Crustless Quiche with Ham, Broccoli & Cheese (Low-Carb)

Crustless quiche is one of those quietly brilliant recipes that solves multiple problems at once. It’s faster than traditional quiche, naturally low in carbohydrates, endlessly customizable, and satisfying enough to work for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner. This Crustless Quiche with Ham, Broccoli & Cheese hits that sweet spot where comfort food meets smart eating — creamy, savory, and packed with protein and vegetables, without the heaviness of a pastry crust.

If you’re following a low-carb or keto lifestyle, trying to cut back on refined flour, or simply want an easy oven-baked meal that reheats beautifully, this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your rotation. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but fits seamlessly into a balanced routine.


Why Crustless Quiche Is a Game-Changer

Traditional quiche is delicious, but the crust adds extra prep time, extra carbs, and extra calories. By skipping the crust entirely, you get:

  • Lower carbohydrates without sacrificing flavor
  • Faster prep — no rolling, chilling, or blind baking
  • A lighter texture that lets the fillings shine
  • Better meal-prep flexibility, since crustless quiche reheats and freezes well

This version balances salty diced ham, tender broccoli, and melted cheese inside a fluffy egg custard that sets beautifully in the oven.


Ingredients

  • Eggs
  • Cooked ham, diced
  • Broccoli florets, chopped
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or a blend)
  • Heavy cream or whole milk
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder (optional)
  • Olive oil or butter for greasing

Each ingredient plays a clear role: eggs create structure, cheese adds richness, broccoli brings freshness and texture, and ham delivers that savory, smoky depth that makes each bite crave-worthy.


Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or pie plate with butter or olive oil.
  2. Steam or lightly sauté the broccoli until just tender. Drain well to remove excess moisture.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth and slightly frothy.
  4. Whisk in the cream, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until fully combined.
  5. Fold in the diced ham, cooked broccoli, and shredded cheese.
  6. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading fillings evenly.
  7. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
  8. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Texture & Flavor: What to Expect

This quiche sets into a creamy yet sliceable texture — not rubbery, not dry. The eggs puff slightly as they bake, then settle into a custard-like interior. The cheese melts into the egg base, while the ham provides bursts of salty richness. Broccoli adds contrast and keeps the dish from feeling heavy.

Letting the quiche rest before slicing is crucial. This allows the custard to firm up and ensures clean, beautiful slices.


Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly Benefits

This crustless quiche is naturally low in carbs and high in protein and fats, making it ideal for:

  • Keto diets
  • Low-carb meal plans
  • Diabetic-friendly breakfasts
  • Post-workout meals

By avoiding flour-based crusts, you’re focusing on whole ingredients that deliver sustained energy without blood sugar spikes.


Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

One of the best things about crustless quiche is how well it stores.

  • Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 4 days in an airtight container
  • Freezer: Slice and freeze individual portions for up to 2 months
  • Reheating: Warm gently in the oven or microwave to avoid overcooking

This makes it perfect for busy mornings or grab-and-go lunches.


Easy Variations to Try

Once you master the base, the possibilities are endless:

  • Swap the protein: Bacon, turkey, or cooked sausage
  • Change the vegetables: Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers
  • Try different cheeses: Feta, goat cheese, Gruyère, or mozzarella
  • Add herbs: Thyme, parsley, or chives for extra freshness

Crustless quiche is more of a formula than a fixed recipe — flexible, forgiving, and fun to customize.


Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with a simple green salad for lunch
  • Serve alongside avocado slices for extra healthy fats
  • Add fresh fruit for a balanced brunch plate
  • Enjoy on its own as a protein-packed breakfast

Fun Fact: Why Quiche Works Without a Crust

Egg-based custards naturally set when heated due to protein coagulation. The crust isn’t structural — it’s decorative and textural. That’s why crustless quiche holds together so well and still slices cleanly.


Final Thoughts

This Crustless Quiche with Ham, Broccoli & Cheese (Low-Carb) proves that simple food can still feel complete and satisfying. It’s comforting without being heavy, nutritious without being boring, and easy without cutting corners on flavor.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, feeding a family, or prepping meals for the week, this quiche delivers every time.

Crustless Quiche with Ham, Broccoli & Cheese (Low-Carb)

A fluffy, savory crustless quiche packed with ham, broccoli, and melted cheese for a low-carb, protein-rich meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 slices
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 260

Ingredients
  

Quiche Base
  • 6 eggs large
  • 0.75 cup heavy cream
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheese cheddar or Swiss
  • 1 cup ham diced, cooked
  • 1 cup broccoli florets chopped
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking dish
  • Whisk
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
  2. Whisk eggs, cream, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
  3. Fold in ham, broccoli, and shredded cheese.
  4. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish.
  5. Bake for 35–40 minutes until set and lightly golden.
  6. Cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Let the quiche rest before slicing for best texture.

Leave a Reply