Cheesy Zucchini Quiche: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Looking for a delicious and easy way to use up that abundance of zucchini in your garden? Look no further than a cheesy zucchini quiche! This savory dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. With a flaky crust, creamy egg filling, and plenty of melted cheese and zucchini, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Zucchini is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to stir-fries. When it comes to quiche, zucchini adds a delicious texture and flavor that pairs perfectly with eggs and cheese. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking for a meatless meal option, a zucchini quiche is a filling and satisfying choice. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some extra veggies into your diet!

When it comes to making a cheesy zucchini quiche, there are plenty of recipes to choose from. Some include bacon, onions, or other veggies, while others keep it simple with just zucchini and cheese. No matter which recipe you choose, be sure to use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results. Whether you serve it hot out of the oven or enjoy it cold the next day, a cheesy zucchini quiche is a tasty and satisfying meal that’s sure to please.

Understanding Quiche

If you’re a fan of breakfast or brunch, you’ve probably come across quiche at some point. Quiche is a savory dish that originated in France and is made with a pastry crust filled with eggs, milk, and cream. It can be served hot or cold and is often filled with a variety of ingredients such as vegetables, cheese, and meat.

One of the most popular types of quiche is the Quiche Lorraine, which is made with bacon and cheese. However, there are many variations of quiche, and you can add your own favorite ingredients to create a unique and delicious dish.

Quiche is often compared to frittata, but there are some key differences. While both dishes are made with eggs and can be filled with a variety of ingredients, frittatas are typically cooked on the stovetop and finished in the oven, while quiches are baked entirely in the oven. Quiches also typically have a pastry crust, while frittatas do not.

The custard-like filling of quiche is what sets it apart from other egg dishes. The combination of eggs, milk, and cream creates a creamy and rich texture that is perfect for a special occasion breakfast or brunch.

Overall, quiche is a versatile and delicious dish that can be customized to your liking. Whether you prefer a classic Quiche Lorraine or want to experiment with different ingredients, quiche is a great addition to any breakfast or brunch menu.

Key Ingredients

When it comes to making a delicious Cheesy Zucchini Quiche, there are two main components that you need to focus on: the crust and the filling. Below, we’ll take a closer look at each of these components and the key ingredients that go into making them.

The Crust

The crust of your quiche is arguably just as important as the filling. It provides a sturdy base for the filling to rest on and adds a delicious, buttery flavor to the dish. Here are the key ingredients that you’ll need to make a great quiche crust:

All-purpose flour: This is the main ingredient in your crust. It gives the crust its structure and helps it hold together.
Butter: You’ll need cold butter that’s been cut into small cubes. When you mix the butter into the flour, it creates a crumbly texture that’s perfect for a quiche crust.
Ice water: You only need a few tablespoons of ice water to bring the crust together. Make sure the water is very cold so that it doesn’t melt the butter.
Salt: Just a pinch of salt will help bring out the flavors in your crust.

The Filling

The filling is where you can get creative with your quiche. While zucchini is the star of this dish, there are plenty of other ingredients that you can add to make it even more flavorful. Here are the key ingredients that you’ll need for the filling:

Zucchini: You’ll need about a pound of zucchini for this recipe. Make sure to slice it thinly so that it cooks evenly.
Eggs: Eggs are the main ingredient in your filling. They provide the structure and hold everything together.
Cheese: You can use any type of cheese that you like, but mozzarella and parmesan are both great options. You’ll need about two cups of shredded cheese.
Cream: Cream adds a richness to the filling and makes it extra creamy.
Vegetables: You can add other vegetables to your quiche if you like. Spinach, onions, and peppers are all great options.
Salt and pepper: Just a pinch of salt and pepper will help bring out the flavors in your filling.

Overall, making a delicious Cheesy Zucchini Quiche is all about using fresh ingredients and balancing the flavors of your crust and filling. With the right ingredients and a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to create a quiche that’s sure to impress.

The Star Ingredient: Zucchini

Zucchini is the star ingredient in this delicious Cheesy Zucchini Quiche. Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that is widely available in most grocery stores. It is also easy to grow in your garden if you have the space.

When preparing zucchini for this recipe, you can slice it thinly with a mandoline or a sharp knife. You can also grate it using a grater. Grating the zucchini will give it a finer texture, which will blend well with the other ingredients in the quiche.

Zucchini is a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium. It is also low in calories, making it a healthy addition to any meal.

