Desperation Quiche

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

A hearty, cheesy quiche packed with vegetables and optional tuna or nuts, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal suitable for brunch, lunch, or dinner.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 unbaked deep-dish pie shell
  • 8 oz. natural Muenster cheese slices
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 1/2 cup chopped cashew nuts
  • 1 small can water-packed tuna, drained
  • 1 tsp. soy sauce
  • 2 eggs

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Line the unbaked deep-dish pie shell with half the cheese slices.
  3. Mix shredded carrots and chopped celery together.
  4. Spread half of the vegetable mixture evenly over the cheese-lined pie shell.
  5. Add nuts or drained tuna on top of the vegetables, distributing evenly.
  6. Add the remaining vegetable mixture over the nuts or tuna.
  7. Beat eggs, milk, and soy sauce together.
  8. Pour the egg mixture over the layered vegetables and nuts/tuna.
  9. Top with the remaining cheese slices.
  10. Optionally, refrigerate the assembled quiche for future use.
  11. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
  12. Turn off the oven and leave the quiche inside for another 15 minutes to set and finish baking.
  13. Place something under the pie pan to prevent overflows.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or cream to the egg mixture. You can also substitute the tuna with cooked chicken or chickpeas for a different protein option. If you’re short on time, pre-shredded carrots work well. Make sure to layer the ingredients evenly for optimal cooking and flavor distribution.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Desperation Quiche warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For a hearty breakfast, enjoy it with a slice of fruit or a dollop of yogurt. Explore more American recipes that use simple ingredients for delicious outcomes.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This quiche also freezes well for up to a month.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Desperation Quiche contains roughly 350 calories, with 10g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1787mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).

350 kcal 17% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10g 20% DV
Total Fat 15.8g 20% DV
Carbs 44.4g 16% DV
Fiber 2.6g 9% DV
Sugar 9.8g 20% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1786.9mg 78% DV
Potassium 481.4mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 63.2mg 21% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 84.4mcg 9% DV
Vitamin C 3.9mg 4% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 2% DV
Calcium 167.2mg 13% DV
Iron 3mg 17% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg Soy Tree nuts Fish

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 assemble the quiche and refrigerate it overnight before baking. This allows the flavors to meld. If you prefer, you can also bake it in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.

What can I use instead of Muenster cheese?

If Muenster cheese isn't available, you can substitute it with Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese for a similar melt and flavor profile. Experimenting with different cheeses can add unique tastes to your quiche.

Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to enhance the nutritional value and flavor of the quiche. Just make sure to chop them finely and sauté them if they have high moisture content.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →