California Vegetable Quiche
A light, flavorful vegetable quiche featuring fresh summer squash, melted Monterey Jack cheese, and herbs, perfect for brunch, lunch, or light dinner with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grate the squash coarsely into a bowl.
- Sprinkle with salt and let stand for 10 minutes.
- Squeeze out all excess liquid from the squash.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the squash, beaten eggs, grated Monterey Jack cheese, and herbs.
- Pour the mixture into an 8-inch square baking dish.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until the quiche is set and a knife inserted at the outer edge comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or cream to the egg mixture. If summer squash is unavailable, zucchini makes a great substitute. You can also experiment with different herbs like thyme or parsley. To enhance the flavor, sauté the squash with the herbs before mixing them in, which can deepen the taste profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the California Vegetable Quiche warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile dish for brunch or a light lunch. Pair it with a fresh garden salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A slice of this quiche pairs beautifully with a Thick Shake for a satisfying combo.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This quiche also freezes well for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of California Vegetable Quiche contains roughly 565 calories, with 36g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (72% of the Daily Value), calcium (71% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2788mg per serving (121% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cheese in this quiche?
Absolutely! While Monterey Jack provides a mild flavor, you can substitute it with cheddar, feta, or even goat cheese for a more pronounced taste. Just keep in mind that stronger cheeses will alter the overall flavor profile of the quiche.
How do I know when the quiche is done baking?
The quiche is done when it is set in the center and a knife inserted near the edge comes out clean. You may also look for a golden-brown top. If it's still jiggly in the middle, it needs a few more minutes in the oven.
Can I add other vegetables to the quiche?
Yes, feel free to incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or onions. Just be sure to sauté any vegetables with high moisture content first to prevent the quiche from becoming soggy. This flexibility allows you to customize the dish to your taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).