If you have an abundance of zucchini in your garden, you can also use it to make zucchini bread. Zucchini bread is a delicious and healthy way to use up any extra zucchini you may have.

In summary, zucchini is a versatile and healthy vegetable that is perfect for this Cheesy Zucchini Quiche recipe. Whether you slice it thinly or grate it finely, it will add a delicious flavor and texture to the quiche. Plus, if you have extra zucchini, you can use it to make zucchini bread.

Recipe Preparation

Preparing a delicious Cheesy Zucchini Quiche is easy and straightforward. In this section, we will guide you through the preparation process, including the preparation time, baking process, and freezing and storing.

Preparation Time

The preparation time for this zucchini quiche recipe is approximately 20 minutes, while the bake time is 35 minutes, and the total time is 55 minutes. Before you start preparing the quiche, ensure that you have all the ingredients, including the dough for the single-crust pie, butter, thinly sliced zucchini, large onion, eggs, dried parsley flakes, salt, garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, and pepper.

To begin, preheat your oven to 375°F. While the oven heats up, spread the dough for the single-crust pie on a 9-inch pie plate. You can use your fingers to press the dough onto the sides and bottom of the plate.

Baking Process

After preparing the dough, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced zucchini and onion to the skillet and cook until they are tender. This should take about 10 minutes. Whisk the eggs in a bowl and add the dried parsley flakes, salt, garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, and pepper. Mix the egg mixture with the zucchini and onion in the skillet.

Pour the mixture into the prepared pie shell and place it on the lower oven rack. Place a baking sheet on the rack below to catch any drips. Bake the quiche for 30-35 minutes or until the center is set. You can test this by inserting a knife into the center of the quiche. If it comes out clean, the quiche is ready.

Freezing and Storing

If you have any leftover quiche, you can freeze it for later. To do this, allow the quiche to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. The quiche freezes well and can be stored for up to two months in the freezer.

When you are ready to eat the frozen quiche, remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until it is heated through.

You can also use leftover quiche to make breakfast burritos or enjoy it as is for a quick and easy breakfast or lunch option.

Nutritional Information

If you’re watching your calorie intake, you’ll be happy to know that Cheesy Zucchini Quiche is a relatively low-calorie dish. One slice of this quiche contains around 307 calories, making it a great option for a healthy breakfast or lunch.

In addition to being low in calories, this quiche is also high in protein, with around 15 grams per serving. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, and it can also help you feel full and satisfied for longer periods of time.

While Cheesy Zucchini Quiche is a good source of protein, it is also relatively high in fat, with around 19 grams per serving. However, not all fats are created equal, and this quiche contains mostly unsaturated fats, which are considered to be healthier than saturated fats.

When it comes to cholesterol, this quiche is moderate in content, with around 177 milligrams per serving. If you’re watching your cholesterol intake, it’s important to limit your consumption of high-cholesterol foods like eggs and cheese.

Cheesy Zucchini Quiche is also a good source of calcium, iron, and potassium. Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth, while iron is important for healthy red blood cells. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure and supports healthy muscle and nerve function.

Overall, Cheesy Zucchini Quiche is a nutritious and delicious dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. With its high protein content and moderate calorie count, it’s a great option for anyone looking to maintain a healthy diet.

Variations and Substitutes

If you’re looking to switch things up with your cheesy zucchini quiche, there are a few variations and substitutes you can try. Whether you’re looking to make it without a crust or add in some different fillings, there are plenty of options to suit your taste.

Quiche without Crust

If you’re looking for a low-carb option or just want to try something different, you can make your cheesy zucchini quiche without a crust. This is a great option if you’re trying to cut back on carbs or if you’re looking for a lighter dinner option. To make a crustless quiche, simply skip the step where you add the crust and pour the egg mixture directly into the baking dish.

If you’re looking for a crustless spinach quiche, you can substitute almond flour for the crust. This will give your quiche a slightly different texture and flavor, but it’s a great option if you’re looking for a gluten-free or low-carb option. Simply mix together almond flour, melted butter, and a pinch of salt, and press the mixture into the bottom of your baking dish before adding the egg mixture.

Different Fillings

While zucchini is a great filling for quiche, there are plenty of other options you can try as well. If you’re looking to add some variety to your quiche, try adding in some spinach or broccoli. These veggies will give your quiche a different flavor and texture, and they’re both packed with nutrients.

Another option is to make egg muffins instead of a full-sized quiche. This is a great option if you’re looking for a quick and easy breakfast or snack. Simply whisk together some eggs and your desired fillings, pour the mixture into a muffin tin, and bake until set.

