🥦 Broccoli, White Bean & Cheese Quiche – Protein-Packed & Perfect for Brunch

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📌 Introduction: A Hearty, Wholesome Quiche That Hits Every Note

Looking for a satisfying vegetarian dish that’s protein-packed, fiber-rich, and delicious enough to serve for brunch, lunch, or dinner? Say hello to the Broccoli, White Bean & Cheese Quiche — a savory pie that’s equal parts creamy, nutritious, and crave-worthy.

What Is Broccoli, White Bean & Cheese Quiche?

At its core, this dish is a classic quiche — a rich egg custard baked in a buttery pie crust — but with a wholesome twist. Instead of just cheese and vegetables, it’s boosted with white beans for extra protein and heartiness. The result? A filling meal that doesn’t rely on meat but still leaves you totally satisfied.

Imagine tender broccoli florets, buttery cannellini beans, and your favorite melty cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or even goat) nestled into a flaky crust. The subtle hint of nutmeg and savory richness from eggs and cream make each bite smooth and flavorful. 💚

Why It Deserves a Spot on Your Table

This quiche checks all the boxes:

✅ Packed with plant-based protein and fiber
✅ Perfect for meal prep or make-ahead brunch
✅ Easy to adapt — swap veggies, cheese, or make it crustless
✅ Kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and lunchbox-approved

Whether you’re hosting brunch, prepping lunches for the week, or just want a healthy savory option that feels indulgent, this vegetarian protein quiche is the one to try.

🔪 What You’ll Need

Before diving into this Broccoli White Bean Cheese Quiche, make sure you’ve got the right tools on hand. The recipe is simple, but having everything prepped ensures a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience — especially if you’re making this for a busy brunch or meal prep day. 🥧

Essential Kitchen Tools

To bring this make-ahead savory quiche recipe to life, you’ll need the following:

🥧 9-inch pie dish – Standard size for quiche; ceramic or glass works well
🔪 Skillet – For sautéing aromatics and pre-cooking the broccoli
🥣 Mixing bowls – One for whisking eggs and another for the veggie mix
🥄 Whisk – Crucial for blending eggs and milk into a smooth custard
🥬 Colander – To drain cooked or steamed broccoli

Optional but helpful:

📏 Pie weights or dried beans – For blind baking your crust
🧄 Garlic press or small knife – If you’re including sautéed aromatics

Pro Tip: Blind Bake for a Crisp, Golden Crust

Want to avoid the dreaded soggy-bottom syndrome? Blind bake (par-bake) your pie crust for 8–10 minutes before adding the filling. This step is especially important with custard-based recipes like quiche, as it helps keep the crust flaky and intact.

🥚 Ingredients for Broccoli, White Bean & Cheese Quiche

This high-fiber breakfast quiche is a beautiful blend of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Whether you’re using leftover broccoli or opening a can of white beans, this recipe is forgiving and easy to customize.

For the Quiche Filling

These are the essentials for creating that creamy, savory custard base with nutrient-dense add-ins:

4 large eggs
¾ cup milk or cream (or dairy-free alternatives like oat or almond milk)
1 ½ cups cooked broccoli florets (steamed or sautéed)
1 cup white beans (cannellini or navy beans, drained and rinsed)
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, feta, goat cheese — your choice!)
1–2 cloves garlic or 1 small shallot, minced (optional, sautéed for depth)
½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, and a pinch of ground nutmeg

💡 Tip: Nutmeg is a classic spice for quiche that enhances the creaminess without overpowering the other flavors.

Want to go fully plant-based? Use a vegan egg substitute, plant-based cheese, and non-dairy milk for a 100% vegan quiche.

For the Crust

1 store-bought pie crust, or
Homemade shortcrust pastry, if you’re feeling ambitious
Optional: Go crustless for a gluten-free vegetarian quiche or lower-carb meal

Pro tip: If going crustless, lightly grease your pie dish and dust it with almond flour to help the edges set.

🍽️ Instructions: How to Make Broccoli, White Bean & Cheese Quiche

Making this Broccoli White Bean Cheese Quiche is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. It’s a no-fuss process that results in a flaky crust, creamy center, and rich flavor in every bite — perfect for brunch, light dinners, or meal prep.

Step 1: Prep the Crust

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Place your store-bought or homemade pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish. Press it gently into the edges and prick the bottom with a fork to prevent puffing.

Blind bake for 8–10 minutes:

Line the crust with parchment paper
Fill with pie weights or dried beans
Bake until the edges are just starting to brown

Remove weights and parchment. Let cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a skillet, sauté garlic or shallots (if using) in a bit of olive oil for 2–3 minutes. Add the cooked broccoli florets and white beans, stirring until warmed through and lightly seasoned. Let cool slightly.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:

4 eggs
¾ cup milk or cream
Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg

Stir in your cheese and the broccoli-bean mixture.

