I’m not usually an egg person, so when I first stumbled upon the concept of quiche, I was in college, hunting for meals that felt fancy but required the kind of effort you can put in between study breaks. Fast forward to life now—kids, work, all the busyness—and quiche has earned its place in my kitchen repertoire. It’s still that fancy-looking meal that somehow always feels effortless. Over the years, this easy broccoli quiche has become my go-to version. It’s one of those recipes that makes me feel accomplished without breaking a sweat.
I think it all started when my daughter went through a “green veggies or nothing” phase. She loved broccoli, and I loved quiche—thus, an easy broccoli quiche was born. Now it’s not only a way to sneak in a healthy dose of veggies, but also one of those dishes that’s perfect for brunch, dinner, or even breakfast if you’re feeling adventurous.
There’s something about the combination of a crispy, golden crust with fluffy eggs, tender broccoli, and gooey cheddar cheese that just works. Plus, it’s forgiving. Forgot the onions? No big deal. Ran out of cheddar? Toss in whatever cheese you have. Quiche isn’t fussy, and that’s why it’s a staple in our house.
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Why You’ll Love Easy Broccoli Quiche
Let’s talk about what makes this dish so great. First of all, it’s simple. This easy broccoli quiche uses a frozen pie crust—because sometimes you just don’t have time to roll out dough, and that’s okay. The filling is a no-frills mixture of eggs, half-and-half, broccoli, and cheese, seasoned just enough to make the flavors shine without any extra fuss.
The beauty of quiche lies in its versatility. You can eat it warm, cold, or at room temperature, which makes it the ultimate make-ahead meal. I’ve packed slices for lunch, served it for dinner with a salad, and yes, even snuck a slice as a post-breakfast snack. There’s something comforting about knowing you’ve got a quiche in the fridge, ready whenever you need it.
But what really sets this quiche apart is the balance of flavors. The sweetness of the onions plays off the sharpness of the cheddar, while the broccoli adds a subtle, earthy crunch that keeps each bite interesting.
PrintEasy Broccoli Quiche
This Easy Broccoli Quiche is the perfect recipe anytime you have an abundance of garden-fresh broccoli on hand.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Breakfast
Ingredients
- 9-inch frozen deep-dish pie crust in aluminum tin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 6 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Instructions
- Place an oven rack in the middle position, place a cookie sheet on the oven rack, and preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Take the pie crust out of the freezer and let it stand for 10 minutes. Prick the crust 10 times with a fork. Place the pie crust on the pre- heated cookie sheet in the oven, and bake for 9–11 minutes, or until light golden brown.
- While the pie crust bakes, heat the oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent and the edges begin to brown, 6–8 minutes. Add the onions, broccoli florets, and cheese to the bottom of the pre-baked pie crust.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, yolks, half-and-half, salt, and pepper until combined. Pour the mixture over the pie crust.
- Bake the quiche on top of the cookie sheet for 35-40 minutes or until the quiche is set and a knife inserted in center comes out clean.
- Move the quiche to a wire rack and let cool 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Ingredients and Why They Work
Now, let’s break down the ingredients because each one plays its role in creating the magic that is this easy broccoli quiche.
- Frozen Deep-Dish Pie Crust: Listen, I love homemade crust as much as the next person, but sometimes, convenience wins. A frozen pie crust saves time and effort, and it’s a reliable base. Just make sure to pre-bake it to avoid sogginess later on.
- Olive Oil & Yellow Onion: Cooking the onions until they’re soft and slightly caramelized brings a depth of flavor to the quiche that complements the richness of the eggs and cheese. The onions add a slight sweetness that makes the dish feel more complex than it actually is.
- Broccoli Florets: Chopping the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces ensures they cook evenly in the quiche. Broccoli gives the dish a light, fresh taste and a bit of texture contrast.
- Cheddar Cheese: Ah, the star of the show. Sharp cheddar adds a tangy, creamy bite that pairs perfectly with the eggs and broccoli. You could experiment with other cheeses, but cheddar is the classic choice for a reason.
- Eggs & Egg Yolks: The eggs create the fluffy, custard-like texture of the quiche. Adding extra yolks gives it a rich, velvety consistency that makes each bite feel indulgent.
- Half-and-Half: This adds creaminess to the filling. It’s richer than milk but not as heavy as cream, making it the perfect choice for a quiche that’s smooth without being too dense.
- Salt & Freshly Ground Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the flavors of the other ingredients. Freshly ground pepper adds just the right amount of kick without overpowering the other elements.
How Does Easy Broccoli Quiche Taste?
If you’ve never had a broccoli quiche, you’re in for a treat. This one is the perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet. The onions, once cooked down, bring a mellow, caramel-like sweetness that blends beautifully with the sharp, salty cheddar. The broccoli adds a subtle freshness, while the eggs and half-and-half form a rich, creamy base. The texture is light yet satisfying, with the broccoli offering a bit of crunch to contrast the soft eggs.
Compared to other quiches I’ve tried, this one is refreshingly simple. No fancy seasonings, no complicated steps—just a straightforward, reliable quiche that tastes fantastic every single time.
I’ve experimented with a few variations, and here’s what I’ve found:
- Spinach: Swap out the broccoli for spinach if you want something a little lighter. Just sauté the spinach first to get rid of excess moisture.
- Bacon: If you want to add some extra richness, crisp up some bacon and crumble it into the quiche before baking. Bacon and broccoli are a dream team.
- Swiss Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but if you’re in the mood for something different, try Swiss cheese. It melts beautifully and has a slightly nutty flavor.
Tips for First-Time Quiche Makers
The first time I made this quiche, I underestimated the importance of pre-baking the pie crust. I skipped that step, figuring the filling would take care of it, and ended up with a very soggy bottom. Not my finest moment. Now, I know that pricking the crust and baking it beforehand makes all the difference. It ensures a crisp, flaky crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft filling.
Another small hiccup came when I once didn’t chop the broccoli small enough. Some of the pieces were too big, making the texture of the quiche uneven. Lesson learned: bite-sized is the way to go. You want those little bursts of broccoli flavor without having to saw through a large floret with your fork.
One surprise, though, was just how easy it is to whip up. Seriously, once you have the onions cooked and the eggs whisked, it’s just about assembling. The hardest part is waiting for it to cool down so you can slice into it without burning your mouth (yes, I’ve failed at that too).
- Pre-bake the crust: Don’t skip this step! It keeps the crust from getting soggy.
- Chop the broccoli small: Bite-sized pieces ensure even cooking and a perfect texture.
- Use room temperature eggs: They mix better with the other ingredients.
- Let it cool before slicing: This helps the quiche set properly.
- Keep an eye on the oven: Ovens vary, so check for doneness around the 35-minute mark.
- Make it ahead: Quiche tastes great the next day, so don’t be afraid to make it in advance.
Allergy-Friendly Substitutions
- Dairy-Free: Swap the half-and-half for a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or almond milk. Use dairy-free cheese as well.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pie crust or make a crustless version by skipping the crust entirely.
- Egg-Free: For an egg-free quiche, you can try an egg substitute like Just Egg, though the texture will be different.
This easy broccoli quiche is one of those recipes that feels like a secret weapon. It’s quick, it’s adaptable, and it always impresses. Whether you’re making it for a brunch gathering, a weeknight dinner, or just because you want to eat something delicious, I promise this quiche won’t let you down. .
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Give this recipe a try and let me know how it goes! I’d love to hear about your variations, tweaks, and triumphs in the comments below