Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche with Flaky Pie Crust

A Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche is a classic dish that strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition. With a buttery, flaky pie crust filled with tender broccoli florets, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy, custardy egg mixture, this quiche is a comfort food favorite that works for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even dinner.

The combination of broccoli and cheddar is timeless — the richness of the cheese complements the freshness of broccoli beautifully, while the delicate egg base ties it all together in a smooth, savory filling. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this quiche never fails to impress.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s comforting yet elegant, simple yet satisfying. The flaky homemade crust adds a rustic, homemade touch, and the cheesy broccoli filling tastes both hearty and wholesome.

It’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug — perfect for lazy weekend brunches or meal prepping ahead for busy weekdays. The versatility of the dish is another reason I adore it — you can serve it hot, warm, or cold, and it still tastes delicious.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Perfect texture: Buttery, crisp crust with a soft, creamy center.
• Flavor harmony: The savory cheddar and tender broccoli balance each other perfectly.
• Meal versatility: Works for any meal of the day — breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
• Make-ahead friendly: Great for storing, reheating, and freezing.
• Customizable: You can easily add your favorite veggies, meats, or herbs.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 6–8 servings
• Calories: Approximately 350–400 kcal per slice

Cuisine

French-American

Course

Breakfast / Brunch / Main Course

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust (Homemade or Store-Bought):

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• ¼ tsp salt
• 3–4 tbsp ice water

(You can substitute with a 9-inch store-bought pie crust if desired.)

For the Filling:

• 1 ½ cups chopped broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, steamed)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
• ½ cup heavy cream (for richness)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)
• ⅛ tsp nutmeg (optional, enhances flavor)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the pie crust and pre-bake it.
2. Steam or blanch the broccoli until tender.
3. Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, and seasonings.
4. Add broccoli and cheddar into the crust, pour over egg mixture.
5. Bake until set and golden brown.
6. Cool slightly, slice, and serve warm or at room temperature.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.
2. Add cold butter cubes and cut them into the flour using a pastry cutter or fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, just until the dough comes together.
4. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish.
6. Press it into the dish, trim excess, and crimp the edges.

(If using store-bought crust, skip to pre-baking step.)

Step 2: Blind Bake the Crust

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
3. Bake for 12–15 minutes, then remove weights and bake another 5 minutes until lightly golden.
4. Let cool slightly while preparing the filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Broccoli

1. Steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 3–4 minutes until just tender.
2. Drain and pat dry to remove excess moisture.

Step 4: Make the Egg Mixture

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and nutmeg.
2. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Quiche

1. Spread steamed broccoli evenly in the pre-baked crust.
2. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the broccoli.
3. Slowly pour the egg mixture over the top, ensuring it fills evenly.

Step 6: Bake

1. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
3. Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

How to Serve

Serve this Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche:

• Warm, with a light green salad or fresh fruit on the side.
• As a brunch centerpiece with orange juice or mimosas.
• With a bowl of soup for a cozy lunch or dinner.

It’s delicious at room temperature, making it ideal for picnics and buffets too.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Avoid soggy crust: Always pre-bake (blind bake) the crust before adding filling.
• Drain broccoli well: Too much moisture will make the filling watery.
• Check doneness: The quiche should be just set in the center — a little jiggle is fine; it firms up as it cools.
• Use quality cheese: Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor and melt.
• Make ahead: Prepare the crust or filling a day ahead and bake fresh.

Variations

• Vegan Quiche: Use a vegan pie crust, tofu or chickpea flour filling, and plant-based cheese.
• Crustless Quiche: Skip the crust and bake the filling directly in a greased dish for a lighter version.
• Add-ins: Include sautéed onions, mushrooms, or spinach for extra flavor.
• Different Cheese: Try Swiss, Gruyère, or feta instead of cheddar.
• Mini Quiches: Bake in muffin tins for bite-sized versions, perfect for parties.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes or in the microwave.
• Freezer:
  • Cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
  • Freeze for up to 2 months.
  • To reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9-inch pie dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rolling pin (if making crust from scratch)
• Saucepan or steamer
• Oven

Conclusion

This Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche with Flaky Pie Crust is the perfect blend of wholesome ingredients and comforting flavors. With its buttery crust, cheesy filling, and tender broccoli, it’s a dish that’s both elegant and satisfying — ideal for brunches, family gatherings, or an easy make-ahead meal.

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Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche with Flaky Pie Crust

Author: Anna Williams Cuisine: American Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 25 mins Cook Time 45 mins Total Time 1 hr 10 mins

Servings: 6 Calories: 400 kcal per slice

Description

A Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche is a classic dish that strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition. With a buttery, flaky pie crust filled with tender broccoli florets, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy, custardy egg mixture, this quiche is a comfort food favorite that works for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Pie Crust (Homemade or Store-Bought):

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (1 stick)
• ¼ tsp salt
• 3 tbsp 3–4 ice water
• (You can substitute with a 9-inch store-bought pie crust if desired.)

For the Filling:

• 1 ½ cups chopped broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, steamed)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
• ½ cup heavy cream (for richness)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)
• ⅛ tsp nutmeg (optional, enhances flavor)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust : In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add cold butter cubes and cut them into the flour using a pastry cutter or fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, just until the dough comes together. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Press it into the dish, trim excess, and crimp the edges.
2. Step 2: Blind Bake the Crust : Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 12–15 minutes, then remove weights and bake another 5 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool slightly while preparing the filling.
3. Step 3: Prepare the Broccoli : Steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 3–4 minutes until just tender. Drain and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
4. Step 4: Make the Egg Mixture : In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and nutmeg. Stir until smooth and well combined.
5. Step 5: Assemble the Quiche : Spread steamed broccoli evenly in the pre-baked crust. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the broccoli. Slowly pour the egg mixture over the top, ensuring it fills evenly.
6. Step 6: Bake : Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Keywords: Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche with Flaky Pie Crust