Broccoli Cheese Quiche: Baking Time And Tips

Broccoli cheese quiche is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served warm or cold and is perfect for any meal, from breakfast to dinner. The cooking time for a broccoli cheese quiche varies depending on the recipe and oven temperature, but it typically takes around 35-55 minutes to bake in the oven at temperatures ranging from 325°F to 375°F. Some recipes recommend blind-baking the pie crust before adding the filling to ensure a crisp and non-soggy base. This initial baking step can take an additional 10-20 minutes.

How to prepare the broccoli

To prepare the broccoli for your broccoli cheese quiche, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, cut a small head of broccoli into bite-sized florets. You can use a knife to chop the broccoli, or use a food processor to speed up the process and create more finely chopped pieces. If you are using frozen broccoli, make sure to defrost it first and remove as much liquid as possible to prevent a soggy quiche.

Next, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the broccoli florets and season with salt and pepper. Cook the broccoli until it is slightly tender, with a char in some places. This should take around 4 to 5 minutes.

Once the broccoli is cooked, you can add it to your quiche filling. Simply whisk together your eggs and milk in a bowl, and then stir in the broccoli. You can also add cheese, garlic, and any other desired seasonings to the mixture.

Finally, pour the broccoli and egg mixture into your pre-baked pie crust and bake according to your recipe instructions. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious broccoli cheese quiche!

How to make the filling

To make the filling for a broccoli cheese quiche, you'll need eggs, milk, cheese, broccoli, and seasoning. The number of eggs and amount of milk you'll need will depend on how many people you're serving and how rich and creamy you want your quiche to be. For a lighter quiche, use whole milk, and for a richer quiche, use heavy cream. You can also use half-and-half for something in between.

For the cheese, you can use shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination of both. You'll need around 1/2 a cup of grated cheese for each egg used. You can also add parmesan cheese to your egg mixture for some extra flavour.

To prepare the broccoli, cut a small head of broccoli into bite-sized florets. You can use a food processor to speed up this process and create smaller pieces. Make sure the broccoli florets are very dry before using, as this will help create the best custard consistency without any excess moisture.

Cook the broccoli florets in a splash of oil in a hot skillet until they're just tender and charred in places. This will add flavour and texture to your quiche. You can also cook onions and garlic in the same pan for a couple of minutes before adding the broccoli.

Now, it's time to assemble your filling. Whisk the eggs, milk, and seasoning together in a bowl until combined. You can also add in the cheddar and mozzarella at this stage, or you can layer the shredded cheese into the bottom of your pie crust and sprinkle the broccoli on top before pouring in the egg mixture.

Once you've assembled your quiche, it's ready to bake!

How to prepare the pie crust

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Salt (use sea salt or kosher salt)
• Unsalted butter
• Ice water
• One large egg (optional, but helps bind the ingredients and keeps the crust from collapsing when removed from the pan)

Method

Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients

Place the flour and salt in a food processor and pulse briefly to mix. Alternatively, you can mix them in a small bowl using a wooden spoon and a pastry blender.

Step 2: Add the butter

Cut the butter into small cubes and add them to the flour mixture. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs or use a pastry blender to cut the butter into the flour.

Step 3: Add the egg and ice water

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and ice water. Then, add this mixture to the flour and butter and pulse until a dough forms.

Step 4: Chill the dough

Transfer the dough to a floured board and roll it out to fit the measurements of your quiche pan. You can also place the dough in the pan and use your hands to gently press it into place.

At this point, you have two options:

• Refrigerate the dough for 2 hours before filling and baking.
• Place the pan with the dough into the freezer for 20-25 minutes to chill it quickly while you prepare the rest of your ingredients. This time-saving tip works especially well if you don't have much time and don't mind a slightly less flaky crust.

Step 5: Shape the crust

If you refrigerated your dough, take it out and let it sit for 10-20 minutes to soften slightly before shaping.

Roll out the dough and place it in your quiche pan. Gently press it into place, trimming off any excess with a paring knife. You can also shape the edges as desired.

Step 6: Blind bake the crust (optional)

While this step is not necessary, it can help to prevent a soggy bottom and enhance crispness.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the crust with lightly greased aluminium foil, shiny side facing out, and fill it with pie weights, dried beans, or rice to weigh it down.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, then remove the weights and foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the crust is lightly golden.

Step 7: Fill and bake your quiche

Fill your crust with your chosen quiche filling and bake according to your recipe instructions.

Enjoy your homemade broccoli cheese quiche!

How long to bake the quiche

The baking time for your broccoli cheese quiche will depend on a few factors, including the type of crust you use, the size of your quiche, and your desired level of doneness. Here's a detailed guide to help you determine the ideal baking time:

• Blind Baking the Crust: If you are blind baking your pie crust before filling it, the typical baking time at 350°F (175°C) is around 15 to 20 minutes. This step ensures your crust is partially cooked and helps prevent a soggy bottom. Once the crust is golden, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before filling.
• Filling and Baking the Quiche: After you've prepared your broccoli and cheese filling and poured it into the crust, the quiche typically bakes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 to 60 minutes. The exact time will depend on your oven and the depth of your quiche. A deeper quiche will take longer to bake.
• Checking for Doneness: Your quiche is likely done when the filling is set, which means it should be firm with just a slight jiggle in the center. Additionally, the crust should be golden brown, and the cheese melted. Inserting a knife into the center of the quiche is a good test; if it comes out clean, your quiche is ready.
• Cooling and Serving: Allow your quiche to cool for at least 20 minutes before serving. This helps it firm up and makes it easier to slice. Quiche can be served warm, at room temperature, or even cold, depending on your preference.
• Reheating and Storage: If you're reheating a previously baked quiche, bake it at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes, or until warmed through. For a frozen quiche, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then follow the reheating instructions. Quiche can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months in advance.

Remember, the baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the specific recipe you are following. Always keep an eye on your quiche while it's in the oven to avoid overcooking or burning. Enjoy your delicious broccoli cheese quiche!

How to store the quiche

Storing your broccoli cheese quiche correctly is essential to keeping it fresh and delicious. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store your quiche properly:

Storing in the Fridge

If you plan on eating your quiche within a few days, storing it in the fridge is a great option. Here's what you need to do:

• Allow the quiche to cool: Before storing your quiche in the fridge, it's important to let it cool down to room temperature. This helps prevent excess moisture buildup, which can make your quiche soggy.
• Cover the quiche: Use plastic wrap or aluminium foil to cover your quiche securely. This helps maintain moisture and prevents it from absorbing other odours in the fridge.
• Store in an airtight container: Place the covered quiche in an airtight container to ensure it stays fresh for longer.
• Consume within 3 to 5 days: Your broccoli cheese quiche will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Be sure to label it with the date it was made so you can keep track of its freshness.

Freezing the Quiche

If you want to store your quiche for longer, freezing is a great option. Here's how to do it:

• Allow the quiche to cool: As with refrigeration, it's important to let your quiche cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap the quiche: Use several layers of plastic wrap and aluminium foil to wrap your quiche securely. This helps prevent freezer burn and maintains the quiche's freshness.
• Place in a freezer bag: Put the wrapped quiche in a heavy-duty freezer bag to protect it from air and odours.
• Freeze for up to 2 months: Label the freezer bag with the date, and your quiche will stay fresh for up to 2 months.
• Thaw and reheat: When you're ready to eat your quiche, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat it in the oven at 350°F (176°C) for 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.

By following these simple instructions, you can enjoy your delicious broccoli cheese quiche multiple times!

Frequently asked questions