Experience a truly delightful culinary journey with this **Broccoli Bacon Quiche recipe**. This savory tart boasts a crisp, golden, and buttery pie crust, generously filled with tender broccoli florets, smoky bacon pieces, and a rich, creamy custard. The custard, made from a perfect blend of milk, heavy cream, and eggs, ensures every bite is a symphony of textures and flavors. From the flaky layers of the pastry to the fluffy, velvety eggs and the satisfying crunch of crispy bacon, this quiche is a masterpiece of comfort food.

Not only is this easy quiche incredibly flavorful, but it’s also wonderfully versatile. Prepare it in advance for a stress-free meal, customize it with your favorite fillings, or even opt for a crustless version if you’re looking for a lighter option. It’s the ideal dish for any occasion, whether you’re planning a lavish brunch, a quick weeknight dinner, or a hearty breakfast to kickstart your day.

This savory broccoli cheddar quiche transcends a simple breakfast item; it’s a gourmet experience that tastes like a sophisticated mashup of indulgent loaded potato skins and a comforting bowl of creamy broccoli cheddar soup. Its decadent and savory profile makes it a fantastic choice for any meal – enjoy it warm for breakfast, serve it at room temperature for a brunch buffet, or pair it with a crisp green salad for a delightful lunch or dinner.

Quiche is truly the perfect make-ahead recipe, especially when you need to feed a crowd without last-minute fuss. Its ability to hold well and be served at various temperatures makes it a host’s dream. If you’re looking for more crowd-pleasing savory breakfast ideas, consider exploring other delicious quiche variations such as Smoked Salmon and Spinach Quiche, a classic Ham and Swiss Quiche (which works beautifully with either frozen or homemade crust), a rich Bacon Mushroom Quiche with Smoked Gouda, charming Mini Quiche Cups, or even homemade Bialy Bagels with Everything Seasoning for a different kind of savory treat.

Why You’ll Adore This Broccoli Bacon Quiche

Prepare to fall in love with this ultimate broccoli bacon quiche! It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an experience designed to satisfy your cravings for rich, savory flavors and comforting textures. Here’s why this particular quiche will quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen:

Irresistible Bacon Flavor in Every Bite

If you’re a devoted bacon enthusiast, this quiche is your dream come true. We don’t just sprinkle crispy bacon into the custard; we elevate the flavor profile by cooking the foundational ingredients—broccoli, onion, and garlic—directly in the rendered bacon fat. This clever technique ensures that the deep, smoky essence of bacon permeates every single element of the quiche, guaranteeing an explosion of savory goodness in every forkful. The contrast between the tender vegetables and the crunchy bacon bits is simply divine.

Velvety, Rich, and Creamy Custard

The heart of any exceptional quiche lies in its custard, and ours is nothing short of perfection. The filling for this broccoli bacon quiche is meticulously crafted with a harmonious blend of farm-fresh eggs, wholesome milk, and decadent heavy cream. This combination isn’t just about richness; it’s about achieving that classic, melt-in-your-mouth velvety texture that distinguishes a truly gourmet quiche. By essentially creating our own “half and half” with milk and heavy cream, we guarantee an unparalleled creaminess that makes each bite utterly luxurious.

The Perfect Make-Ahead Brunch Staple

Hosting can be stressful, but this easy bacon broccoli quiche is designed to simplify your life. It’s the quintessential dish for a brunch buffet or any gathering because it holds its exquisite flavor and texture beautifully, whether served warm directly from the oven or at comfortable room temperature. This fantastic make-ahead capability allows you to prepare it hours, or even a day, in advance, freeing you up to enjoy your guests and the event without last-minute culinary scrambling. Impress everyone with minimal effort!

Endlessly Customizable for Any Palate or Pantry

Think of a quiche as a versatile culinary canvas, ready for you to paint with your favorite flavors or utilize whatever fresh ingredients you have on hand in the fridge. This recipe is incredibly forgiving and adaptable. Have some leftover smoked salmon from a Sunday lox and bagels brunch? Transform it into a elegant Smoked Salmon and Spinach Quiche. Missing a pie crust but still craving that creamy filling? Simply make it crustless for a gluten-friendly option. The possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to tailor this quiche to suit any dietary preference or ingredient availability. It’s an open invitation to experiment and create your own signature variations!

