Imagine walking into a kitchen filled with the delightful aroma of freshly baked zucchini quiche, the warm, buttery crust cradling a luscious, creamy filling. The moment you take that first bite, your taste buds dance with joy as they experience the subtle sweetness of zucchini mingling with rich cheese and aromatic herbs. It’s like a hug from your grandma on a chilly day, cozy and comforting.
I remember the first time I made this zucchini quiche for a family brunch—my Aunt Sally practically inhaled her slice and declared it “the best thing since sliced bread.” Now, that’s saying something coming from her! This dish is perfect for lazy Sundays, elegant brunches, or even a quick weeknight dinner when you want to impress someone special. Get ready to take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The zucchini quiche is incredibly easy to prepare, taking less than an hour from start to finish
- Bursting with flavor, it’s both savory and satisfying, making it a crowd-pleaser
- Its beautiful golden crust and vibrant green filling make it visually stunning for any occasion
- Plus, this recipe is versatile; you can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or cheeses
My friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious this quiche was at my last brunch gathering—it vanished faster than my willpower at a dessert table!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Fresh Zucchini: Choose firm zucchini that feels heavy for its size; they should be shiny and blemish-free.
Eggs: Use large eggs for the best binding; organic or free-range eggs add superb flavor.
Heavy Cream: Opt for heavy cream for a rich texture; half-and-half can work if you’re looking for something lighter.
Shredded Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar or Gruyère; their robust flavors elevate the quiche significantly.
Pie Crust: You can use homemade or store-bought; just ensure it fits your pie dish perfectly.
Onion: A sautéed onion adds depth; use yellow or sweet onions for the best results.
Salt and Pepper: Don’t skimp on seasoning—these little guys bring all the flavors together beautifully!
Fresh Herbs (like Thyme or Basil): Fresh herbs provide brightness and elevate your quiche to gourmet status.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare the ingredients. This ensures everything cooks evenly and develops that lovely golden crust.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, add some olive oil and sauté diced onions until they turn translucent and fragrant—about 5 minutes.
Prepare the Zucchini: Grate the zucchini using a box grater. Squeeze out excess moisture using paper towels; we don’t want soggy quiche here.
Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, shredded cheese, salt, pepper, and chopped herbs until combined—this mixture should be dreamy!
Add in Zucchini and Onions: Carefully fold in the sautéed onions and grated zucchini into the egg mixture. Be gentle; we’re not trying to deflate anything here!
Fill Your Crust**: Pour this colorful mixture into your prepared pie crust evenly. Smooth out the top with a spatula if needed.
Bake Until Golden**: Bake in your preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes or until set in the center and golden brown on top—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Let it cool slightly before slicing into this delectable zucchini quiche. Serve warm or at room temperature for an enticing meal any time of day!
You Must Know
- Zucchini quiche is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of summer flavors
- The creamy texture combined with the subtle sweetness of zucchini creates a delightful experience
- Don’t forget, a well-seasoned crust elevates your quiche to gourmet status—your friends will be begging for the recipe!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Bake the crust until golden, then sauté the zucchini while whisking eggs and cream together. This ensures that your quiche cooks evenly and flavors meld perfectly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out zucchini for other veggies like spinach or bell peppers. Adding cheese like feta or goat cheese brings an extra layer of flavor that will make your taste buds dance.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover zucchini quiche in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to retain that crispy crust.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve a perfectly custardy filling, let the egg mixture rest before pouring it into the crust
- Avoid overcooking; check the center with a knife for doneness
- Experiment with herbs like thyme or basil for added freshness and flavor
Sharing this zucchini quiche recipe always brings smiles at gatherings; it’s become my go-to dish that impresses everyone without much fuss.
FAQ
Can I make zucchini quiche ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking.
What can I substitute for cream in this recipe?
Use milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond milk for a lighter quiche option.
How do I know when my zucchini quiche is done?
Insert a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, your quiche is ready!
Savory Zucchini Quiche
Indulge in a slice of this delicious zucchini quiche, featuring a flaky crust and a creamy filling bursting with flavors. Perfect for brunch or a quick dinner, this dish combines fresh zucchini, rich cheese, and aromatic herbs to create a comforting meal that will impress family and friends alike. With easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll find yourself whipping up this crowd-pleaser in no time!
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 medium zucchini (about 1 cup, grated)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 tsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (like thyme or basil, chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the diced onion until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Grate the zucchini and remove excess moisture with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and herbs until well combined.
- Gently fold in the sautéed onions and grated zucchini into the egg mixture.
- Pour the mixture into the pie crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until set in the center and golden brown on top.
- Let cool slightly before slicing; serve warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 124g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
