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering.
2. Variations:
- Bacon and Broccoli: Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the quiche filling for an extra savory twist.
- Spinach and Feta: Replace the broccoli with sautéed spinach and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
- Mushroom and Swiss: Sauté mushrooms with onions and substitute Swiss cheese for an earthy and nutty taste.
- Tomato and Basil: Add sliced tomatoes and fresh basil leaves to the quiche filling for a burst of freshness.
- Mediterranean Medley: Incorporate ingredients like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese to create a Mediterranean-inspired quiche.
Experimenting with different ingredients allows you to tailor the quiche to your personal preferences or the occasion you’re serving it for.
Get creative and explore new flavor combinations that excite your palate.
Remember, the versatility of quiches makes them an excellent canvas for customization.
You can adjust the ingredients, spices, and seasonings to suit your taste buds and dietary preferences.
Whether you’re a vegetarian, a cheese lover, or someone looking to add more veggies to your meals, the Broccoli and cheddar quiche can be easily adapted to meet your needs.
Health Benefits of the Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche
The Broccoli and cheddar quiche not only satisfy your taste buds but also offers several health benefits.
Let’s explore the nutritional advantages of this delectable dish:
- Broccoli’s Nutritional Powerhouse: Broccoli, the star ingredient of this quiche, is packed with essential vitamins and minerals.
It is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and fiber. Vitamin C supports the immune system, while vitamin K contributes to bone health.
Folate is crucial for cell function and growth, making it particularly beneficial for pregnant individuals. - Calcium-Rich Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese adds a creamy and flavorful element to the quiche.
It is a good source of calcium, which plays a vital role in maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Calcium also supports muscle function and aids in nerve transmission. - Protein from Eggs: Eggs serve as the base of the quiche, providing a substantial source of high-quality protein.
Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, as well as maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails. - Healthy Fats: The quiche’s custard-like filling contains healthy fats from the eggs and cheddar cheese.
These fats contribute to satiety and help in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. - Fiber and Digestive Health: The combination of broccoli and the pie crust’s whole grains (if using a whole wheat or grain-based crust) adds dietary fiber to the quiche.
Fiber aids in digestion, promotes feelings of fullness, and supports a healthy gut.
To enhance the nutritional value of your Broccoli and cheddar quiche, consider incorporating other nutritious ingredients.
You can add additional vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to increase the fiber and nutrient content further.
Remember to enjoy the quiche in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables to create a well-rounded and wholesome meal.
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FAQ’s
Why is my quiche not fluffy?
You want to cook your quiche low and slow to keep the light fluffy texture. Too high of heat will cause the egg to curdle.
See more tips and tricks below. Preheat Oven: To begin, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Why is it called quiche?
Contrary to popular belief the Quiche actually originates in Lothringen a medieval kingdom under German rule.
The name ‘quiche’ is also from German origin word ‘Kuchen’ which means cake. The French later enhanced the dish and renamed the dish, Lorraine.