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Crustless quiche is my answer to busy mornings when I want a comforting breakfast without fussing with pastry. Packed with eggs creamy milk golden cheese and a mix of veggies or ham this dish bakes up light and fluffy every time. It is perfect for brunch meal prep or an easy family breakfast.
The first time I made this was for a holiday brunch when I forgot to buy pie crust. Now it is a weekly staple that everyone asks for during busy weekdays.
Ingredients
- Large eggs: provide structure and essential protein. Choose farm fresh eggs with bright yolks for the best flavor.
- Milk or half and half: makes the quiche fluffy and rich. Whole milk or half and half give a silkier texture.
- Shredded cheese: gives a melty tangy bite. Cheddar for classic comfort Swiss for a nutty flavor or use your favorite blend.
- Diced onion: brings mild sweetness and depth. Yellow onions are my go-to but sweet onions add a lovely mellow flavor.
- Chopped spinach or broccoli: brings freshness and color. Squeeze out excess moisture for a light quiche that is not soggy.
- Cooked bacon or diced ham: adds a smoky savory punch. Always drain on paper towels to keep your quiche from getting greasy.
- Salt and black pepper: bring out all the flavors without overpowering the dish. Always use freshly ground pepper for the best taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius and let it come fully to temperature while you prepare everything else. Grease a 9 inch pie dish or baking dish generously so the quiche does not stick.
- Mix the Egg Base
- In a large bowl whisk the eggs and milk together thoroughly until the mixture is an even pale yellow. Whisk until you see small bubbles for the fluffiest quiche texture.
- Combine Fillings
- Add cheese onion vegetables and meat to the egg mixture. Stir everything really well so the fillings are evenly coated and every bite has lots of flavor.
- Season the Mixture
- Sprinkle in salt and black pepper now. Tasting the mixture is a secret trick since seasoning too late means unevenly seasoned quiche.
- Fill the Baking Dish
- Pour the egg mixture gently into your prepared dish. Use a spatula to smooth the surface making sure those tasty fillings are evenly spread.
- Bake Until Golden
- Place the dish in the center of your oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You will know it is done when the top turns pale gold and the center does not jiggle if you gently shake the pan.
- Cool and Serve
- Let the quiche rest for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting. This helps the eggs finish setting and makes slicing much easier.
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Whenever I add smoked bacon it fills my kitchen with the most amazing aroma it reminds me of Saturday mornings cooking breakfast for the whole family everyone waiting in line for a second slice before it is even cool
Storage Tips
You can refrigerate quiche tightly covered for up to four days. If you make it ahead slice it once cooled for easy grab and go breakfasts. For longer storage wrap individual slices and freeze. To reheat pop a slice into the microwave or toaster oven until just warmed through.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap out spinach for kale or cooked zucchini for a new twist. Use roasted red pepper or sun dried tomatoes for vibrant color and tang. If you want a dairy free version choose an unsweetened plant based milk and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor without cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm or at room temperature. For brunch pair with a crisp green salad or fresh fruit. For a heartier lunch add a bowl of soup and a thick slice of toasted sourdough. Leftovers are delicious cold right from the fridge too.
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Cultural Context
Classic French quiche comes with pastry but leaving it out started as a practical way to save time and carbs. This crustless version embraces all the creamy cheesy goodness without any fuss which is perfect for home cooks.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I customize the vegetables?
Yes, use your favorite cooked and drained vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, peppers, or mushrooms for variety.
- → What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar, Swiss, or a blend of your preferred cheeses melt well and bring great flavor to the dish.
- → Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute non-dairy milk and use vegan cheese or omit cheese altogether for a dairy-free version.
- → Can I prepare crustless quiche ahead of time?
Yes, it refrigerates well. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven for a quick meal.
- → What meat can I add for extra protein?
Chopped cooked bacon or diced ham are popular choices, but you can use cooked sausage or leftover meats as well.
- → How can I prevent a soggy texture?
Ensure all vegetables are cooked and well-drained before adding. This keeps the quiche firm and fluffy.