Name: Easy Broccoli Quiche
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons butter (divided); 2 cups chopped fresh broccoli; 1 small onion (finely chopped); 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1 9 inch deep-dish unbaked pie crust; 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 4 eggs (well beaten); 1.5 cups milk; 0.5 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1 tablespoon butter (melted)

Introduction to Easy Broccoli Quiche

Are you a busy young professional constantly juggling work, social life, and wellness? If so, our easy broccoli quiche is a game-changer for your weekly meal prep. Not only is this recipe quick to whip up, taking just about an hour from start to finish, but it also delivers a hearty dose of nutrition and flavor in every slice.

Quiche is often the unsung hero in the world of homemade meals. It's incredibly versatile and can be tailored to suit your tastes or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Whether you're a vegetarian or just looking to reduce your meat intake, a broccoli quiche made with fresh ingredients makes for a delightful breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner option. Plus, once cooked, it keeps well in the fridge—perfect for weekday lunches or midnight snacks.

Imagine enjoying a slice of fluffy quiche filled with colorful veggies while saving time in your busy schedule! Many nutrition experts recommend incorporating vegetables into every meal, and this easy recipe packs a nutritional punch, making it a culinary win for health-conscious professionals like you. Want to learn more about the benefits of eating more veggies? Check out this comprehensive guide on healthy eating.

So, are you ready to dive into this deliciously simple quiche? Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients for Easy Broccoli Quiche

Essential ingredients for your broccoli quiche

Creating a delicious easy broccoli quiche starts with a handful of essential ingredients that bring flavor and richness to the dish. Here’s what you'll need:

Butter: It adds a lovely richness to the vegetables. You’ll use 3 tablespoons, divided.
Fresh Broccoli: 2 cups, chopped—this is the star of the show!
Onion: 1 small, finely chopped for that savory depth.
Garlic: 1 teaspoon, minced, to enhance the overall flavor.
Pie Crust: A 9-inch deep-dish unbaked crust is perfect for a hearty quiche.
Mozzarella Cheese: 1 ½ cups, shredded, for melty goodness.
Eggs: 4, well beaten, to hold everything together.
Milk: 1 ½ cups for a custardy texture.
Seasonings: ½ teaspoon black pepper and 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste).

Optional ingredients for a twist

Want to jazz up your easy broccoli quiche? Consider adding some optional ingredients for a fun twist:

Cheese Variations: Try adding cheddar or feta for different flavor profiles.
Protein Boost: Incorporate turkey bacon or chicken ham for added protein.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can elevate the freshness of your quiche.
Vegetable Add-Ins: Bell peppers, spinach, or tomatoes can add vibrant colors and flavor.

Exploring these optional ingredients can make your quiche uniquely yours and cater to various taste preferences! For more ideas, check Healthy Eating's guide on fun veggie options.

Step-by-step preparation for Easy Broccoli Quiche

Making an easy broccoli quiche is a delightful experience that brings flavors together beautifully, plus it’s simple enough for novice cooks! Let’s dive right into the steps to make this dish a star on your table!

Gather your ingredients and preheat the oven

Before you jump into cooking, it’s important to gather all your ingredients. This not only streamlines the cooking process but also ensures you won't have to dash out for missing items. Here’s what you need:

3 tablespoons butter (divided)
2 cups chopped fresh broccoli
1 small onion (finely chopped)
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 (9-inch) deep-dish unbaked pie crust
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
4 eggs (well beaten)
1 ½ cups milk
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1 tablespoon butter (melted)

Now, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This way, when you finish preparing your quiche, it’s ready to go straight into the oven!

Sauté the broccoli, onion, and garlic

In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, toss in the chopped broccoli, onion, and minced garlic. Stir occasionally until the vegetables are soft and fragrant—about 5 to 7 minutes. This step enhances the flavors of your ingredients, making every bite of your easy broccoli quiche a delight!

Assemble the quiche with crust and cheese

Next, carefully spoon the sautéed vegetable mixture into the pie crust. Don’t be shy—this is where the magic begins! Now, sprinkle the 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the vegetables. The melted cheese will form a delicious, gooey layer that complements the broccoli perfectly. Place the assembled quiche on a baking sheet to catch any spills while baking.

Mix the egg and milk base

In a medium bowl, whisk together 4 beaten eggs and 1 ½ cups of milk. Season this mixture with salt and pepper for flavor. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter to make the quiche creamy and rich. This egg and milk base is crucial—it’s what holds everything together.

Pour the mixture and bake to perfection

Now it’s time for the moment of truth. Pour your egg and milk mixture evenly over the vegetables and cheese in the pie crust. Bake your quiche in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the center is set. To test for doneness, gently shake the quiche; it should be firm but still a tad jiggly in the middle. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing.

Whether you serve it warm or at room temperature, this easy broccoli quiche is sure to impress! Enjoy with a fresh salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. Want to experiment? Try adding turkey bacon or chicken ham for a heartier variation!