Tip: Don’t overfill the crust — the custard should just reach the top edge.

Step 3: Assemble & Bake

Pour the filling into your pre-baked crust and spread evenly.

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is just set (a slight jiggle is okay). A knife inserted near the center should come out clean.

Cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature — it’s just as tasty either way!

🥗 Nutrition Score

This Broccoli White Bean Cheese Quiche isn’t just delicious — it’s also packed with nutrients that make it a powerhouse meal. Whether you’re aiming for more protein, fiber, or a satisfying vegetarian option, this dish delivers.

Why This Quiche Stands Out Nutritionally

Let’s break it down per slice (based on 6 servings, using a regular crust and full-fat dairy):

Calories: 280–320
Protein: 12–15g
Fiber: 4–6g
Fat: 18–22g (mostly from eggs, dairy, and crust)
Carbs: 20–25g
Calcium: Excellent source from cheese and beans

Thanks to ingredients like white beans and broccoli, this is not your average quiche. You’re getting a strong dose of plant-based protein, gut-friendly fiber, and immune-supportive vitamins A and C.

This is why it earns a spot among our favorite vegetarian protein quiches — it’s not only filling but energizing.

Make It Lighter or Diet-Friendly

Want to tailor it for your goals? Try these smart swaps:

🥛 Use low-fat milk or plant-based milk to reduce fat
🧀 Choose reduced-fat cheese or go lighter on the portion
🥧 Make it crustless or use a gluten-free almond flour crust for fewer carbs
🌱 Go fully dairy-free and vegan with plant-based egg and cheese alternatives

No matter how you tweak it, you’ll end up with a satisfying, high-nutrition option that keeps well and tastes fantastic.

🔄 Variations & Substitutions

One of the reasons this Vegetarian Protein Quiche is a favorite? It’s endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re switching up ingredients for the season, catering to picky eaters, or trying new flavor combos, there’s room to play without compromising on flavor or nutrition.

Swap the Veggies

Don’t have broccoli on hand? Try:

🥬 Spinach or kale – sauté first to remove excess moisture
🍅 Roasted red peppers – add sweetness and color
🌽 Zucchini or mushrooms – for a savory, umami-packed version
🍠 Roasted sweet potatoes – a hearty, fall-inspired alternative

These swaps not only mix up the flavor but also bring different textures and nutrients to the dish.

Change Up the Cheese or Beans

For different flavor profiles or dietary needs:

🧀 Use Gruyère, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a melty finish
🧀 Try feta or goat cheese for a tangy, creamy bite
🫘 Swap white beans for chickpeas, black beans, or lentils for a fiber-rich twist

Want a richer texture? Stir in a spoonful of ricotta or a swirl of crème fraîche before baking.

Creative Format Tweaks

Make this dish suit your schedule or gathering:

🧁 Mini quiches – Bake in muffin tins for portable, individual portions
🍽️ Sheet pan quiche – Great for feeding a crowd or slicing into squares
🥧 Crustless version – Lighter and naturally gluten-free
🌾 Alternative crusts – Try cauliflower crust or almond flour crust for low-carb options

❓ FAQs

Have questions about making the perfect Broccoli White Bean Cheese Quiche? You’re not alone! Here are some helpful answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Can I use canned beans in this quiche?

Yes — canned white beans like cannellini or navy beans work beautifully. Just be sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve texture.

What kind of cheese works best?

This recipe is flexible! Great options include:

🧀 Cheddar – classic and flavorful
🧀 Swiss or Gruyère – melty with nutty notes
🧀 Feta or goat cheese – for a tangy twist
🧀 Mozzarella – mild and kid-friendly

Mix and match to suit your flavor preferences.

Is this quiche freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. You can freeze the entire quiche or individual slices. Be sure to let it cool completely, wrap well, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

Can I make this quiche crustless or gluten-free?

Yes! Simply skip the crust for a crustless version — it sets well on its own. Or use a gluten-free pie crust or alternative like almond flour or cauliflower crust for a gluten-free option.

Conclusion: A Quiche That Nourishes and Delights

Whether you’re prepping meals for the week, planning a brunch menu, or simply craving something warm and satisfying, this Broccoli White Bean Cheese Quiche has you covered. With its flaky crust, creamy egg custard, and nutrient-packed filling, it offers the perfect balance of comfort and nourishment. 🧡

This isn’t just another quiche — it’s a high fiber breakfast quiche that’s hearty enough for lunch, elegant enough for brunch, and easy enough for weeknight dinners. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable: go crustless, make it gluten-free, swap in your favorite veggies or cheeses, or bake it in muffin tins for grab-and-go goodness.

💬 We’d love to hear from you! Tried a fun variation? Swapped in a new cheese or made it vegan? Snap a photo and tag us — or drop a comment below with your twist on this savory favorite.

Happy baking — and enjoy every nourishing bite. 🌱🥧