Delicious & Easy Crustless Broccoli Cheddar Quiche: A Low-Carb, Healthy Delight
Discover the ultimate guilt-free indulgence with our incredible Crustless Broccoli Cheddar Quiche recipe! This low-carb take on a timeless classic is bursting with so much flavor and rich, creamy texture, you’ll completely forget there’s no crust. For those of us who secretly just love the savory filling anyway, this recipe is a dream come true. Say goodbye to carb-heavy crusts and hello to a light, yet satisfying meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
This crustless quiche is everything you could wish for: wonderfully fluffy, incredibly creamy, and generously loaded with the irresistible goodness of sharp cheddar cheese. You’ll be amazed to learn that each generous serving is approximately only 315 calories and a mere 4 net carbs, according to our careful calculations! It’s the perfect solution for anyone seeking a wholesome, satisfying meal that fits a low-carb lifestyle without sacrificing an ounce of deliciousness.
Looking for more amazing low-carb options? Don’t miss our Smoked Chicken Wings – they’re incredibly flavorful!
Why Choose a Crustless Quiche? The Benefits of Going Bare
Opting for a crustless quiche isn’t just a culinary preference; it offers several fantastic benefits. Firstly, it’s an excellent choice for anyone following a low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diet, as it significantly reduces carbohydrate content. Without the crust, this quiche becomes a lighter meal, packed with protein and vegetables, making it a healthier alternative to traditional versions. It’s also often quicker and easier to prepare, as you skip the time-consuming process of making or fitting a pie crust. This makes it an ideal option for busy weeknights or when you need a fast yet impressive dish.
Crustless Broccoli Cheddar Quiche: Your New Go-To Meal
This recipe is so incredibly easy to prepare that it will undoubtedly earn a permanent spot in your regular meal rotation. We often find ourselves making this quiche because we almost always have all the necessary ingredients on hand. It’s truly a no-brainer for a delicious and effortless dinner. Plus, let’s be honest, who doesn’t adore the classic combination of fresh broccoli and rich cheddar cheese? It’s a pairing that promises comfort and satisfaction every time.
Essential Ingredients and Smart Swaps
The beauty of this crustless quiche lies in its simple yet powerful ingredient list. Each component plays a vital role in creating that perfect fluffy and flavorful texture. Let’s delve into what makes them so special:
- Large Eggs: The foundation of any great quiche, eggs provide structure and richness. Using large eggs ensures a substantial and satisfying base.
- Sour Cream & Heavy Whipping Cream: This dynamic duo is responsible for the quiche’s luxurious creaminess. Sour cream adds a delightful tang, while heavy cream contributes to an incredibly silky texture. You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a slightly lighter option, but expect a less rich result.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show! Sharp cheddar offers a bold, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with broccoli. Grating your own cheese from a block will always melt smoother and taste better than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
- Fresh Broccoli Florets: Packed with nutrients, broccoli adds a lovely texture and earthy flavor. While fresh is preferred for optimal texture, frozen broccoli can be used. Just ensure it’s thoroughly thawed and excess moisture is squeezed out to prevent a watery quiche.
- Green Onions: These provide a mild, fresh oniony bite that complements the richness of the cheese and eggs. Chives or finely diced red onion can be used as alternatives.
- Garlic Granules (or Powder): A touch of garlic elevates the savory profile. Granules tend to distribute more evenly than powder, but both work well.
- Kosher Salt & Fresh Cracked Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors. Adjust to your personal preference.
- Cayenne Pepper (Optional): For those who enjoy a subtle kick, cayenne adds a wonderful warmth without overpowering the dish. Start with a small pinch and add more if you like extra heat.
Step-by-Step Perfection: Crafting Your Crustless Quiche
Making this quiche is straightforward, but a few tips can ensure it turns out perfectly every time.
First things first, preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). While the oven heats, generously butter a 9-inch pie pan or a similar-sized baking dish. Buttering prevents sticking and helps create a beautiful golden-brown exterior on your quiche. Set it aside.
Next, prepare your fresh broccoli. Chop it into small, uniform florets. Place these florets in a microwave-safe bowl with 2-3 tablespoons of water. Cover the bowl loosely and microwave for 3-4 minutes. The exact cooking time will vary depending on your microwave’s wattage, so keep an eye on it. You want the broccoli to be tender-crisp, not mushy. Once cooked, remove the broccoli and drain it thoroughly on paper towels. This step is crucial; you want to remove as much excess water as possible to prevent a watery quiche and ensure a perfectly firm texture.
In a large mixing bowl, it’s time to create the creamy egg base. Whisk together the large eggs, sour cream, heavy cream, garlic powder (or granules), cayenne pepper (if using), kosher salt, and fresh cracked black pepper. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined. This ensures an even distribution of flavor and a light, airy texture.
Now, gently fold in the stars of the show! Add the prepared chopped broccoli florets, the diced green onions, and 1 cup of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the egg mixture. Stir carefully to combine all the ingredients without overmixing. You want the broccoli and cheese to be evenly distributed throughout the egg base.
Pour the delightful egg and veggie mixture into your prepared and buttered pie plate. For an extra cheesy top, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of sharp cheddar over the surface. A pro tip: I highly recommend placing your pie dish on a baking sheet before transferring it to the oven. This simple step catches any potential spills or overflow, making cleanup a breeze.
Bake your quiche in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s perfectly done when the center is set (no longer jiggly), and the top is beautifully golden brown. The delicious aromas filling your kitchen will be an excellent indicator!
Once baked, resist the urge to slice it immediately! Let the quiche cool for about 10 minutes before cutting. This crucial resting period allows the quiche to fully set, ensuring clean, beautiful slices and preventing it from falling apart when served.
Now, slice your masterpiece, serve, and savor every bite of this truly guiltless eating pleasure! Not only is it incredibly satisfying, but it’s also naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic option for a wider range of dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips
This versatile crustless quiche can be enjoyed in so many ways! It makes a fantastic main course for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or a light dinner. Pair it with a fresh green salad for a complete and healthy meal. For breakfast or brunch, serve it alongside fresh fruit or a side of crispy bacon. Leftovers are just as delicious, making it perfect for meal prepping throughout the week.
To store, allow the quiche to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can warm individual slices gently in the microwave or place them in a preheated oven (around 300°F/150°C) until heated through.
Are you committed to a low-carb or keto lifestyle? Be sure to give our Pork Egg Roll Bowl recipe a try for another delicious and healthy option!
Crustless Broccoli Cheddar Quiche Recipe
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Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic granules or powder
- 1/8-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for a subtle kick
- 2 cups broccoli florets steamed or microwaved until tender-crisp
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
- 1/2 cup green onions diced
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter a 9-inch pie dish or a similar-sized baking dish and set it aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the eggs, sour cream, heavy whipping cream, kosher salt, fresh cracked black pepper, garlic granules (or powder), and cayenne pepper (if using) until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
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Gently fold in the cooked broccoli florets, 1 cup of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and the diced green onions. Stir carefully until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the egg mixture.
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Pour the egg and vegetable mixture into the prepared and buttered baking dish.
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Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the quiche mixture.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. Allow to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!