What Exactly is a Quiche? Exploring its French Roots

A quiche is an elegant French tart, distinguished by its delicate pastry crust filled with a savory custard that typically incorporates an array of ingredients such as cheese, various meats (like bacon or ham), seafood, or fresh vegetables. It’s a remarkably versatile dish, commonly enjoyed for breakfast or lunch, and is equally delicious served warm, hot, or at room temperature. Its rich history dates back to the French region of Lorraine, giving us the most iconic version.

The Classic Quiche Lorraine: A Timeless Masterpiece

The traditional French version, known universally as Quiche Lorraine, features a simple yet profoundly delicious combination of bacon or ham and Swiss cheese baked into a rich egg custard. This classic embodies the heart of French country cooking – humble ingredients transformed into something extraordinary through careful preparation and balanced flavors. Our broccoli bacon quiche draws inspiration from this heritage, adding vibrant greens and a different cheese profile for a fresh take.

Quiche vs. Frittata: Understanding the Key Differences

While both quiche and frittata are egg-based savory dishes, they possess distinct characteristics that set them apart. The primary difference lies in the crust: a quiche always features a flaky pastry crust, providing a delightful textural contrast to its creamy interior. A frittata, on the other hand, is crustless, offering a more rustic, oven-baked egg dish. Furthermore, the filling differentiates them: quiche traditionally boasts a richer, more custard-like filling achieved with a generous amount of heavy cream, resulting in a lighter, airier texture. Frittatas typically have a denser, more egg-forward filling, often made with less or no cream, relying primarily on milk for moisture. Understanding these differences helps appreciate the unique charm of each dish.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Quiche

Crafting a truly exceptional broccoli bacon quiche begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look at the stars of our recipe:

• Pie Crust: The foundation of our quiche! This recipe shines with a homemade all-butter pie crust, known for its incredible flakiness and rich flavor. However, to save time, a good quality store-bought pie crust can also be used. For best results with a pre-made crust, refer to the recipe notes for specific par-baking instructions to ensure a perfectly crisp bottom.
• Bacon: We recommend using thick-cut bacon for this recipe. The thicker slices render beautifully, yielding intensely flavorful fat for cooking the vegetables and developing wonderfully crispy bits that retain their texture even after baking. Cook it until it’s very crispy to prevent it from becoming soft or chewy in the custard.
• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are crucial. Frozen broccoli tends to release too much moisture during cooking, which can make your quiche watery and soggy. Opt for fresh, vibrant green broccoli, chopped into small, bite-sized pieces for even distribution.
• Cheddar Cheese: For a truly rich and complex flavor, choose an aged cheddar cheese, such as Dubliner, or any extra sharp cheddar variety. The sharpness of aged cheddar beautifully complements the savory bacon and earthy broccoli. Always shred your own cheese from a block; pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting and can result in a grainy texture.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: This is the secret ingredient for that luxurious, classic creamy texture synonymous with an authentic quiche. The high fat content of heavy cream prevents the custard from becoming rubbery and ensures a silky-smooth finish. We highly recommend not substituting this ingredient, as it’s key to the quiche’s signature richness.
• Eggs: Large eggs are essential for the custard base, providing structure and richness.
• Whole Milk: Blended with heavy cream, whole milk creates a perfectly balanced, velvety custard that’s rich but not overly dense.
• Yellow Onion & Garlic: These aromatic vegetables, sautéed in bacon fat, build the flavorful base for the quiche, adding depth and a hint of sweetness.
• Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors. Adjust to your taste preferences.
• Green Onions or Chives (for garnish): A sprinkle of fresh green onions or chives after baking adds a touch of color and a mild oniony freshness, elevating the presentation and flavor.

See the complete recipe card below for full ingredient quantities and precise measurements.

