Broccoli Garlic Quiche
There’s something undeniably comforting about a homemade quiche. Its golden crust, creamy filling, and the delightful combination of flavors make it a perfect dish for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. Today, I’m excited to share my favorite recipe for Broccoli Garlic Quiche. Packed with vibrant broccoli, aromatic garlic, and rich cheeses, this quiche is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want to treat yourself to something special, this quiche will surely impress!
Why It’s My Go-To
What makes this Broccoli Garlic Quiche a staple in my kitchen? For starters, it’s incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it warm, at room temperature, or even cold, making it perfect for any occasion. The combination of the slightly bitter broccoli with the savory garlic creates an irresistible flavor profile, while the creamy egg custard binds everything together beautifully. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover veggies or cheese you have lying around.
What You’ll Need
To make this mouthwatering Broccoli Garlic Quiche, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
- 10 ounces bite-sized broccoli florets
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
- 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 5 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, coarsely grated (about 2 cups)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
Gear Checklist
Before you start cooking, make sure you have the following tools handy:
- 9-inch pie dish – for baking your quiche to perfection.
- Mixing bowls – for whisking your eggs and combining the filling.
- Whisk – to ensure your egg mixture is well combined and fluffy.
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping garlic and broccoli.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient measurements.
- Oven mitts – to protect your hands when handling hot dishes.
Broccoli Garlic Quiche, Made Easy
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating this delicious Broccoli Garlic Quiche.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your quiche starts cooking evenly as soon as it goes in.
Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust
If you are using a store-bought pie crust, follow the package instructions for pre-baking. If you’re making your own, roll it out and place it in your 9-inch pie dish. Trim any excess crust hanging over the edges and prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.
Step 3: Blanch the Broccoli
In a pot of boiling salted water, blanch the broccoli florets for about 2 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This step helps maintain the vibrant color and crisp texture of the broccoli.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic
In a small skillet, heat a teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste.
Step 5: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, grated nutmeg, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined and the mixture is slightly frothy.
Step 6: Assemble the Quiche
Spread the blanched broccoli and sautéed garlic evenly over the bottom of the pie crust. Next, sprinkle the coarsely grated Cheddar cheese and Parmigiano-Reggiano on top of the broccoli. Finally, pour the egg mixture over the filling, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
Step 7: Bake the Quiche
Carefully transfer the quiche to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is lightly golden. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center—if it comes out clean, your quiche is ready!
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the quiche from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. This will help the filling set further and make slicing easier. Serve warm, or let it cool completely before storing.
Budget & Availability Swaps
If you’re looking to adjust the recipe based on what you have on hand or your budget, consider these swaps:
- Broccoli: Swap for any seasonal vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Extra-sharp Cheddar: Use any cheese you prefer, such as Gruyère, Swiss, or even mozzarella.
- Half-and-half: Substitute with whole milk or a non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) for a lighter version.
- Cayenne pepper: Omit or replace with black pepper if you prefer less heat.
Steer Clear of These
When making your Broccoli Garlic Quiche, avoid the following pitfalls:
- Overcooking the garlic: It should be fragrant and slightly golden, not burnt.
- Using frozen broccoli: Fresh broccoli will provide better texture and flavor.
- Skipping the cooling time: Cutting into the quiche too soon can cause the filling to spill out.
- Not seasoning enough: A pinch of salt and pepper can elevate the overall taste significantly.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
To keep your Broccoli Garlic Quiche at its best, follow these storage tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: The quiche can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
- Reheating: Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until warmed through.
Helpful Q&A
Can I make this quiche ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the quiche the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it in the morning for a fresh, warm breakfast or brunch.
Can I use other vegetables in this quiche?
Yes! Feel free to substitute the broccoli with other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or even roasted red peppers. Just make sure to sauté any extra moisture out of your veggies to prevent a soggy crust.
What’s the best way to know when the quiche is done?
The quiche is done when the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly but not liquid. It will continue to cook as it cools, so don’t worry if it’s not completely firm when you take it out of the oven.
Can I make this quiche gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free pie crust or make a crustless quiche by greasing your pie dish and pouring the filling directly into it. Just remember to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Next Up in Your Queue
If you enjoyed this Broccoli Garlic Quiche, you might also love:
- Spinach Feta Quiche – A delightful twist with creamy feta and fresh spinach.
- Mushroom Swiss Quiche – Earthy mushrooms and nutty Swiss cheese make a perfect pairing.
- Vegetable Frittata – A quick and easy egg dish packed with colorful veggies.
- Tomato Basil Quiche – A fresh and summery option featuring juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil.
Ready, Set, Cook
Now that you have all the tips and tricks for making the perfect Broccoli Garlic Quiche, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking! This quiche is not only delicious but also allows for creativity in the kitchen. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and soon enough, you’ll have a stunning quiche ready to delight your taste buds. Whether served at a gathering or enjoyed for a cozy dinner, this Broccoli Garlic Quiche is sure to become a favorite in your home. Happy cooking!
Broccoli Garlic Quiche
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: If using a store-bought pie crust, follow the package instructions for pre-baking. If making your own, roll it out and place it in your pie dish, trim excess, and prick the bottom with a fork.
- Step 3: Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling salted water for about 2 minutes, then drain and rinse under cold water.
- Step 4: In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Step 5: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, grated nutmeg, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and pepper until frothy.
- Step 6: Spread the blanched broccoli and sautéed garlic in the pie crust, sprinkle with Cheddar and Parmigiano-Reggiano, and pour the egg mixture on top.
- Step 7: Bake for 35-40 minutes until set and golden on top; check doneness with a knife.
- Step 8: Allow the quiche to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Quiche can be served warm, at room temperature, or cold.
- Use leftover veggies or cheeses to customize your quiche.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
