Broccoli Cheddar Quiche is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I make it when I want something cozy but still a little special—perfect for brunch with friends, an easy breakfast, or a make-ahead meal that saves the day. The creamy filling, flaky crust, and classic broccoli-and-cheddar combo never fail to impress, even when life feels busy. It’s simple, comforting, and always reliable. If you’ve been craving a no-stress recipe that tastes like you really tried, this one’s for you—let’s make it together.
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cheddar Quiche
This Broccoli Cheddar Quiche is creamy, cheesy, and pure comfort. It’s the kind of dish that makes people slow down and ask for seconds. I love it for brunch tables, holidays, and quiet meal-prep Sundays. You can make it ahead, serve it warm or at room temp, and it still tastes amazing. Plus, it works just as well with fresh or frozen broccoli, which feels like a small kitchen win.
What Kind of Ingredients Should I Use?
Fresh broccoli gives a bright color and a little bite, but frozen broccoli is just as handy when drained well. Sharp cheddar is my go-to because it adds real flavor, while mild cheddar keeps things softer and kid-friendly. Heavy cream makes the filling rich and smooth, not watery. Use large eggs for balance, and don’t stress about the crust—store-bought is practical, homemade is a treat.
Options for Substitutions
This Broccoli Cheddar Quiche is easy to bend to your mood or pantry. Swap cheddar for Gruyère, Swiss, or mozzarella if that’s what you have. Milk or half-and-half will work instead of cream, though the filling will be lighter. You can go crustless, use a gluten-free crust, or add onions, bacon, or spinach to make it feel brand new every time.
Ingredients for Broccoli Cheddar Quiche
- Pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Use store-bought when life is busy—it works great. Homemade adds extra flavor if you have time. Just make sure it’s well chilled before baking. - Broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, prepared properly)
Fresh broccoli gives the best color and bite. Frozen is fine too—just thaw it fully and squeeze out all the water. - Cheddar cheese (shredded, sharp recommended)
Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor that stands out. Mild cheddar works, but the taste will be softer and creamier. - Eggs
Large eggs are ideal for balance. They set the filling and give the quiche its classic structure. - Heavy cream
This is what makes the Broccoli Cheddar Quiche rich and smooth. It keeps the filling creamy instead of dry or rubbery. - Dijon mustard
Just a small amount adds depth. You won’t taste mustard, but you’ll miss it if it’s gone. - Fresh dill (or dried alternative)
Fresh dill adds a light, fresh note. If using dried, use less—it’s stronger than you think. - Kosher salt
Kosher salt seasons evenly and gently. It helps all the flavors come together without overpowering the dish. - Black pepper
A little black pepper adds warmth and balance. Freshly ground is best if you have it. - Optional add-ins (onion, garlic, bacon)
These are great for extra flavor. Just cook them first so they don’t add moisture to the quiche.
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Quiche
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Roll out your pie crust and gently fit it into your pan. Trim and crimp the edges, then poke the bottom with a fork. Blind bake it until lightly golden—this keeps the crust crisp and not soggy later. I’ve learned the hard way that skipping this step always leads to regret.
Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli
If you’re using fresh broccoli, blanch it briefly until bright green, then cool and dry it well. For frozen broccoli, thaw it fully and squeeze out every bit of water. Dry broccoli matters more than people think—it’s the secret to a firm, creamy quiche.
Step 3: Make the Egg Custard
Whisk the eggs, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, dill, salt, and pepper until smooth. Keep it simple and don’t overmix. This blend is what gives Broccoli Cheddar Quiche its soft, creamy center.
Step 4: Assemble the Quiche
Spread the broccoli evenly over the baked crust, then sprinkle on the shredded cheddar. Slowly pour the egg mixture over the top. Pause if it looks full—you don’t want spills in the oven.
Step 5: Bake the Quiche
Bake until the top is lightly golden and the center is just set. It should jiggle slightly but not look wet. Let it rest before slicing—this is when the magic really comes together.