Creative Substitutions & Delicious Variations

This broccoli bacon quiche recipe is incredibly adaptable, inviting you to experiment with different ingredients to suit your taste, dietary needs, or whatever you have on hand. Here are some fantastic ideas to get you started:

• Cheese Swaps: While sharp cheddar is excellent, feel free to get creative with other cheeses! Swiss cheese, feta, mozzarella, goat cheese, Gruyere, or even a blend of these can be used in place of or in combination with cheddar cheese for a different flavor profile. Each cheese will lend its unique characteristics, from the nutty notes of Gruyere to the tangy creaminess of goat cheese.
• Mini Quiche Cups: Transform this recipe into adorable, individual mini quiche cups perfect for appetizers or party platters. Simply press the pie crust into a muffin tin, fill each cup with the custard, veggies, and cheese mixture, and bake for a shorter duration until set. They’re fantastic for portion control and easy serving.
• Alternative Meats: If you prefer a leaner option or want to switch up the flavor, swap regular bacon for turkey bacon. Ensure it’s cooked until crisp for the best texture. You could also use cooked ham or crumbled breakfast sausage.
• Vegetable Additions/Swaps: Mushrooms make a wonderful addition to this quiche, adding an earthy depth. Sauté them with the broccoli and onions. You can also use sliced bell peppers, spinach (sautéed and squeezed dry), or even asparagus spears (blanched and cut) in place of or alongside the broccoli. Ensure any high-moisture vegetables are pre-cooked and thoroughly drained to prevent a soggy quiche.
• Crustless Quiche: For a gluten-free option or a lighter meal, simply omit the pie crust. Pour the filling directly into a greased pie dish and bake as directed. The creamy custard will still deliver all the wonderful flavors you love.
• Herb Enhancements: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the custard for an extra layer of aroma and flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Introduce a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vegetable mixture for a subtle heat, or add a dash of hot sauce to the custard.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Broccoli Bacon Quiche

Creating this irresistible quiche is a rewarding experience. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a flawless, delicious result every time. Precision in preparation will yield a beautifully set custard and a wonderfully crisp crust.

Step One: Prepare and Par-Bake the Crust. Begin by carefully setting your pie crust (either homemade or store-bought) into a 9-inch pie dish. Gently press it into the bottom and up the sides to ensure it fits snugly. Crimp the edges decoratively. Place a piece of parchment paper inside the crust, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides, then fill it completely with pie weights (dried beans or rice work too). This prevents the crust from shrinking or bubbling. Par-bake the crust in a preheated oven according to the recipe instructions.

Step Two: Seal and Finish Baking the Crust. After the initial par-bake, carefully remove the pie weights and parchment paper. In a small bowl, whisk one egg white with a splash of water. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the entire inside surface of the par-baked crust with the egg white mixture. This creates a protective barrier, preventing the crust from becoming soggy once the custard is added. Return the crust to the oven to finish par-baking until golden, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step Three: Cook the Bacon to Perfection. Cut the bacon into ½-inch pieces. In a large frying pan, cook the bacon over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is very crispy and beautifully browned. Achieving maximum crispness here is key, as it helps the bacon maintain its texture within the quiche. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the crispy bacon bits to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat. Reserve some of the rendered bacon fat in the pan for the next step.

Step Four: Sauté the Flavorful Vegetables. In the same pan with the reserved bacon fat (ensure you’ve drained most of it, leaving just a thin, flavorful coating), add the diced yellow onion. Sauté over medium heat until the onions become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the roughly chopped fresh broccoli and minced garlic, along with a pinch of kosher salt. Continue to sauté for another few minutes, just until the broccoli starts to soften slightly but still retains a bit of bite. Remove the vegetable mixture from the pan and let it cool.

Step Five: Layer the Savory Fillings. Once the sautéed vegetables and bacon have cooled slightly, spread them evenly across the bottom of your cooled, par-baked pie crust. This ensures that every slice of quiche will have a balanced distribution of these delicious components. After the vegetables and bacon are in place, sprinkle the freshly shredded cheddar cheese over the top. This layering creates pockets of rich flavor and texture.

Step Six: Prepare the Rich Custard. In a large mixing bowl, combine the large eggs, heavy whipping cream, and whole milk. Whisk these ingredients together vigorously until they are completely smooth and well combined, with no visible streaks of egg yolks or whites remaining. This thorough whisking is essential for achieving a uniform, creamy texture in your finished quiche custard. A pinch of salt and black pepper can also be added here for seasoning.

Step Seven: Pour the Custard into the Crust. Carefully and slowly pour the prepared egg custard over the layered fillings in the pie crust. Pour until the liquid reaches the very edge of the crust, ensuring it completely covers the fillings without spilling over. Be gentle to avoid disturbing the beautiful arrangement of your bacon, broccoli, and cheese. This step requires a steady hand to fill the crust without overflow.

