Crustless Quiche with Ham, Broccoli & Cheese (Low-Carb)
Crustless Quiche with Ham, Broccoli & Cheese is the kind of recipe that quietly becomes a staple in your kitchen. It’s creamy, savory, satisfying, and incredibly versatile — perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner. Without a crust, this quiche keeps things low-carb while letting the fillings shine: smoky ham, tender broccoli, and melty cheese suspended in a rich, custardy egg base.
This dish proves that comfort food doesn’t need flour or complicated steps. By skipping the crust, you not only reduce carbs, but also simplify the process. No rolling, no blind baking, no fuss. Just whisk, pour, bake, and enjoy.
Whether you’re following a low-carb or keto lifestyle, meal-prepping for the week, or simply want an easy oven-baked dish that feeds a crowd, this crustless quiche checks all the boxes.
Why Crustless Quiche Is So Popular
Traditional quiche is delicious, but the crust often steals the spotlight — and adds extra carbs. Crustless quiche flips that script. The filling becomes the star, and the texture stays surprisingly sturdy thanks to eggs and cheese doing the heavy lifting.
Without crust, the quiche:
- Is naturally low-carb and gluten-free
- Cooks more evenly
- Reheats beautifully
- Works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner
- Is easier for beginners
The combination of ham, broccoli, and cheese is a classic for a reason. Salty ham balances the mild bitterness of broccoli, while cheese brings richness and cohesion to every bite.
Flavor & Texture Breakdown
This quiche hits all the right notes:
- Creamy interior from eggs and cream
- Savory depth from diced ham
- Fresh balance from broccoli
- Golden top with lightly melted cheese
Broccoli softens during baking but keeps a bit of bite, preventing the quiche from feeling heavy. Ham adds protein and saltiness, while cheese melts into the custard, creating pockets of comfort in every slice.
Ingredients
- Eggs
- Heavy cream or milk
- Cooked ham, diced
- Broccoli florets, chopped
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or a blend)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Optional: onion powder, garlic powder, or mustard powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a pie dish or baking dish lightly.
- Steam or blanch the broccoli briefly until just tender. Drain well and pat dry.
- Spread the broccoli evenly in the prepared dish, followed by the diced ham.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the fillings.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs with cream, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the fillings.
- Gently tap the dish on the counter to release air bubbles.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Crustless Quiche with Ham, Broccoli & Cheese
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease baking dish.
- Layer broccoli, ham, and cheese evenly in dish.
- Whisk eggs, cream, salt, and pepper.
- Pour egg mixture over fillings.
- Bake 35–40 minutes until set and lightly golden.
Notes
Tips for the Best Crustless Quiche
- Drain broccoli well to avoid excess moisture.
- Use full-fat dairy for the creamiest texture.
- Let it rest before slicing so it sets properly.
- Don’t overbake, or the eggs can become rubbery.
- Shred your own cheese for better melting.
Easy Variations
This recipe is endlessly adaptable:
- Keto-Friendly: Use heavy cream and full-fat cheese.
- Vegetarian: Skip the ham and add mushrooms or spinach.
- Extra Cheesy: Add a second cheese like mozzarella or Gruyère.
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Mini Quiches: Bake in muffin tins for meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
Crustless quiche pairs beautifully with:
- A simple green salad
- Fresh fruit for brunch
- Roasted vegetables
- Avocado slices
- Soup for a light dinner combo
It’s equally good warm or at room temperature, making it ideal for gatherings.
Storage & Meal Prep
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. This quiche also freezes well — slice first for easy grab-and-go portions.
Fun Food Fact
Quiche originated as a rustic, economical dish designed to stretch eggs and dairy into a filling meal — crustless versions stay true to that spirit while adapting to modern low-carb lifestyles.
