Broccoli Bean Quiche: 7 Game-Changing Reasons to Love

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

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✨ Introduction: The Origins & Rise of Broccoli White Bean and Cheese Quiche

📌 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 and 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.

For a well-rounded meal, I love pairing it with a fresh side like these balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts. Their tangy glaze beautifully balances the quiche’s creamy filling.

🧀 From French Classic to High-Protein Brunch Hero

Quiche originated in France, with the earliest version — Quiche Lorraine — dating back to the 16th century in the Alsace-Lorraine region. Made traditionally with eggs, cream, and bacon, this humble tart crossed borders and gained fame in the U.S. by the 1950s.

These days, health-focused home cooks reinvent quiche with nutrient-dense add-ins. Enter white beans — creamy, protein-rich, and surprisingly perfect in savory egg-based dishes.

🌍 Global Love for Quiche in All Its Forms

This modern vegetarian quiche isn’t just a U.S. brunch staple. Countries around the globe put their unique spin on it. Here are the top 10 countries where quiche is most enjoyed:

  • 🇺🇸 United States
  • 🇫🇷 France
  • 🇨🇦 Canada
  • 🇦🇺 Australia
  • 🇩🇪 Germany
  • 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
  • 🇮🇹 Italy
  • 🇳🇿 New Zealand
  • 🇿🇦 South Africa
  • 🇸🇪 Sweden

With its flexibility and heartiness, it’s no surprise this savory pie continues to inspire cooks everywhere.

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Broccoli Bean Quiche: 7 Game-Changing Reasons to Love

Broccoli Bean Quiche: 7 Game-Changing Reasons to Love


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  • Author: Donald Anderson
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 slices 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Broccoli, White Bean & Cheese Quiche is creamy, hearty, and packed with protein and fiber! A delicious vegetarian dish for brunch, lunch, or make-ahead meals.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (9-inch) whole-wheat pie crust, thawed if frozen
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped broccoli florets
  • 1 medium shallot, chopped
  • 3 large eggs
  • ¾ cup low-fat milk
  • 1 (15-ounce) can white beans, rinsed and drained
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Place crust in pie dish and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium. Sauté broccoli and shallots for 4–5 minutes until soft. Let cool.
  3. In a blender or food processor, blend white beans, milk, eggs, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  4. Spread broccoli mixture over the crust. Top with shredded cheese.
  5. Pour blended bean mixture evenly over the top.
  6. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until center is set and top is lightly golden.
  7. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American with French influence

🔪 What You’ll Need

Before diving into this broccoli white bean and cheese quiche, it’s essential to have the right kitchen tools ready. The process is simple, but having everything prepped in advance will make it even more enjoyable — especially if you’re cooking for a busy brunch, potluck, or weekly meal prep. 🥧

🧰 Essential Kitchen Tools

Bringing this savory vegetarian quiche to life doesn’t require fancy gadgets. These basic tools will help you nail the recipe:

  • 🥧 9-inch pie dish – Standard size for quiche; ceramic or glass works best
  • 🔪 Skillet – For sautéing shallots and pre-cooking the broccoli
  • 🥣 Mixing bowls – One for the eggs, one for the vegetable mixture
  • 🥄 Whisk – Key to blending the eggs and milk into a silky custard
  • 🥬 Colander – To drain the cooked broccoli or rinse your beans

Optional (but helpful) tools include:

  • 📏 Pie weights or dried beans – Ideal for blind baking the crust
  • 🧄 Garlic press or sharp knife – For prepping fresh aromatics like shallots or garlic

🥧 Pro Tip: Blind Bake for a Crisp, Golden Crust

One common issue with quiche is a soggy bottom. The fix? Blind bake your crust for about 8–10 minutes before pouring in the filling. It helps lock in structure and gives you that perfectly golden, flaky texture every time.

Planning to serve it alongside a cool and crunchy side? Try this spicy cucumber sesame slaw — it adds a refreshing, tangy contrast to the richness of the quiche.

