Elegant Crustless Quiche Recipe

Airy Ina Garten Crustless Quiche Recipe

Crustless quiche transforms ordinary breakfast into an extraordinary culinary experience that delights health-conscious foodies.

Light, protein-packed, and wonderfully adaptable, this dish eliminates heavy pastry while preserving mouthwatering flavors.

Sophisticated home cooks adore how effortlessly this recipe welcomes creative ingredient combinations.

Smooth egg custards mingle with vibrant vegetables and savory proteins, crafting a balanced meal that speaks to both nutrition and pleasure.

Professional chefs and weekend warriors alike celebrate this streamlined approach to classic breakfast fare.

Each forkful promises a comforting yet elegant bite that feels simultaneously indulgent and nourishing.

You’ll fall in love with this simple yet stunning dish that turns basic ingredients into a gastronomic masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients List for Ina Garten’s Crustless Quiche Delight

For Dairy and Creamy Base:
  • Half-and-Half: Select fresh, high-quality cream for rich, smooth texture.
  • Eggs, Egg Yolks: Choose organic, farm-fresh eggs with vibrant yellow yolks for deeper flavor.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Opt for aged, freshly grated cheese with robust, nutty undertones.
For Vegetables and Herbs:
  • Mixed Vegetables: Select seasonal, crisp vegetables with bright colors and firm texture.
  • Fresh Herbs: Choose vibrant, fragrant herbs picked just before cooking for maximum aroma.
For Flavor Enhancers and Protein:
  • Bacon, Ham, Salami: Pick artisanal, high-quality cured meats with deep, smoky flavors.
  • Kosher Salt: Use coarse salt for balanced seasoning and enhanced taste.
  • Black Pepper: Grind whole peppercorns for intense, fresh spiciness.
  • Nutmeg, Cayenne: Select whole spices for more complex, authentic flavor profiles.

Tools You’ll Need for Ina’s Easy Crustless Quiche

  • Oven: Preheated to the perfect temperature for golden-brown goodness.
  • Pie Pan: Buttered and sprinkled with Parmesan for a crispy, flavorful base.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Spacious vessel for whisking together creamy custard ingredients.
  • Whisk: Essential tool for blending eggs, half-and-half, and seasonings smoothly.
  • Measuring Cups/Spoons: Precise helpers for getting ingredient quantities just right.
  • Knife: Sharp companion for chopping herbs and dicing meats.
  • Cheese Grater: Handy for sprinkling fresh Parmesan and other cheeses.
  • Pepper Mill: Freshly ground black pepper adds that perfect finishing touch.

How to Make Ina Garten’s Crustless Quiche Without the Fuss

How to Make Ina Garten’s Crustless Quiche Without the Fuss
  • Preheat The Oven Prepare a warm, welcoming environment for your culinary masterpiece by setting the oven to a cozy 350°F and getting your baking tools ready.
  • Create A Flavorful Foundation Grab a pie pan and lovingly brush it with softened butter, then sprinkle Parmesan cheese to craft a crispy, mouthwatering base that will make taste buds dance.
  • Whip Up The Creamy Custard In a large mixing bowl, whisk together half-and-half, eggs, and egg yolks until smooth. Season with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and a hint of nutmeg to elevate the flavor profile.
  • Build Delicious Layers Arrange your favorite vegetables and cheese in alternating layers, creating a colorful and tasty landscape inside the buttered pan. Mix and match ingredients to suit your mood and appetite.
  • Enhance With Flavor Boosters Scatter chopped herbs and protein like crispy bacon or diced ham across the layers, adding depth and excitement to your quiche.
  • Pour And Bake Gently cascade the silky custard over the ingredients, ensuring every morsel is embraced. Slide the pan into the oven and let magic happen for 40-50 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the center sets perfectly.

Pro Tips & Flavor Variations for Crustless Quiche

Pro Tips & Flavor Variations for Crustless Quiche

Unleash Culinary Creativity

  • Transform basic ingredients into a personalized masterpiece by mixing and matching fillings that reflect your taste and seasonal bounty.

Replace standard vegetables with roasted butternut squash, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms for unexpected flavor explosions.

