Name: Crustless Quiche
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 6 large eggs; ⅔ cup whole milk; ¼ cup half-and-half; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional); pinch ground nutmeg (optional); 1 ½ cups mix-ins of choice (See below for suggestions); ⅔ cup grated Gruyère cheese (or swap fontina, sharp cheddar, or smoked mozzarella); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives; cooked crumbled bacon; chopped and sautéed broccoli; caramelized onions; cubed leftover ham; roasted vegetables (roughly chopped)

Crustless Quiche: The Perfect Homemade Meal

Why Choose Crustless Quiche?

If you're on the hunt for a flexible, tasty, and nourishing meal, look no further than crustless quiche! This delightful dish gives you all the rich flavors of traditional quiche without the hassle of making pastry. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or as a light dinner, a crustless quiche is not only easy to whip up but also highly customizable.

You can pack it with your favorite ingredients, whether you're a fan of veggies like spinach or bell peppers, or prefer proteins such as turkey bacon or chicken ham. The options are endless, making it a fantastic way to clean out your refrigerator while enjoying a delicious meal.

Nutrition-wise, crustless quiche can be a healthy choice. With a base of eggs and dairy, it provides a good amount of protein and can be tailored to suit various dietary preferences by adjusting mix-ins and cheese types. According to the USDA, incorporating eggs into your diet can boost your protein intake, making it a smart choice for professionals seeking sustained energy throughout their busy days.

So next time you're in need of an uncomplicated, satisfying meal, consider preparing a crustless quiche. It’s sure to impress family and friends while keeping your culinary efforts low-key!

Ingredients for Crustless Quiche

Essentials

To whip up a delicious crustless quiche, you’ll need a few key ingredients that form the base of this dish:

6 large eggs: The backbone of your quiche, providing structure and protein.
⅔ cup whole milk: Adds creaminess and depth of flavor.
¼ cup half-and-half: For an extra touch of richness.
½ teaspoon kosher salt & ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance taste.
Optional ingredients: 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard and a pinch of ground nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile.

Mix-ins

The beauty of a crustless quiche lies in its versatility! Here are popular mix-ins that you can tailor to your tastes:

Cooked crumbled turkey bacon: Offers savory depth.
Chopped and sautéed broccoli: A nutritious veggie addition.
Caramelized onions: Sweetness that complements other flavors.
Cubed chicken ham: A protein-packed option.
Roasted vegetables: Use whatever you have on hand for added color and nutrients.

Feel free to get creative and experiment—this quiche loves variety! For more tips on mixing and matching, check out this guide to inspire your culinary adventures!

Preparing Crustless Quiche

Making a crustless quiche is not only delicious but also an incredibly straightforward process. This recipe is perfect for busy professionals looking to whip up something nutritious without a lot of fuss. Let’s break down the steps together!

Gather Your Ingredients

Before diving into cooking, let’s make sure you have everything you need. You'll want to gather:

6 large eggs
⅔ cup whole milk
¼ cup half-and-half
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
A pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
1 ½ cups of mix-ins (think turkey bacon, sautéed spinach, or roasted vegetables)
⅔ cup grated Gruyère cheese (or your favorite cheese)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

If you’re looking for mix-in ideas, some great options include cooked crumbled turkey bacon, sautéed broccoli, or even caramelized onions. You can mix and match based on your preferences or what you have on hand!

Preheat the Oven

Once your ingredients are ready, you’ll want to start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Placing a rack in the center will help ensure even cooking. While the oven heats up, you can prep your dish, saving you some time!

Whisk the Egg Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, you’ll gather the eggs, whole milk, half-and-half, salt, pepper, and optional ingredients like mustard and nutmeg. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and slightly frothy. This simple mixture is the base of your crustless quiche and serves as a blank canvas for your flavors!

Prepare Your Dish

Spray a deep 9-inch pie dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure your quiche doesn’t stick. Think of this dish as your cooking vessel where all the magic will happen. Now, scatter your choice of mix-ins evenly across the bottom of the dish, followed by a sprinkle of cheese on top. This layering will ensure every bite of your crustless quiche is packed with flavor.

Combine and Bake

Carefully pour the egg mixture over the mix-ins and cheese, making sure everything is evenly distributed. For safety, place the dish on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any spills while it bakes. Sprinkle the fresh chives over the top for an extra touch and pop it in the oven. Bake your quiche for about 35 minutes until the center is set and the edges are golden brown.

Let it cool for a few minutes once it’s out of the oven, then cut yourself a big wedge and enjoy the versatile goodness of this crustless quiche! It's a perfect meal for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, and can be customized endlessly based on your taste.

For more tips and variations, check out this informative article on quiche variations. Happy cooking!