Step Eight: Bake Until Golden and Set. Gently transfer the filled quiche to your preheated oven. Bake for the recommended time, rotating halfway through for even cooking. The quiche is done when the edges are puffed and golden, and the center still has a slight jiggle (but isn’t liquid). Immediately upon removing from the oven, sprinkle the top with freshly chopped scallions or chives for a fresh, aromatic garnish and a pop of color. Allow the quiche to cool before slicing.

Expert Tips for the Best Broccoli Bacon Quiche

Achieving a perfect quiche every time is easier than you think with these professional insights and clever techniques. These tips will ensure your crust is flaky, your custard is creamy, and your flavors are spot-on:

• Patience is Key for Slicing: After baking, it’s tempting to dive right in, but allowing the quiche to settle and cool for at least 30 minutes (preferably longer) prior to slicing is crucial. This resting period allows the custard to fully set, ensuring clean, beautiful slices where the filling remains intact and doesn’t ooze out.
• Amplify Bacon Flavor: Don’t waste that precious rendered bacon fat! Cook the diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped broccoli in the flavorful fat left from frying the bacon. This infuses the vegetables with an extra layer of smoky, savory goodness, tying all the flavors of the quiche together harmoniously.
• Prevent a Soggy Bottom: A common quiche pitfall is a soggy crust. To combat this, move the quiche to the bottom third of the oven for the last 15 minutes of bake time. The direct heat from below helps ensure the pie crust gets fully cooked and wonderfully crisp, creating a perfect contrast to the creamy filling.
• Test for Doneness: The ideal quiche custard is set but still delicate. When it’s done baking, the quiche should still be slightly jiggly, but not sloshy, in the very center. The edges should be set and slightly puffed. Overbaking can lead to a rubbery custard, so keep a close eye on it.
• Uniform Pieces for Perfect Bites: For cleaner slices and to guarantee every bite of quiche has a delightful mix of all ingredients, make sure to cut your bacon and broccoli into uniformly small, bite-sized pieces. This also aids in even cooking.
• Cheese Quality Matters: The type of cheese you use significantly impacts the final flavor. Always use the most flavorful cheddar you can find. Aged cheddar, like Dubliner or an extra sharp variety, is highly recommended as its robust flavor stands up well against the other ingredients and melts beautifully.
• Don’t Panic at Puffiness: It’s completely normal for your quiche to look wonderfully puffed up around the edges when it first comes out of the oven. This is due to the steam trapped within the custard. Rest assured, it will gently fall and settle into its classic elegant shape as it cools.

Broccoli Bacon Quiche: Your Top Questions Answered

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Your Quiche

One of the many benefits of this broccoli bacon quiche is its excellent storage capabilities, making it ideal for meal prep or enjoying leftovers. Proper storage ensures your quiche remains fresh and delicious for days.

Refrigerating Leftovers

To store, allow the quiche to cool completely to room temperature. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer slices to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 5 days. For the best quality, consume within 3-4 days.

Reheating for Optimal Flavor

You can enjoy the quiche cold directly from the fridge if you prefer, as its flavors meld beautifully. However, for a warm, comforting experience, reheat individual slices or the entire quiche in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Place it on a baking sheet and heat for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until it is warmed through and the crust is crisp again. Avoid overheating to prevent the custard from becoming rubbery. Individual slices can also be gently reheated in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, though the crust may lose some of its crispness.

Freezing for Longer Freshness

This quiche freezes beautifully, making it perfect for long-term storage. To freeze an entire quiche, wrap it tightly first in plastic wrap, then in a layer of aluminum foil. For individual slices, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap and then foil. Place the wrapped quiche or slices in a large freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container. It can be frozen for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the quiche (uncovered is best to prevent condensation) overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven as described above until thoroughly warmed.

More Delicious Breakfast & Brunch Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this hearty and flavorful quiche, you’re in for a treat! We have a curated collection of other incredible breakfast and brunch recipes that are sure to become new favorites. From sweet indulgences to savory classics, there’s something for every morning:

Broccoli Bacon Quiche

By Callan Wenner