🥚 Ingredients for Broccoli, White Bean & Cheese Quiche

Broccoli Bean Quiche: 7 Game-Changing Reasons to Love
A bright and inviting kitchen scene showing fresh ingredients for broccoli white bean and cheese quiche, including a pie crust in a glass dish, chopped broccoli, shredded cheese, and garlic — ready for assembly.

This high-fiber breakfast quiche is a delicious balance of freshness and pantry-friendly ingredients. Whether you’re using leftover steamed broccoli or popping open a can of beans, this recipe is flexible, nutritious, and built for real-life kitchens.

🧀 For the Quiche Filling

To create a rich, savory custard packed with flavor and protein, gather the following essentials:

  • 4 large eggs – The foundation of every great quiche
  • ¾ cup milk or cream – Use whole milk for richness, or swap with oat or almond milk for dairy-free diets
  • 1½ cups cooked broccoli florets – Steam or lightly sauté until tender
  • 1 cup white beans – Cannellini or navy beans both work beautifully; rinse and drain well
  • 1 cup shredded cheese – Choose from sharp cheddar, Swiss, feta, or goat cheese depending on your taste
  • 1–2 cloves garlic or 1 small shallot (minced, optional) – Sauté first for depth and sweetness
  • ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and a pinch of ground nutmeg – Classic seasoning combo that enhances every bite

💡 Flavor Tip: Nutmeg might seem small, but don’t skip it. It adds a creamy warmth that’s traditional in French-style quiche and subtly ties all the flavors together.

Want to make it 100% plant-based? Just use a vegan egg alternative, plant-based milk, and your favorite dairy-free cheese. The result is still creamy, satisfying, and protein-packed.

🥧 For the Crust

While you can use a store-bought pie crust for convenience, feel free to level up with a homemade version:

  • 1 store-bought pie crust – Thawed if frozen
  • OR homemade shortcrust pastry – Buttery and flaky if you’re up for the task
  • Optional: Skip the crust entirely for a gluten-free or low-carb version

🔪 Pro Tip: Going crustless? Lightly grease your pie pan and dust with almond flour or cornmeal to help the quiche edges set beautifully and avoid sticking.

Pair this filling quiche with a hearty side like these crispy smashed potatoes with herb butter. They make the perfect companion to the creamy center and crispy crust of this vegetarian classic.

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

Making this broccoli white bean and cheese quiche is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. It’s a low-fuss process that delivers a golden, flaky crust and a rich, creamy center — the kind of dish that feels fancy but is secretly simple to make. Whether you’re hosting brunch or prepping for the week, this recipe fits the bill beautifully.

🥧 Step 1: Prep the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Then:

  1. Place your store-bought or homemade pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish.
  2. Press it gently into the corners and edges. Use a fork to prick the bottom — this prevents bubbling.
  3. Blind bake the crust for 8–10 minutes:
    • Line the crust with parchment paper
    • Fill with pie weights or dried beans
    • Bake until edges begin to brown lightly
  4. Remove the weights and parchment and let the crust cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

🔪 Why Blind Baking Matters: This step helps create a barrier between the moist custard and the crust, keeping your quiche crisp and never soggy.

🥘 Step 2: Prepare the Filling

While the crust bakes, move to the filling:

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté garlic or shallots in a little olive oil (about 2–3 minutes).
  2. Add your cooked broccoli florets and white beans, stirring just until warm and lightly seasoned. Let it cool slightly.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

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

Then stir in:

  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • The broccoli and bean mixture

💡 Assembly Tip: Don’t overfill your crust — pour slowly and stop when the custard reaches just below the edge. It needs a little room to puff slightly while baking.

🔥 Step 3: Assemble & Bake

Now it’s time to bring it all together:

  1. Pour the filling into your pre-baked crust and smooth the top.
  2. Place the dish on the center oven rack and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set with just a slight jiggle.
  3. Insert a knife near the center — if it comes out clean, it’s done.
  4. Cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.

