Broccoli Cheddar Quiche from Marie Callender's features tender broccoli florets and sharp cheddar cheese baked inside a flaky, golden pastry crust, delivering a rich and savory breakfast or brunch option with a creamy, custard filling.
Equipments
- Oven
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese grater
- Pie dish or quiche pan
- Rolling pin (if making crust from scratch)
- Baking sheet (optional, for stability)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 prepared pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Using fresh broccoli florets ensures a tender texture and vibrant flavor, while sharp cheddar cheese provides the rich, savory taste essential to the quiche. Whole milk and heavy cream create a creamy custard base, balancing the savory spices like garlic and onion powder. Make sure to measure spices accurately to avoid overpowering the delicate custard filling. Your choice between homemade or store-bought pie crust will affect the overall flakiness and texture of the quiche. The Broccoli Cheddar Quiche from Marie Callender's copycat menu closely replicates the delicious combination of these ingredients, delivering a rich and comforting brunch option.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out pie crust and fit into pie dish or quiche pan.
- Trim and flute edges of the crust as desired.
- Place pie dish on a baking sheet (optional).
- Steam or blanch broccoli florets until just tender; drain and chop if needed.
- Evenly distribute broccoli over the pie crust.
- Grate sharp cheddar cheese and sprinkle over broccoli.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, and heavy cream.
- Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to egg mixture; whisk until combined.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the broccoli and cheese.
- Gently tap pie dish to remove air bubbles.
- Bake in preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until center is set and top is lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and place on cooling rack.
- Let quiche cool for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Substitution
Broccoli Cheddar Quiche from Marie Callender's copycat menu boasts tender broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese in a flaky crust with a creamy custard center. If fresh broccoli is unavailable, you can substitute with frozen broccoli florets, making sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before baking. Your sharp cheddar can be replaced by a similar aged cheddar or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for a milder flavor. When using a store-bought crust, pricking the dough with a fork before baking helps prevent bubbling. Consider lining your pie dish with parchment paper or using a baking sheet underneath to catch any spills during baking for easier cleanup.
Tips
Make sure to steam broccoli until just tender to prevent a soggy crust, and drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in your quiche. Whisk eggs, milk, and cream until fully blended to achieve a smooth custard filling, which helps in even baking and texture. Gently tapping the pie dish before baking removes trapped air bubbles, ensuring a uniform bake without cracks. Allow your quiche to cool on a rack for 10-15 minutes to set properly before slicing, so you maintain clean, professional-looking cuts.
Nutritions
Marie Callender's Broccoli Cheddar Quiche provides a balanced source of protein from eggs and cheddar cheese, supporting muscle repair and satiety. The broccoli adds essential dietary fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants that contribute to overall health and immune function. Whole milk and heavy cream supply healthy fats and calcium, promoting bone strength and energy. You can enjoy this quiche as a nutrient-rich meal that combines creamy texture with beneficial vegetables in every slice.
Storage
Store your Broccoli Cheddar Quiche in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap to maintain freshness. Refrigerate the quiche promptly, where it will stay safe to eat for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the quiche in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, making sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap the sharp cheddar with Gruyere or Swiss cheese for a nuttier, meltier texture that complements the broccoli well. You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream to lighten the filling while maintaining creaminess. For extra flavor, saute onions or garlic before mixing them into the egg custard. Your quiche will benefit from adding fresh herbs like thyme or chives for an aromatic twist.
Allergies
Marie Callender's Broccoli Cheddar Quiche contains common allergens such as eggs, dairy from sharp cheddar cheese, whole milk, and heavy cream, and gluten from the pie crust. If you have allergies to any of these ingredients, consuming this quiche may trigger allergic reactions ranging from mild to severe. Always check product labels for potential cross-contamination and consider alternatives if you have sensitivities to nuts, gluten, or dairy.
Why this recipe?
Marie Callender's Broccoli Cheddar Quiche is celebrated for its rich, creamy texture combined with a perfect blend of sharp cheddar cheese and fresh broccoli, creating a balanced and flavorful bite. The flaky, buttery crust enhances the overall experience, offering a delightful contrast to the smooth filling. This quiche stands out for its comforting yet sophisticated taste, making it a popular choice among those who enjoy classic comfort food with a gourmet twist. Recreating this dish at home allows you to customize ingredients while capturing the restaurant-quality flavor and freshness at a fraction of the cost.