Creamy Zucchini Quiche
Creamy zucchini quiche features tender zucchini, melted Monterey Jack cheese, and savory mushrooms in a flaky crust, perfect for brunch or light dinner gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Spread the bottom of the pastry shell with Dijon mustard and bake for 10 minutes.
- Allow the pastry shell to cool.
- Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.
- Place zucchini in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and drain for about 5 minutes.
- While zucchini is draining, sauté sliced mushrooms in butter.
- Sprinkle one cup of grated Monterey Jack cheese into the bottom of the pastry shell.
- Spoon the sautéed mushrooms on top of the cheese in the pastry shell.
- Squeeze excess moisture from the zucchini and fluff with fingers before placing into the pastry shell.
- In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, whipping cream, egg yolks, and whole egg.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper.
- Set the pastry dish on a baking sheet and carefully pour the cream-egg mixture into it.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake for 35 minutes until the top is puffed and golden and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting into servings.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream cheese and substituting half of the whipping cream with milk. To enhance flavor, try adding herbs like thyme or basil. If you don’t have Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar or Swiss can work well. Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture from the zucchini as possible to prevent a soggy quiche.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy zucchini quiche pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For a brunch gathering, serve with a fruit platter or alongside Easy Low-Fat Brownies for a delightful dessert option. A light vinaigrette drizzled over the salad will complement the rich flavors of the quiche.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes, though the crust may lose some crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Zucchini Quiche contains roughly 808 calories, with 8g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 79g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (76% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1263mg per serving (55% 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 make this quiche ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the quiche a day in advance. Assemble it up to the baking step, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for the mushrooms?
If you're not a fan of mushrooms or don’t have any on hand, feel free to replace them with sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or even cooked sausage for added flavor. Each of these options will bring a different taste and texture to the quiche.
Can I freeze the quiche?
Yes, this quiche can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake at 350°F until heated through.
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).