Crustless Quiche: A Simple, Healthy, and Delicious Recipe
Are you looking for a healthier and easier way to enjoy the deliciousness of quiche? Look no further! This crustless quiche recipe is perfect for those who want to skip the carbs and enjoy a lighter, yet equally satisfying meal. It's packed with flavor and protein, making it a great option for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner.
Why Choose a Crustless Quiche?
Several reasons make crustless quiche a popular choice:
- Reduced Calories & Carbs: Eliminating the crust significantly reduces the overall calorie and carbohydrate content, making it a healthier alternative to traditional quiche. This is great for those watching their weight or following a low-carb diet.
- Easier Preparation: No need for rolling out pastry or dealing with a tricky pie crust! This recipe simplifies the quiche-making process, allowing you to focus on the delicious filling.
- Versatility: The filling possibilities are endless! You can customize your crustless quiche with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, and meats, making it a highly adaptable dish to suit any taste preference.
- Faster Cooking Time: Without the crust, the quiche cooks faster, meaning a quicker meal prep time.
Ingredients for a Flavorful Crustless Quiche
This recipe yields a 6-serving crustless quiche. Feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your needs.
- Eggs: 6 large eggs - the base of our delicious quiche!
- Milk or Cream: 1 cup - provides richness and creaminess. Heavy cream works particularly well, but whole milk is a great alternative.
- Cheese: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite blend!) - adds a delightful savory flavor and melts beautifully.
- Vegetables: 1 cup chopped vegetables (onions, peppers, spinach, mushrooms – get creative!) – adds texture and nutrients. Pre-cooking slightly will prevent excess moisture.
- Protein (Optional): ½ cup cooked bacon, ham, sausage, or cooked chicken – adds protein and richness.
- Seasoning: Salt and pepper to taste – essential for enhancing the flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions for a Perfect Crustless Quiche
Follow these simple steps for a delicious and easy crustless quiche:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie plate or oven-safe skillet.
- Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk or cream until well combined. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the Cheese and Vegetables: Stir in the shredded cheese and chopped vegetables. If using meat, add it now as well.
- Pour & Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared pie plate or skillet.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the quiche is set and the top is lightly golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Cool & Serve: Let the quiche cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
- Serve warm or at room temperature: Enjoy your crustless quiche for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
- Add herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like chives, dill, or thyme can elevate the flavor profile.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Experiment with different cheeses: Try Gruyere, Swiss, or goat cheese for unique flavor combinations.
- Make it vegetarian or vegan: Omit the meat and use a plant-based milk alternative for a vegetarian or vegan crustless quiche.
This crustless quiche recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy and delicious meal without the fuss of a traditional crust. Its versatility allows for endless customization, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. Enjoy!
