A savory pie that’s good for you? It’s easier (and tastier) than you think!
When you think of pie, you might be thinking of that delicate and decadent dessert that sits cooling on your neighbor’s windowsill. Those sweet tarts stuffed with tasty fruits and fillings are certainly one kind of pie; however, my personal favorite use for a pie crust is to make quiche! Quiche is, at its core, a protein-packed pie stuffed with fluffy eggs and your choice of toppings, from bacon and ham to broccoli and cheese.
This recipe for vegetarian quiche features all the protein benefits of a dish like quiche Lorraine without any of the bacon or ham additions to your batter. Instead, you’ll savor a hearty medley of vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, zucchini, and peppers, each providing their own unique flavor additions and nutritional benefits. So, if you’re meat-free, this one’s for you: Chow down on a delicious quiche that’s perfectly tailored to your veggie-centric tastes!
Is This Vegetarian Quiche Healthy?
This vegetarian quiche is a relatively healthy recipe, fitting into the needs of most meat-free diets. Eggs are rich in protein and B vitamins, while shredded cheese, though it can be fatty, contains some calcium. The specifics of how “healthy” your quiche will be depends on what veggies you put in it.
I’m partial to a medley of mushrooms, broccoli, peppers, and zucchini, which provides you with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
If you want to make this quiche vegan, look for a vegan egg alternative and plant-based cheese at the grocery store. Be sure to check the ingredients of your pie shell, too; not all of them are vegan.
Making Your Own Pie Crust
While you can simply pick up a pie crust shell in the frozen aisle of the grocery store, if you’re up for the challenge, you can also make your own! It’s not as difficult as it may sound.
This Perfect Pie Crust recipe is made from just a few simple ingredients: flour, butter, shortening, salt, and water. If you’re looking for a low-carb or keto-friendly version, you can try this Keto Pie Crust recipe that uses a combination of almond flour, coconut flour, and tapioca starch.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Vegetarian quiche is easy to store! Just refrigerate your pie tin or, if you’re looking for a quick heat-and-eat portion, cut your quiche into slices and store separately wrapped in aluminum foil. They will keep in the fridge for 3-5 days. When you go to heat your quiche, it’s recommended to do so in the oven for a brief stint until the pie is warmed throughout.
The pie can also be frozen (tightly wrapped in plastic and stored in a freezer-safe container) for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight.
Serving Suggestions
Vegetable quiche is super versatile to make and can be served with almost anything! Serve it up for breakfast alongside some Air-Fryer Breakfast Potatoes. If you’re serving up vegetarian quiche for lunch, don’t forget to pair it with the perfect mimosa. Finally, a vegetarian quiche tastes fantastic alongside some Crock-Pot Vegetarian Chili for a dinner worth devouring. The possibilities are endless, and your options will be doubtlessly delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 frozen pie shell thawed
- 2 1/2 cups mixed vegetables zucchini, mushrooms, broccoli, bell peppers, finely chopped
- 5 large eggs
- 1/2 cup low-fat milk or half and half
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- pinch nutmeg
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese divided
Instructions
- Position the oven rack in the lower third and preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the pie shell on a baking sheet.
- Steam the chopped vegetables with a bit of water in the microwave until tender, about 4 minutes, then drain.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, mustard, salt, garlic powder, pepper, and nutmeg. Fold in the steamed vegetables and 1 cup of cheese.
- Pour the egg and vegetable mixture into the pie shell and sprinkle the top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake the quiche on the prepared rack until the center is set and the crust is golden brown, approximately 40-50 minutes. Allow the quiche to cool for 30 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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