Experiment with different cheese combinations like tangy goat cheese, sharp aged cheddar, or creamy blue cheese to elevate your quiche’s richness.

Prepare the quiche completely, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready. This technique allows flavors to meld and makes entertaining a breeze.

Serving Crustless Quiche with Ina’s Elegant Touch

  • Savor with Fresh Salad: Pair the quiche with a crisp, zesty green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy texture.
  • Create Brunch Spread: Complement the quiche with fresh fruit, croissants, and mimosas for a delightful weekend gathering with friends and family.
  • Elevate with Wine Pairing: Serve alongside a chilled Chardonnay or light Pinot Noir to enhance the quiche's subtle flavors and creamy profile.
  • Enjoy Temperature Versatile: Relish this dish warm straight from the oven or enjoy at room temperature for a perfect picnic or lunch option.

Storage and Planning Tips for Ina’s Crustless Quiche

  • Meal Planning & Storage Magic
  • Prep Ahead Like a Pro: Craft your quiche up to 24 hours before baking, covering it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerating to lock in those incredible flavors.
  • Freeze for Future Feasts: Wrap cooled quiche slices individually in aluminum foil, storing them in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months of delicious emergency meals.
  • Reheat with Restaurant-Quality Technique: Warm individual slices in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes, restoring that crispy crust and creamy texture without drying out the delicate custard.
  • Leftover Love Strategy: Store completely cooled quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator, enjoying within 3-4 days for maximum taste and food safety.
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Elegant Crustless Quiche Recipe

Elegant Crustless Quiche Recipe


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4.8 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Ina Garten’s crustless quiche blends creamy eggs, sharp cheeses, and savory herbs into a light, elegant breakfast classic. Home cooks can master this simple yet sophisticated dish with professional-level technique and minimal preparation time.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 4 oz (113 g) grated or crumbled cheese (Cheddar, goat cheese, Gruyere)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) half-and-half
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) chopped crisp bacon, diced ham or salami
  • 2 to 3 cups (480720 ml) prepared vegetables (leeks, broccoli, onions, mushrooms, spinach)
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 to 4 tbsps (1560 ml) minced herbs (parsley, chives, tarragon)
  • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Freshly grated nutmeg
  • Pinch cayenne or paprika
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) all-purpose flour (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Preparation: Position the oven rack at 350°F (175°C), setting the stage for a perfectly golden quiche.
  2. Pan Preparation: Lavishly coat the pie pan with softened butter, then dust with grated Parmesan cheese to create a flavorful foundation that prevents sticking and adds a delicate crunch.
  3. Custard Creation: Whisk half-and-half, whole eggs, and additional egg yolks into a silky smooth mixture, seasoning with kosher salt, black pepper, and a whisper of nutmeg to elevate the flavor profile.
  4. Layer Assembly: Strategically distribute half of the chosen vegetables and cheese across the prepared pan, ensuring an even, colorful base that promises maximum taste in every bite.
  5. Protein Enhancement: Crown the vegetable layer with chopped bacon, diced ham, or salami, integrating rich, savory proteins that complement the existing ingredients.
  6. Custard Infusion: Delicately pour the prepared custard over the layered ingredients, allowing it to naturally settle and fill the intricate spaces between vegetables and proteins.
  7. Baking Transformation: Slide the quiche into the preheated oven, baking for 40 to 50 minutes until the center sets firmly and the top achieves a golden-brown perfection.
  8. Resting and Serving: Carefully remove from the oven and let the quiche rest for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the custard to stabilize and flavors to harmonize before presenting this culinary masterpiece.

Notes

  • Butter Up the Pan: Generously coat the pie dish with softened butter and Parmesan cheese for a flavorful, non-stick base that adds extra richness.
  • Egg Wisdom: Use whole eggs and extra yolks to create a luxuriously creamy custard base, balancing texture and depth with carefully chosen seasonings.
  • Layer Like a Pro: Distribute vegetables and cheese evenly in two layers to ensure maximum flavor distribution and a visually appealing cross-section.
  • Rest and Settle: Allow the quiche to rest 10-15 minutes after baking, letting the custard set and flavors meld for a perfect slice every time.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 210 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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