How Long to Cook Broccoli Cheddar Quiche
Bake Broccoli Cheddar Quiche at 350°F for gentle, even cooking, or 375°F if you want it done a bit faster. Most quiches take 35–45 minutes, depending on your oven and filling depth. You’ll know it’s done when the center looks set but still has a small jiggle. Let it rest 10–15 minutes before slicing so it firms up and cuts clean.
Tips for Perfect Broccoli Cheddar Quiche
Blind bake the crust so it stays crisp, not soggy. Keep the custard creamy by using heavy cream and not overbaking. Layer broccoli first, then cheese, so every bite tastes balanced. Pull it from the oven early and let it rest—carryover heat finishes the job.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
Skipping blind baking is the fastest way to a wet crust. Watery broccoli can ruin the texture, so dry it well. Overfilling leads to spills and uneven baking. High heat or cutting too soon can make the quiche dry or messy—patience really pays off here.
What to Serve With Broccoli Cheddar Quiche
Side Ideas
- Fresh green salad
A crisp salad adds crunch and balance. I like simple greens with lemon or vinaigrette. - Roasted potatoes
Warm, golden potatoes make the meal feel filling. They pair well with the creamy quiche. - Fresh fruit bowl
Fruit keeps things light and fresh. It’s perfect for brunch or breakfast plates. - Tomato soup
A warm bowl of soup turns Broccoli Cheddar Quiche into true comfort food. This combo always feels cozy. - Garlic bread
Crunchy garlic bread is great for soaking up every bite. It’s simple but always welcome. - Sautéed mushrooms
Mushrooms add depth and an earthy note. They work well for a savory, grown-up meal. - Simple vinaigrette salad
A light, tangy salad cuts through the richness. It keeps the plate balanced and fresh.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store leftover Broccoli Cheddar Quiche in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze slices tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 325°F for the best texture, or use the microwave for quick meals. It still tastes great the next day, which makes it perfect for meal prep.
Estimated Nutrition
Calories: 320–380 kcal
Fat: 22–28 g
Saturated Fat: 12–15 g
Cholesterol: 140–180 mg
Sodium: 450–650 mg
Carbohydrates: 18–25 g
Fiber: 2–4 g
Sugar: 2–4 g
Protein: 12–16 g
Nutrition will vary based on cheese type, crust choice, and add-ins like bacon or extra vegetables. For a lighter option, try reduced cheese, extra broccoli, or a crustless version.
FAQs for Broccoli Cheddar Quiche
Can I make Broccoli Cheddar Quiche ahead of time?
Yes, Broccoli Cheddar Quiche is great for making ahead. Bake it fully, cool it, and store it in the fridge. Reheat or serve at room temperature.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well in Broccoli Cheddar Quiche. Thaw it first and squeeze out all extra water. This keeps the quiche from turning watery.
How do I know when the quiche is fully cooked?
The quiche is done when the center is set with a slight jiggle. The top should look lightly golden. A knife should come out mostly clean.
Can I make this quiche crustless?
Yes, you can make Broccoli Cheddar Quiche without a crust. Grease the pan well and pour the filling directly in. Bake until fully set.
Why is my quiche watery?
Quiche gets watery from wet broccoli or too much liquid. Always drain veggies well and measure cream carefully. Let it rest before slicing.
Conclusion
This Broccoli Cheddar Quiche is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again. It’s easy, flexible, and works just as well for busy mornings as it does for relaxed brunch plans. You can make it ahead, switch up the flavors, or keep it classic—it always delivers comfort. If you try it, I’d love to hear how you make it your own. Save it, share it, and come back soon—we’ve got more cozy recipes waiting for you.
If you love cozy, creamy comfort food, you’ll definitely want to try our Creamy Tomato Basil Soup here
Broccoli Cheddar Quiche
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the pie crust, fit it into a 9-inch pie pan, crimp the edges, and prick the bottom with a fork.
- Blind bake the crust until lightly golden, then remove from the oven and set aside.
- If using fresh broccoli, blanch briefly until bright green, then cool and dry completely. If using frozen broccoli, thaw fully and squeeze out all excess moisture.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, dill, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Spread the broccoli evenly over the baked crust, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Slowly pour the egg mixture over the filling, stopping if the crust becomes full.
- Bake for 35–45 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and the center is just set with a slight jiggle.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.
