If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that’s simple to whip up and packed with flavor, you’re going to want to bookmark this Crustless Broccoli Egg Bake Recipe. I absolutely love how this recipe turns out every time—creamy eggs, tender broccoli, and that melty Gruyere cheese? Total crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s gluten-free and so versatile, whether you’re making breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Trust me, once you try it, this bake will become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Fast: This crustless egg bake comes together in under an hour with minimal prep—perfect for busy days.
- Healthy & Filling: Packed with protein and veggies, it keeps you satisfied without weighing you down.
- Gluten-Free Comfort: No crust means it’s naturally gluten-free, and you still get that cozy quiche vibe.
- Versatile & Customizable: Easily swap veggies or cheese to suit what you have on hand or your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and fresh, balancing the richness of eggs with the freshness of broccoli and savory Gruyere cheese. I always keep shallots in my kitchen because they add such great subtle sweetness when cooked.
- Large eggs: The base of your bake; they provide structure and creaminess.
- Milk: Adds a little softness to the eggs, keeping the bake tender.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground, for that essential kick.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Perfect for sautéing shallots and broccoli—it brings a lovely depth.
- Shallots: They cook down sweeter than onions, adding subtle complexity.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh and bright; don’t skip washing them carefully!
- Water: Helps steam the broccoli gently while sautéing.
- Gruyere cheese: Melty, nutty, and rich—this cheese really elevates the bake.
- Fresh thyme or chives: These herbs add a fresh, aromatic finish on top.
Variations
I like to keep things fresh by changing up the veggies or cheese depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own—it’s super forgiving.
- Add cooked bacon or ham: I discovered this trick when craving something heartier; it gives the bake a smoky boost.
- Swap Gruyere for cheddar or feta: A simple swap that changes the flavor profile and adds variety.
- Use kale or spinach instead of broccoli: For a leafy green twist that’s just as nutritious.
- Makes it vegan-friendly: Use a chickpea flour batter and your favorite plant-based cheese alternative.
How to Make Crustless Broccoli Egg Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep your oven and pie dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Give your 9-inch pie dish a good greasing with olive oil to ensure the egg bake doesn’t stick—trust me, you’ll be glad you did when it slides right out.
Step 2: Whisk the eggs and milk
In a large bowl, whisk together your eggs and milk until fully combined. Season with sea salt and a few grinds of black pepper. I find whisking vigorously helps incorporate air making the bake lighter.
Step 3: Sauté shallots and broccoli
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots with a pinch of salt to draw out moisture and sweetness, cooking for about 4 to 5 minutes. When they’re soft and translucent, add broccoli and water. Stir frequently while the water evaporates which takes around 4 minutes. Keep an eye on the broccoli—it should turn bright green and be tender but still have a slight bite.
Step 4: Assemble and bake
Spread the cooked veggies evenly in your greased pie dish. Sprinkle the grated Gruyere cheese over the top—this part always makes my family’s eyes light up! Pour the egg mixture gently over everything and give the dish a little shake to level it out. Finally, scatter fresh thyme or chopped chives on top. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the eggs have set—no wobbles when you gently shake the dish.
Pro Tips for Making Crustless Broccoli Egg Bake Recipe
- Don’t overcook the broccoli: I learned the hard way that broccoli mushes and loses color if cooked too long—bright green and slight crunch is perfect.
- Use room temperature eggs: They mix better and help your bake cook evenly without cracking the dish.
- Let it rest after baking: I always wait 5–10 minutes before slicing to let everything set—it makes for neat slices.
- Grease the dish thoroughly: Keeps your bake from sticking and makes serving way easier.
How to Serve Crustless Broccoli Egg Bake Recipe

Garnishes
I love finishing mine with a sprinkle of extra fresh chives or thyme leaves—they add a lovely pop of color and freshness. Sometimes I add a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a pinch of flaky sea salt right before serving to elevate flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair this egg bake with a fresh green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted cherry tomatoes. On brunch days, I like to add fresh fruit like sliced melon or berries to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, I sometimes slice the bake into mini squares and serve as bite-sized appetizers. Another favorite is to bake it in individual ramekins for personal servings—charming and perfect for a special brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I find the bake holds its texture nicely, and flavors even develop more after a day.
Freezing
Freezing works well too! I slice the bake, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. When you want to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Reheating
I like reheating leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to keep the edges crisp. Alternatively, you can microwave it covered for 1–2 minutes, but the oven method preserves that fresh-baked texture best.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh for this crustless egg bake recipe?
Yes, you can! If using frozen broccoli, thaw it and drain any excess water before sautéing so your bake doesn’t become watery. I recommend giving frozen broccoli a quick sauté just like fresh to keep the texture nice.
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Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. The crustless broccoli egg bake reheats well and keeps for several days, making it a perfect protein-packed option for easy breakfasts or lunches throughout the week.
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Can I add other vegetables or meats to the egg bake?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in cooked mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or your favorite cured meats. The flexibility is one of the things I love most about this recipe—it’s a great base to experiment with.
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How do I know when the egg bake is fully cooked?
You’ll notice the surface is set and lightly golden, and when you gently shake the dish, the center doesn’t jiggle. If you want extra assurance, poke a knife in the center—it should come out clean.
Final Thoughts
This Crustless Broccoli Egg Bake Recipe has truly become a favorite in my household, mainly because it’s simple, healthy, and effortlessly delicious. I love sharing it with friends because it’s approachable for cooks of all skill levels and always impresses with its flavors. If you’re looking for a dish that welcomes creativity but never fails on comfort, you really can’t go wrong with this one. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.
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Crustless Broccoli Egg Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This crustless quiche is a simple and delicious dish perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Packed with tender broccoli, sweet shallots, and melty Gruyere cheese, it offers all the comforts of a classic quiche without the fuss of making a crust. Baked to golden perfection, it’s gluten-free and easy to prepare in about an hour.
Ingredients
Egg Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (plus more to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Vegetables & Cheese
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (plus more for greasing the pie dish)
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced (⅔ cup)
- 3 cups small broccoli florets (6 ounces)
- ¼ cup water
- 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese (2 ounces)
Herbs
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or chopped fresh chives
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch or 9.5-inch pie dish lightly with extra-virgin olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Mix Eggs and Milk: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sea salt, and several grinds of freshly ground black pepper until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Sauté Shallots: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced shallots along with a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes until the shallots are softened and translucent.
- Cook Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets and ¼ cup water to the skillet. Cook while stirring for about 4 minutes, or until the water has evaporated, the broccoli turns bright green, and loses its raw bite but remains crisp-tender.
- Assemble Quiche: Transfer the cooked vegetables evenly into the prepared pie dish. Sprinkle the grated Gruyere cheese evenly over the vegetables. Pour the egg and milk mixture gently on top. Shake the pie dish lightly to distribute the egg mixture evenly. Finally, sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves or chopped chives over everything.
- Bake: Place the pie dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the eggs are completely set and the top is slightly golden.
Notes
- This crustless quiche is easier and quicker than the traditional quiche with crust, making it perfect for a simple meal.
- Serve warm with a side of green salad and fresh fruit for a balanced meal.
- Gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- You can substitute fresh thyme with chopped chives for a subtle flavor variation.
- Make sure to watch the bake time towards the end to avoid overcooking and drying out the quiche.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of quiche)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg


