Table of Contents

Best-Ever Broccoli Quiche

The aroma of a golden, bubbling quiche baking in the oven always takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. Every Sunday, after church, she’d have a quiche ready for us, its savory scent a warm invitation to gather around the table. While she made many variations, her broccoli quiche, with its vibrant green florets peeking through a creamy, cheesy custard, was always my favorite. It was a slice of home, a taste of comfort, and a reminder of simpler times filled with love and laughter.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Yield: 1 pie
Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

3 eggs, beaten
2/3 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream or 1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh broccoli, chopped
1 cup swiss cheese, grated
1/4 cup scallion, chopped
1 9-inch unbaked pie shell

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowl
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
9-inch pie dish
Oven
Knife

Instructions

Begin by preparing the egg mixture. In a mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, chicken broth, heavy cream (or evaporated milk), salt, and Tabasco sauce. Whisk until well combined and set aside. This forms the creamy base of your quiche.
Next, prepare the pie shell. Pinch the bottom and sides of the unbaked pie shell to create a decorative edge. This will help prevent the crust from shrinking too much during baking.
Bake the prepared pie shell at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. This is called blind baking and helps to partially cook the crust, preventing a soggy bottom.
Remove the partially baked pie shell from the oven.
Sprinkle half of the Parmesan cheese evenly over the bottom of the pie shell. The Parmesan cheese will create a flavorful and slightly crispy layer that complements the other ingredients.
Scatter half of the chopped broccoli, half of the grated Swiss cheese, and half of the chopped scallions into the pie shell.
Repeat the broccoli, Swiss cheese, and scallion layers, using the remaining ingredients. Distributing the ingredients in layers ensures that each bite is packed with flavor and texture.
Carefully pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients in the pie shell. Make sure the mixture is evenly distributed.
Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top of the quiche. This will create a golden and slightly crispy topping.
Bake the quiche at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. The high temperature helps to set the crust and begin cooking the filling.
After 10 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 25 minutes longer, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Reducing the temperature prevents the quiche from browning too quickly and ensures the filling is cooked through.
To check for doneness, insert a knife into the center of the quiche. If it comes out clean, the quiche is ready. If not, bake for a few more minutes and check again.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For a flakier crust, use very cold butter or shortening when making your own pie crust.
To prevent the crust from puffing up during blind baking, prick the bottom of the crust with a fork several times before baking, or use pie weights or dried beans.
If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the quiche may not be as rich and creamy.
For a deeper broccoli flavor, blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for a minute or two before adding them to the quiche. This will also help to brighten their color.
To add a smoky flavor, use smoked Swiss cheese.
Don’t overbake the quiche, as this can make the filling dry and rubbery.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Allow the quiche to cool slightly before slicing and serving. It can be served warm or at room temperature. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh scallions or a dollop of sour cream.

Leftover quiche can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, or microwave individual slices.

Quiche can also be frozen for longer storage. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag. Frozen quiche can be stored for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	367 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	237 g	65%
Total Fat	26.4 g	40%
Saturated Fat	11.8 g	59%
Cholesterol	153.2 mg	51%
Sodium	598.5 mg	24%
Total Carbohydrate	19.7 g	6%
Dietary Fiber	2.9 g	11%
Sugars	1.4 g	5%
Protein	13.7 g	27%

Variations & Substitutions

Crust: For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free pie crust or make a crustless quiche.
Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Gruyere, or Monterey Jack.
Vegetables: Add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, onions, or bell peppers. Sauté them before adding them to the quiche.
Protein: Add cooked bacon, ham, sausage, or chicken for a heartier quiche.
Dairy: For a lighter option, use milk instead of cream. You can also use a non-dairy milk alternative like almond milk or soy milk, but the texture may be slightly different.
Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Herbs: Fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or chives, can add a delicious flavor to the quiche.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this quiche ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the quiche ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Q: Can I freeze the quiche?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked quiche. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: My quiche is browning too quickly. What should I do?
A: Cover the edges of the crust with aluminum foil to prevent them from burning.

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the quiche.

Q: How do I know when the quiche is done?
A: The quiche is done when the filling is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should also be lightly golden brown.

Final Thoughts

This Broccoli Quiche is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create memories and share delicious moments with loved ones. With its creamy texture, cheesy flavor, and vibrant green broccoli, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and make it your own. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your feedback! Pair it with a simple side salad and a glass of crisp white wine for a complete and satisfying meal. Happy baking!

Best-Ever Broccoli Quiche Recipe