Broccoli Quiche is the epitome of elegant simplicity, a classic French tart that transforms humble ingredients into a spectacular meal suitable for any occasion. This recipe features a from-scratch, buttery flaky crust that provides the perfect vessel for a rich, creamy custard filling studded with tender broccoli florets, sweet sautéed onions, and two types of cheese. The magic of this quiche lies in its perfect balance of textures and flavors—the crisp, golden-brown pastry shell contrasts beautifully with the silky egg custard, while the sharp cheddar and nutty Parmesan create a complex cheesy backdrop for the vibrant broccoli. Whether served warm for brunch, at room temperature for lunch, or chilled for a light dinner, this quiche represents the height of culinary sophistication achieved through careful technique and quality ingredients.
What makes this quiche truly exceptional is its attention to the details that many recipes overlook. The crust is properly chilled before rolling to prevent shrinkage, then blind-baked to ensure it stays crisp against the moist filling. The broccoli and onions are sautéed just to crisp-tender, allowing them to finish cooking in the oven without becoming mushy or releasing excess water into the custard. The garlic is added at the end to gently perfume the vegetables without burning. The custard itself—a luxurious combination of eggs, heavy cream, and milk—creates that signature velvety texture that sets a great quiche apart from a merely good one. The final test of doneness (a slight jiggle in the center) ensures the quiche remains tender rather than rubbery. This is the kind of dish that impresses guests with its beautiful appearance and sophisticated flavor, yet is straightforward enough for a home cook to master.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Perfect Flaky Crust: A buttery, homemade crust that stays crisp
• Creamy Custard Texture: Rich, velvety filling that slices beautifully
• Elegant Versatility: Equally suited for brunch, lunch, or dinner
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes fantastic warm, at room temperature, or chilled
Ingredients:
Quiche Crust:
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup well-chilled unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 4-6 tablespoons ice water
Broccoli Quiche Filling:
• 1½ tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium head broccoli (10-16 oz), florets coarsely chopped
• ½ medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup whole or 2% milk
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
• In a medium bowl, combine flour and salt. Using a pastry blender or two forks, cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining.
• Sprinkle ice water over the mixture, 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring with a fork until the dough just holds together when pinched.
• Form the dough into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Step 2: Blind Bake the Crust
• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a 12-13 inch circle.
• Carefully transfer to a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. Trim edges to 1-inch overhang, tuck under, and crimp as desired.
• Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights, dried beans, or rice. Bake for 15 minutes.
• Remove weights and parchment, reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C), and set crust aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add broccoli and onion; sauté until crisp-tender, about 5-7 minutes.
• Reduce heat to low, add garlic, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 4: Assemble the Quiche
• In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, chives, salt, and pepper until well combined.
• Stir in the cooked vegetables, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
• Pour the mixture into the par-baked crust, spreading evenly.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
• Bake for 40-50 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly when gently shaken, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 165-185°F (74-85°C).
• Let cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing to allow the custard to set.
Tips:
• Keep Ingredients Cold: Chilled butter and ice water are essential for a flaky crust
•Don’t Overwork Dough: Handle the pastry minimally to prevent toughness
•Proper Blind Baking: This step ensures a crisp crust that won’t become soggy
•Test for Doneness: The slight jiggle in the center indicates perfect custard texture
Storage Options:
• Refrigerator: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
•Reheating: Warm slices in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes
•Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw in refrigerator before reheating
Broccoli Quiche is a timeless classic that showcases how simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. Its beautiful presentation and delightful combination of flavors and textures make it a dish you’ll return to again and again for both everyday meals and special occasions.