This savory vegetarian pie is delicious warm, but it’s just as good at room temperature — making it ideal for potlucks or make-ahead meals.

For a comfort-filled brunch, I recommend pairing it with creamy garlic parmesan orzo — a soft, cheesy side that perfectly complements the texture of the quiche.

🥗 Nutrition Score

This broccoli white bean cheese quiche isn’t just comfort food — it’s a nutrient-dense, vegetarian-friendly powerhouse. From plant-based protein to gut-friendly fiber and bone-strengthening calcium, each slice offers a balance of flavor and function.

🧠 Why This Quiche Stands Out Nutritionally

Here’s the nutrition breakdown per slice (based on 6 servings with standard crust and full-fat dairy):

  • Calories: 280–320
  • Protein: 12–15 oz
  • Fiber: 4–6 oz
  • Fat: 18–22 oz (from eggs, cheese, and crust)
  • Carbs: 20–25 oz
  • Cholesterol: Around 105 mg
  • Sodium: Approximately 430 mg

What makes this vegetarian protein quiche shine? It’s the smart ingredient pairings. Broccoli brings in vitamin C and antioxidants, while white beans provide protein, fiber, and slow-digesting carbs. The cheese adds flavor and calcium — turning this dish into a satisfying meal that fuels your body without relying on meat.

Pair it with nutrient-rich sides like these honey butter roasted carrots for a meal that’s as colorful as it is energizing.

🥄 Make It Lighter or Diet-Friendly

Customizing your quiche to meet specific dietary goals is easy:

  • 🥛 Swap in low-fat or unsweetened plant-based milk to lower overall fat
  • 🧀 Use reduced-fat cheese or simply cut back the amount
  • 🥧 Skip the crust or try a gluten-free almond flour crust for fewer carbs
  • 🌿 For a dairy-free version, choose vegan egg replacers and plant-based cheeses

Even with these swaps, you’ll end up with a creamy, hearty quiche that keeps you full and tastes amazing.

🍽️ Serving & Storage Tips

Broccoli Bean Quiche 7 Game-Changing Reasons to Love
A fresh slice of broccoli white bean and cheese quiche served with a crisp green salad — perfect for brunch, lunch, or leftovers.

One of the best things about this broccoli white bean and cheese quiche? It tastes just as good the next day — maybe even better. It’s a dream dish for meal preppers, weekend brunch hosts, or anyone who appreciates a satisfying, low-maintenance meal.

🧊 Best Ways to Serve Your Quiche

You can serve this easy broccoli cheese quiche warm, cold, or at room temperature. Its creamy texture holds up beautifully no matter how it’s enjoyed.

Here are my favorite serving suggestions:

  • 🥗 Brunch platter: Pair it with a light side like fruit salad or a crisp green slaw
  • 🍲 Weeknight dinner: Add a cozy soup or roasted veggie side
  • 🥪 Lunch prep: Pack it cold in lunchboxes with crackers, nuts, or a side salad

The flavor pairs well with herby, crispy textures — think parmesan crusted zucchini fries, which bring out the savory notes in the cheese and eggs.

Serve it directly from the pie dish for casual gatherings, or cut into slices and plate individually for a more polished presentation.

🥡 How to Store and Reheat for Later

Here’s how to keep your leftovers fresh and tasty:

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
  • Freeze: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and foil; freeze up to 2 months
  • Reheat: Warm in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through

Whether you’re saving slices for tomorrow or freezing them for a rainy day, this quiche holds up wonderfully and tastes just as rich after reheating.

🔄 Variations & Substitutions

One of the best things about this vegetarian protein quiche is its flexibility. Whether you’re working with seasonal ingredients, clearing out the fridge, or adapting for dietary needs, there are endless ways to customize this recipe without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.