Happy cooking!

Variations on Easy Broccoli Quiche

Experimenting with variations of easy broccoli quiche can elevate your dish and cater to diverse palates. Here are two delightful twists:

Broccoli Quiche with Turkey Bacon

For a heartier option, consider adding crispy turkey bacon. Simply cook the turkey bacon until it's nice and crunchy, then crumble it into the quiche filling before adding the egg mixture. This addition not only enhances the flavor but provides a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with the softness of the broccoli.

Broccoli Quiche with Chicken Ham

If you're looking for a slightly different flavor profile, try incorporating chicken ham. Dice the chicken ham into small pieces and mix it with the broccoli and cheese. The savory notes of chicken ham will complement the other ingredients and add a touch of sophistication to your quiche.

Feel free to get creative with your own variations! What’s your favorite twist on this easy broccoli quiche?

Cooking tips and notes for Easy Broccoli Quiche

Tips for achieving a flaky crust

For the perfect flaky crust in your easy broccoli quiche, chill your pie crust before baking. If you're using store-bought dough, let it sit in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Also, when rolling out your crust, use very light pressure and keep your surface lightly floured. This helps prevent sticking and keeps the pie crust tender. For extra crispiness, consider blind-baking your crust for 10-15 minutes before adding the filling.

How to tell when your quiche is done

To ensure your easy broccoli quiche is perfectly cooked, look for a gently puffed center that’s set but slightly jiggly. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out clean. Remember, the quiche will continue to firm up as it cools, so don’t overbake. Enjoy your delicious creation warm or even at room temperature! Check out more baking tips here.

Serving Suggestions for Easy Broccoli Quiche

Perfect Pairings: Sides and Salads

Enhance your easy broccoli quiche experience by serving it alongside colorful sides and fresh salads. Try pairing it with:

A light arugula salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
Roasted sweet potatoes or a medley of seasonal vegetables to complement the quiche's flavors.
A classic Caesar salad for an indulgent treat.

These options not only balance the meal but add visual appeal, transforming your table into a delightful spread.

Best Occasions to Serve Your Quiche

The versatility of easy broccoli quiche makes it perfect for various occasions. Consider serving it at:

Weekend brunches, where it can dazzle your friends and family.
Picnics or potlucks, as it's easy to transport and can be enjoyed warm or cold.
Holiday gatherings, adding a vegetarian option that everyone will love.

With its elegant look and delicious taste, this quiche can easily become a highlight of any meal. Looking for more ideas? Check out resources like The Spruce Eats for inspiration!

Time Breakdown for Easy Broccoli Quiche

Preparation Time

You'll need about 15 minutes to prep this easy broccoli quiche. This includes chopping your fresh ingredients and getting your cooking tools ready. Quick and simple, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights!

Cooking Time

The baking will take approximately 45 minutes. During this time, the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a delicious, golden quiche.

Total Time

All in all, you're looking at a total of 1 hour from start to finish. It’s a manageable timeframe for a delightful meal that can impress at any gathering, without spending too much time in the kitchen!

For more cooking tips and nutrition insights, check out the American Heart Association and Nutrition.gov for added inspiration!

Nutritional Facts for Easy Broccoli Quiche

Calories and Macronutrients

This easy broccoli quiche packs a satisfying punch with approximately 388 calories per serving. The quiche features 27g of total fat, of which 12g is saturated fat, and 16g of protein from the eggs and cheese. It’s a delightful mix of creamy and savory goodness!

Key Vitamins and Minerals

Packed with nutrients, this quiche provides 27mg of Vitamin C and 335mg of calcium, making it a fantastic option for boosting your immune system and bone health. Additionally, with 2mg of iron and 309mg of potassium, it's a wholesome choice that supports overall well-being. For further reading on the health benefits of broccoli, check out Healthline's broccoli benefits.

FAQ about Easy Broccoli Quiche

Can I make this quiche ahead of time?

Absolutely! This easy broccoli quiche is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it the night before, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven when you're ready to bake it the next morning. Not only does this save time, but the flavors also meld beautifully overnight, making it taste even better.

What are some good ingredient substitutions?

Feel free to get creative with your quiche! Here are some tasty substitutions:

Cheese: Swap shredded mozzarella for cheddar, feta, or a dairy-free option.
Veggies: Add other vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
Proteins: Incorporate turkey bacon or chicken ham for added flavor.

Looking for more tips? Check out this great resource on ingredient swaps.

How do I store leftovers properly?

To keep your easy broccoli quiche fresh, let it cool, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It should be good for up to 3 days. You can also freeze individual slices wrapped in airtight containers—perfect for a quick lunch later!

Conclusion on Easy Broccoli Quiche

Making a delicious easy broccoli quiche at home comes with fantastic benefits. It allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier option tailored to your taste. Plus, it's an incredibly versatile dish that can elevate any meal, from brunches to dinner. Enjoy this delightful quiche recipe, packed with nutrients and flavor.