No matter what variations or substitutes you try, the key to a soft and creamy quiche is to use plenty of eggs and a good amount of cheese. Experiment with different fillings and crust options until you find the perfect combination for your taste.

Seasoning and Flavoring

When it comes to making a delicious Cheesy Zucchini Quiche, seasoning and flavoring are crucial. You want to make sure that your quiche is not bland, but also not overpowering. Here are some key seasonings and flavorings to consider when making your quiche:

Herbs

Herbs are a great way to add flavor to your quiche. Basil and oregano are popular choices that pair well with zucchini. If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, dried basil and dried oregano can be used instead. Just keep in mind that dried herbs are more potent than fresh, so you’ll want to use less of them.

Garlic Powder

Garlic powder is a great way to add a savory flavor to your quiche without adding any extra moisture. It’s also a convenient option if you don’t have fresh garlic on hand. Just be careful not to use too much, as it can easily overpower the other flavors in your quiche.

Chives

Chives are a mild, onion-like herb that add a subtle flavor to your quiche. They’re also a great way to add some color to your dish. If you don’t have fresh chives on hand, you can use dried chives instead.

Overall, seasoning and flavoring your Cheesy Zucchini Quiche is all about finding the right balance of flavors. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices until you find the combination that works best for you.

Cheese Choices

When it comes to making a delicious cheesy zucchini quiche, the type of cheese you choose can make all the difference. Here are some cheese choices to consider for your quiche:

Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella cheese is a classic choice for quiches because of its mild flavor and ability to melt well. Shredded mozzarella cheese is a great option for this quiche as it adds a creamy and cheesy texture to the dish. You can also use fresh mozzarella cheese which will add a slightly different texture to the quiche.

Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan cheese is a hard and nutty cheese that is perfect for adding a sharp and salty flavor to your quiche. You can use grated parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top of the quiche before baking, or mix it into the egg mixture for an even stronger flavor.

Shredded Mozzarella

Shredded mozzarella cheese is a great way to add a cheesy and creamy texture to your quiche. You can use it in combination with other cheeses or on its own. It is important to note that not all shredded mozzarella cheese is created equal. Some brands may have added fillers or preservatives which can affect the texture and flavor of your quiche. Look for high-quality shredded mozzarella cheese that is made with simple ingredients.

Overall, the type of cheese you choose for your zucchini quiche will depend on your personal taste preferences. Experiment with different combinations of cheeses to find the perfect flavor and texture for your quiche.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best recipe for a crustless zucchini quiche?

There are many delicious recipes for crustless zucchini quiche. You can try this Cheesy Zucchini Quiche recipe from The Recipe Critic. It has a creamy, savory egg mixture baked in a perfectly flaky crust. Layers of melted cheese and zucchini make the texture of this quiche cheesy and flavorful.

What is a French zucchini quiche recipe?

A French zucchini quiche recipe typically includes zucchini, eggs, heavy cream, cheese, and a pie crust. You can try this Cheesy Zucchini Quiche recipe from EatingWell. It has plenty of leeks and zucchini enveloped in a light custard. Feta and fontina cheeses add a rich depth of flavor.

How can I make a healthy zucchini quiche?

To make a healthy zucchini quiche, you can substitute the heavy cream with milk or a milk alternative. You can also use a whole wheat pie crust or make a crustless quiche. Additionally, you can add other healthy ingredients such as spinach, kale, or broccoli. Try this Crustless Zucchini Quiche recipe from Skinnytaste for a healthy and delicious option.

What is the best crustless zucchini quiche recipe?

The best crustless zucchini quiche recipe is subjective and depends on personal preference. However, you can try this Crustless Zucchini Quiche recipe from Taste of Home. It has a light and fluffy texture with a delicious combination of zucchini, cheese, and eggs.

Should I sauté veggies before adding them to my quiche?

It is recommended to sauté the veggies before adding them to your quiche. This will help to remove excess moisture and ensure that the veggies are evenly cooked. You can also roast the veggies for added flavor. Try this Cheesy Zucchini Quiche recipe from Jo Cooks for a delicious sautéed zucchini quiche.

Can I substitute regular milk for heavy cream in my quiche recipe?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk for heavy cream in your quiche recipe. However, the texture and flavor may be slightly different. Heavy cream is thicker and richer than milk, so your quiche may be less creamy. You can also use a milk alternative such as almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.