Crustless Zucchini Quiche Recipe

This Crustless Zucchini Quiche Recipe offers a delightful way to enjoy a light yet satisfying dish. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, this quiche is not only easy to make but also bursting with flavor. The rich custard filling blends harmoniously with the delicate zucchini and smoked gouda cheese, creating a unique taste that stands out. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself on a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: With just a few steps, you can whip up this delicious quiche without the fuss of making a crust.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of smoked gouda and fresh herbs elevates the dish with rich flavors.
• Versatile Meal Option: Enjoy it warm for breakfast or at room temperature for lunch or dinner.
• Low Carb Delight: Ideal for those following low-carb or keto diets while still being filling and satisfying.
• Great for Gatherings: This quiche is perfect for sharing at potlucks or brunch parties.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather the necessary tools before you start. Being prepared helps in executing the Crustless Zucchini Quiche Recipe efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Grater
• Whisk
• Baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl allows you to combine your ingredients thoroughly without any mess.
• Grater: Using a grater makes quick work of preparing zucchini to ensure it’s finely shredded for an even texture.
• Baking dish: A good baking dish ensures even cooking and browning of your quiche, enhancing its presentation.

Ingredients

For this delightful Crustless Zucchini Quiche Recipe, gather the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound grated zucchini
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz smoked gouda cheese (or add 1/8 – 1/4 tsp liquid smoke)
• 2 tbsp snipped fresh chives
• 1/2 tsp dried dill
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp white pepper
• 2 tsp soft butter

How to Make Crustless Zucchini Quiche Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini

Begin by grating the zucchini into a mixing bowl. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of salt over it and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This process helps draw out excess moisture from the zucchini.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

While the zucchini is resting, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures that your quiche cooks evenly.

Step 3: Whisk the Eggs and Cream

In another mixing bowl, whisk together the 6 large eggs and 1 cup of heavy cream until well combined. This mixture forms the base of your quiche filling.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add the grated zucchini, smoked gouda cheese, snipped chives, dried dill, remaining salt, white pepper, and soft butter into the egg mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Bake the Quiche

Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Place it in your preheated oven and bake for about 50 minutes or until it’s set in the center and golden brown on top.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature as part of any meal!

How to Serve Crustless Zucchini Quiche Recipe

Serving your Crustless Zucchini Quiche can elevate the meal experience. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner, consider these delightful serving suggestions to enhance your dish.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

• A simple green salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the quiche beautifully.

Serve with Toasted Bread

• Lightly toasted sourdough or whole-grain bread adds a nice crunch and makes for a satisfying side.

Accompany with Sautéed Vegetables

• Seasonal sautéed veggies like bell peppers or asparagus provide extra color and nutrition alongside your quiche.

Drizzle with Hot Sauce

• A touch of your favorite hot sauce can add an exciting kick that contrasts well with the creamy texture.

Include Fresh Herbs

• Garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil can enhance presentation and impart a fresh flavor.

Offer Fruit on the Side

• Bright, seasonal fruit such as sliced strawberries or melon adds sweetness, balancing the savory quiche.

How to Perfect Crustless Zucchini Quiche Recipe

To achieve the best results with your Crustless Zucchini Quiche, follow these handy tips that ensure a delicious outcome every time.

• Use Fresh Zucchini: Fresh zucchini provides better flavor and texture compared to older vegetables. Look for firm, shiny skin without blemishes.

• Drain Excess Moisture: After grating, sprinkle zucchini with salt and let it sit. This step helps remove excess moisture, preventing a soggy quiche.

• Experiment with Cheeses: While smoked gouda is fantastic, feel free to mix other cheeses like feta or cheddar for varied flavors.

• Whisk Eggs Thoroughly: Ensuring eggs are well whisked creates a fluffy texture in the custard filling of your quiche.

• Bake Until Set: Keep an eye on baking time; the quiche should be firm in the center but still slightly jiggly when you take it out.

• Let It Rest: Allowing the quiche to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing helps it set up nicely for serving.

Best Side Dishes for Crustless Zucchini Quiche Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Crustless Zucchini Quiche can make for a complete meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad featuring arugula, spinach, and cherry tomatoes dressed in olive oil brightens up your plate.

2. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs add heartiness to your meal while complementing the quiche’s flavors.

3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made from seasonal fruits adds sweetness and balances the savory taste of the quiche.

4. Grilled Asparagus: Tender grilled asparagus drizzled with lemon juice brings brightness and a slight char that pairs well with creamy dishes.

5. Savory Muffins: Cheese or herb muffins can provide an additional baked element that rounds out breakfast or brunch beautifully.

6. Yogurt Parfait: A yogurt parfait layered with granola and berries offers creaminess and crunch alongside your slice of quiche.

7. Cucumber Soup: A chilled cucumber soup is refreshing, especially in warmer weather, serving as a light counterpart to the rich quiche.

8. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli tossed with olive oil adds both color and nutrients, making it a wholesome side choice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a crustless zucchini quiche can be simple, but a few common errors can impact your dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using too much salt: Adding excessive salt can overpower the flavors. Measure carefully and taste before adding more.
• Not draining zucchini: Failing to remove excess moisture from the zucchini can lead to a watery quiche. Grate the zucchini and let it sit with salt for 10 minutes, then squeeze out moisture.
• Skipping fresh herbs: Omitting herbs can make your quiche bland. Use fresh chives or dill to enhance the flavor profile.
• Overcooking the eggs: Cooking too long will result in rubbery eggs. Bake just until set, about 50 minutes, checking for doneness.
• Ignoring cheese quality: Low-quality cheese may not melt well or provide the desired flavor. Choose a good-quality smoked gouda for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing Crustless Zucchini Quiche Recipe

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating Crustless Zucchini Quiche Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking often.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Crustless Zucchini Quiche Recipe:

Can I use other cheeses in this Crustless Zucchini Quiche Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like cheddar or feta for a different flavor.

How do I make my Crustless Zucchini Quiche Recipe more filling?

You can add cooked bacon, ham, or additional vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to boost the nutrition and heartiness.

Is the Crustless Zucchini Quiche Recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This quiche stores well and makes an excellent option for meal prepping breakfast or lunch.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Crustless Zucchini Quiche Recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different vegetables and cheeses according to your taste preferences. Give it a try; you might find it becomes a favorite in your household!