Variations on Crustless Quiche

Veggie Delight

For a vibrant, veggie-packed twist, consider loading your crustless quiche with seasonal vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Sauté your favorites until tender, then fold them into the egg mixture. Adding herbs like basil or oregano can elevate the flavor profile immensely. Want to keep things light? Swap traditional cheese for a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the calories. Check out these healthy cooking tips for more ideas.

Protein-Packed

Boost the protein content of your crustless quiche by incorporating Turkey Bacon, chicken ham, or even cooked quinoa. Turkey bacon adds a delightful crunch while keeping the dish lighter. Try mixing it up with spicy mustard or hot sauce for an extra kick. These modifications not only enhance flavor but also make your quiche a filling option for brunch or busy weeknight dinners. Don't forget about lean proteins; they can significantly contribute to your daily nutrient needs. Curious about protein benefits? Discover more about protein and its importance.

Cooking Tips and Notes for Crustless Quiche

Baking Tips

For a perfectly baked crustless quiche, make sure to evenly distribute your mix-ins across the bottom of the pie dish. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor! If you want a fluffier texture, consider adding a bit more milk or half-and-half to your egg mixture. Check for doneness by inserting a knife in the center—the quiche should be set and slightly golden.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to get creative! Instead of Gruyère cheese, you can use sharp cheddar, smoked mozzarella, or any cheese you prefer. Swap out the cooked turkey bacon for chicken ham or even seasoned tofu for a vegetarian twist. If you're out of fresh chives, green onions or parsley work just as well! For more ideas, check the full ingredient notes here.

Serving Suggestions for Crustless Quiche

What to Pair It With

When enjoying your crustless quiche, consider pairing it with a fresh garden salad topped with a lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing crunch. For a heartier addition, serve it alongside roasted asparagus or a bowl of mixed fruit. A slice of toasted whole-grain bread adds a satisfying touch, especially if you're looking for a delightful breakfast or brunch spread.

Ideal Serving Occasions

The versatility of a crustless quiche makes it perfect for various occasions. Enjoy it during a cozy weekend brunch with friends, or whip it up as a quick weeknight dinner. It's also fantastic for meal prep, allowing busy professionals to savor a nutritious dish throughout the week. Moreover, consider serving it at holiday gatherings or potlucks—everyone will appreciate a slice of this delicious delight!

Time Breakdown for Crustless Quiche

Prep Time

The prep time for this delicious crustless quiche is just 15 minutes! It's the perfect dish for a busy morning or a quick brunch gathering. Chop your favorite veggies and whisk together the egg mixture—it couldn't be easier!

Cook Time

Once everything is prepped, the cook time is approximately 35 minutes. You'll want to bake the quiche until it’s puffed and golden, creating a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen.

Total Time

In total, you’ll spend just 50 minutes from start to finish, including prep and cooking. This means you can enjoy a hearty, wholesome meal without sacrificing too much of your day. Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this crustless quiche is ready to impress!

Feel free to explore more about customizing your quiche with various mix-ins like turkey bacon, vegetables, and cheeses to make it your own. For additional ideas, check out Well Plated for inspiration and tips!

Nutritional Facts for Crustless Quiche

Calories per Serving

Each slice of this delicious crustless quiche packs in about 231 calories. This makes it a satisfying option that's low enough to fit into most dietary plans while still being rich and fulfilling.

Key Nutrients

Beyond its calorie count, this quiche is a powerhouse of nutrition! With 17g of protein, it's great for muscle maintenance and rebuilding. Plus, it offers:

Fat: 17g (8g saturated)
Cholesterol: 279mg
Calcium: 321mg (important for bone health)
Vitamin A: 750IU (great for vision)

Feel free to explore the wonderful world of crustless quiche customization, adding your favorite mix-ins like turkey bacon or sautéed broccoli to enhance flavor while elevating nutritional content. For more ingredient insights, check out Healthline’s guide on nutritious foods!

FAQs about Crustless Quiche

Can I freeze crustless quiche?

Absolutely! Crustless quiche is freezer-friendly and can be stored for up to three months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in an airtight freezer-safe container. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Pop it in the oven to reheat, and you have a delicious meal ready to go!

How do I store leftover quiche?

To keep your leftover crustless quiche fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you've baked it in a pie dish, you can cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. For a quick reheat, place individual slices in the oven at 350°F until warmed through—perfect for a busy weekday breakfast!

What are the best mix-ins for crustless quiche?

The beauty of crustless quiche lies in its versatility! Here are some tasty mix-in options:

Cooked turkey bacon
Chopped sautéed broccoli
Caramelized onions
Shredded chicken ham
Roasted vegetables (like bell peppers or zucchini)

Feel free to explore and create your own combinations! For more inspiration, check out this article on quiche variations.

Conclusion on Crustless Quiche

In summary, crustless quiche is a versatile, healthy dish perfect for any meal of the day. Not only does it save on calories by eliminating the crust, but it also allows you to get creative with mix-ins. Give it a try; you might just find your new favorite recipe!