🥦 Swap the Veggies

If broccoli isn’t available or you just want to switch things up, try one of these delicious alternatives:

  • 🥬 Spinach or kale – Sauté first to remove moisture and avoid a soggy filling
  • 🍅 Roasted red peppers – Add natural sweetness and a pop of color
  • 🌽 Zucchini or mushrooms – Boost savory, umami notes
  • 🍠 Roasted sweet potatoes – Create a hearty, slightly sweet version ideal for fall

Each variation brings unique texture, nutrients, and flavor — making this vegetable bean quiche feel new every time.

🧀 Change Up the Cheese or Beans

Get creative with different cheeses and legumes:

  • 🧀 Gruyère, mozzarella, or pepper jack – For a gooey, melty finish
  • 🧀 Feta or goat cheese – Bring a tangy, creamy twist
  • 🫘 Chickpeas, black beans, or lentils – Switch out white beans for fiber-rich alternatives

Want extra richness? Mix in a spoonful of ricotta or a swirl of crème fraîche for a creamier texture.

For even more variety at the table, try pairing this quiche with something bold like a buffalo chicken salad. It adds contrast for mixed dietary needs and makes meal planning more exciting.

🍽️ Creative Format Tweaks

Beyond flavors, you can also change the format:

  • 🧁 Mini quiches – Bake in muffin tins for brunch trays or grab-and-go lunches
  • 🥧 Crustless version – Lighter, faster, and naturally gluten-free
  • 🍽️ Sheet pan quiche – Feed a crowd and slice into neat squares
  • 🌾 Alternative crusts – Almond flour or cauliflower crusts work great for low-carb diets

Experiment, have fun, and let this quiche evolve with your cravings or what’s in your fridge!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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.

What are the common mistakes when making quiche?

The most frequent pitfalls include:
Overbaking – This can make the filling rubbery. Check at 35 minutes and look for a slight jiggle in the center.
Underseasoning – Don’t skip the salt, pepper, or a dash of nutmeg; they bring out the custard’s richness.
Watery vegetables – Always pre-cook veggies like broccoli or spinach to remove moisture and prevent sogginess.
Proper technique ensures your vegetable bean quiche is silky inside and crisp around the edges.

Does broccoli need to be cooked before putting it in quiche?

Yes — always sauté, steam, or roast your broccoli before adding it. Raw broccoli can release excess water during baking and result in a soggy filling. Light pre-cooking also enhances flavor and texture.

How long does broccoli quiche last in the fridge?

Properly stored in an airtight container, this broccoli cheese quiche stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let it cool completely before covering and chilling.

Do you cook veggies before adding to quiche?

Absolutely. Cooking vegetables like shallots, broccoli, or mushrooms before adding them:
Removes moisture (avoiding a watery texture)
Deepens flavor through caramelization
Helps them blend more evenly into the custard

📝 Conclusion: A Quiche That Nourishes and Delights

Broccoli Bean Quiche 7 Game-Changing Reasons to Love
A slice of broccoli white bean and cheese quiche served with fresh greens — comfort food with a healthy twist.

Whether you’re meal prepping, planning a brunch menu, or simply craving a satisfying meatless meal, this broccoli white bean and cheese quiche checks every box. It’s creamy, comforting, nutrient-packed, and simple enough to pull together on a weeknight.

🥗 A Delicious, Nutritious Classic with a Twist

This isn’t just another quiche — it’s a high fiber breakfast quiche that feels as nourishing as it is indulgent. From its flaky crust to its creamy custard filled with beans and veggies, it delivers flavor and function in every bite. Want to skip the crust? Go for it. Need a gluten-free twist? Easy. Prefer goat cheese or roasted red peppers? Make it yours.

With countless customization options and make-ahead convenience, this dish fits right into your lifestyle — whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or packing a weekday lunchbox.

🧑‍🍳 Perfect for Brunch or Meal Prep

To round out the meal, serve it with something crisp and colorful like these balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts — their tangy glaze complements the creamy filling beautifully.

💬 Let’s make it personal! If you tried a fun variation — swapped in a different cheese, made it dairy-free, or added a bold veggie twist — I’d love to hear about it. Drop a comment below or tag your version online. Your spin might inspire the next reader!

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