Zucchini & Carrot Crustless Quiche! There’s something truly special about the comforting aroma of a freshly baked quiche wafting through the house. It brings to mind leisurely Saturday mornings, where the pace is slower, and there’s time to savor every bite with family and friends. My Zucchini & Carrot Crustless Quiche is one of those dishes that always seems to bring people together around the table, whether it’s for a casual brunch or a light dinner. It’s a recipe that I’ve come to cherish; not only is it incredibly flavorful and satisfying, but it’s also packed with nutritious ingredients that make it a wholesome choice for any meal.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Crustless Quiche
- The Recipe
- Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- The Benefits of Each Ingredient
- What to Serve With This Quiche
- Storage & Leftover Tips
Why You’ll Love This Crustless Quiche
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal prep work and basic kitchen skills, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks. You don’t need to fuss over a pastry crust, which not only saves time but also reduces the recipe complexity significantly.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with fresh vegetables, this quiche is a great way to sneak some extra nutrients into your diet without sacrificing flavor. The vegetables are rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, promoting overall health.
- Versatile Meal: Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, a light lunch, or a satisfying dinner, this quiche fits the bill. It’s also gluten-free, catering to a variety of dietary needs, and can easily be adapted to be dairy-free by using plant-based milk and cheese options.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this quiche in advance, and it tastes just as good when served warm or cold, making it ideal for meal prepping. It holds up well in the fridge, making it a convenient option for busy weekdays.
- Family-Friendly: Its mild flavors are appealing to both kids and adults, making it a hit at family gatherings or potlucks. It’s a great way to introduce more vegetables into a child’s diet subtly.
The Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 medium zucchini, grated
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
Directions
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish to ensure easy removal of the quiche later. You can use butter or a non-stick spray, but olive oil works perfectly and adds a hint of flavor.
Prepare the Vegetables: Grate the zucchini and carrot using a box grater. It’s important to squeeze out the extra water from the zucchini to prevent the quiche from becoming soggy. You can do this by wrapping the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and giving it a good squeeze. This step is crucial as zucchini holds a lot of water, which can affect the texture of your quiche.
Sauté the Onion and Vegetables: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the grated zucchini and carrot, cooking for an additional 2 minutes. This step enhances the flavors and ensures the vegetables are perfectly tender. If you like a bit of garlic, you can add a minced clove at this stage for extra depth of flavor.
Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Stir in the shredded cheese, chopped parsley, and the cooked vegetable mixture. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly ensures even distribution of flavors in every bite. Feel free to experiment with different herbs like basil or oregano for a unique twist.
Bake the Quiche: Pour the mixture into the prepared pie dish. Pop it into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning.
Cool and Serve: Allow the quiche to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the quiche firm up further, making it easier to cut. Serve warm or cold, depending on your preference. It’s delightful with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a vibrant finish.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To make this Zucchini & Carrot Crustless Quiche, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:
- Box grater
- Clean kitchen towel
- Skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- 9-inch pie dish
- Oven
These tools are likely already in your kitchen, making this recipe even more accessible for a quick and delicious home-cooked meal. Having these essentials on hand ensures a smooth cooking process from start to finish.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
- Zucchini: This versatile vegetable is low in calories but high in essential nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. Its mild flavor blends seamlessly into the quiche, adding moisture and a delicate texture. Zucchini is also known for its ability to support digestion due to its high water and fiber content.
- Carrot: Known for its vibrant color and sweet taste, carrots are rich in beta-carotene, fiber, vitamin K1, and antioxidants. They contribute a subtle sweetness and a pop of color to the quiche. Carrots are excellent for eye health and can also help boost your immune system.
- Onion: Onions provide a foundational flavor that enhances the overall taste of the quiche. They’re also packed with beneficial compounds that support heart health and boost immunity. Onions have anti-inflammatory properties and can aid in reducing cholesterol levels.
- Cheese: Whether you choose cheddar or mozzarella, cheese adds a creamy texture and a rich flavor. It also provides calcium and protein, making the quiche more filling. Cheese is a source of essential fatty acids and can enhance the flavor profile of the dish.
- Eggs: Eggs are the binding agent in this recipe, giving the quiche its structure. They’re a great source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients like choline and vitamin D. Eggs support muscle health and contribute to a feeling of fullness.
- Milk: Milk adds creaminess to the quiche while also contributing calcium and protein. It can be substituted with almond or soy milk for a dairy-free version without compromising the texture.
- Olive Oil: This heart-healthy fat is used to sauté the vegetables. It’s rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. Olive oil can improve heart health and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Parsley: This herb adds a fresh, vibrant flavor and is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K. Parsley can also aid digestion and acts as a natural breath freshener.
What to Serve With This Quiche
This Zucchini & Carrot Crustless Quiche is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions to complete your meal:
- Fresh Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the quiche beautifully. You can add nuts or seeds for an extra crunch and nutritional boost.
- Fruit Salad: For a touch of sweetness, a fresh fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits is a delightful addition. Consider using berries, melon, and kiwi for a vibrant and refreshing option.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread or a warm roll to add a satisfying crunch to your meal. Whole grain or sourdough bread are excellent choices that add nutritional value.
- Soup: Pair with a bowl of homemade tomato soup for a comforting and hearty meal. Check out our Classic Tomato Soup recipe for a perfect match. A light vegetable or mushroom soup would also work wonderfully.
Storage & Leftover Tips
If you have any leftovers, this quiche stores wonderfully:
- Refrigerate: Allow the quiche to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Freeze: For longer storage, slice the quiche into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. This is a great way to have a ready-made meal on hand.
- Reheat: To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use the microwave for a quick reheat, but the oven will help retain its texture. Reheating in the oven ensures the quiche remains firm and avoids a soggy texture.
In conclusion, this Zucchini & Carrot Crustless Quiche is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Its easy preparation and versatile nature make it a go-to recipe for busy families and those seeking a wholesome, satisfying meal. Remember, cooking at home is all about experimentation and enjoyment, so feel free to make this recipe your own by adding your favorite herbs or a different blend of cheeses. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do, and that it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen. For more delicious recipes, don’t forget to explore our Homemade Vegetable Frittata and Savory Breakfast Muffins for more inspiration!
Zucchini & Carrot Crustless Quiche
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish.
- Grate zucchini and carrot, then squeeze out extra water.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion for 3 minutes. Add veggies and cook 2 minutes more.
- Whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add cheese, parsley, and cooked veggies.
- Pour into the dish and bake 35–40 minutes until golden.
- Cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or cold.