Crustless Broccoli and Gruyère Quiche Recipe
Introduction
This crustless quiche is a light and flavorful dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a simple dinner. Packed with tender broccoli, savory shallots, and melted Gruyere cheese, it’s an easy way to enjoy all the goodness of a traditional quiche without the crust.

Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for the pie dish
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced (⅔ cup)
- 3 cups small broccoli florets (6 ounces)
- ¼ cup water
- 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese (2 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or chopped fresh chives
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch or 9.5-inch pie dish with olive oil.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sea salt, and several grinds of black pepper until well combined.
- Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots with a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 4: Add the broccoli florets and water to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4 minutes until the water evaporates, the broccoli turns bright green, and softens slightly.
- Step 5: Transfer the cooked vegetables evenly into the prepared pie dish. Sprinkle the grated Gruyere cheese evenly over the top.
- Step 6: Pour the egg mixture gently over the vegetables and cheese. Carefully shake the pan side to side to distribute the eggs evenly.
- Step 7: Sprinkle the fresh thyme or chives atop the quiche and bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, until the eggs are set and the top is lightly golden.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of cheddar or goat cheese instead of Gruyere for a different flavor profile.
- Add cooked bacon or ham for added protein and flavor.
- Swap broccoli for spinach, kale, or asparagus depending on the season.
- Let the quiche cool for a few minutes before slicing to help it hold its shape.
Storage
Store leftover quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 30 seconds or in a preheated 350°F oven for 10 minutes until warmed through.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this quiche ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the quiche fully and refrigerate it overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature before baking, then bake as directed.
Is it necessary to add water when cooking the broccoli?
The water helps steam the broccoli so it softens quickly without needing a lot of oil or butter. It’s optional but improves texture.
PrintCrustless Broccoli and Gruyère Quiche Recipe
This crustless quiche recipe is a light and flavorful dish packed with fresh broccoli, tender shallots, and nutty Gruyere cheese. Free from a traditional pastry crust, it offers a lower-carb alternative while maintaining a rich, creamy texture perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Egg Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for greasing the pie dish
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced (about ⅔ cup)
- 3 cups small broccoli florets (6 ounces)
- ¼ cup water
- 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese (2 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or chopped fresh chives
Instructions
- Prepare the pie dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch or 9.5-inch pie dish thoroughly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Mix the egg base: In a large bowl, whisk together the 6 large eggs, ½ cup milk, ½ teaspoon sea salt, and several grinds of freshly ground black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Sauté the shallots: Heat 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced shallots and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes until the shallots soften and become translucent.
- Cook the broccoli: Add the 3 cups of small broccoli florets and ¼ cup water to the skillet with the shallots. Stir and cook for about 4 minutes until the water evaporates, the broccoli turns bright green, and loses its raw bite but still retains a slight crunch.
- Assemble the quiche: Transfer the cooked vegetables into the prepared pie dish and spread them in an even layer. Sprinkle the grated Gruyere cheese evenly over the vegetables.
- Add the egg mixture: Pour the egg and milk mixture gently over the vegetables and cheese in the pie dish. Gently shake the pan to distribute the mixture evenly.
- Add fresh herbs and bake: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves or chopped fresh chives on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is lightly golden.
- Cool and serve: Allow the quiche to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like spinach, asparagus, or mushrooms.
- Gruyere cheese may be replaced with Swiss or cheddar cheese based on preference.
- For a dairy-free version, use unsweetened almond milk or another plant-based milk and replace cheese with a vegan alternative.
- Make sure not to overcook the broccoli so it stays tender-crisp.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.
Keywords: crustless quiche, broccoli quiche, healthy breakfast, vegetable quiche, vegetarian quiche, easy brunch recipe, Gruyere cheese quiche

