Ina Garten-Inspired Crustless Quiche: A Simple and Elegant Dish

Few dishes are as effortless and elegant as a crustless quiche, and this Ina Garten-inspired crustless quiche is the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication. Whether you need a quick brunch dish, a light dinner, or a meal-prep-friendly recipe, this savory, custardy delight is packed with rich flavors and creamy texture.

Inspired by Ina Garten’s signature approach to French cooking, this quiche features a silky-smooth custard, fresh vegetables, and melty cheese, all without the fuss of a crust. It’s perfect for those following a low-carb or gluten-free diet, or anyone looking for a lighter, yet still indulgent, quiche experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Effortlessly Elegant – Inspired by Ina Garten’s simple yet refined style.
✔ Gluten-Free & Low-Carb – No crust means fewer carbs and a lighter dish.
✔ Versatile & Customizable – Use your favorite vegetables, cheeses, and proteins.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Make ahead and enjoy all week.
✔ Silky & Creamy Custard – The perfect texture every time.

Ingredients for Ina Garten-Inspired Crustless Quiche

This flavorful quiche is made with a rich custard base, fresh vegetables, and melty cheese. You can mix and match ingredients to suit your preferences.

Custard Base

Ingredient	Quantity
Unsalted butter, softened	2 tbsp
Finely grated Parmesan cheese	2 tbsp
Half-and-half	2 cups
Large eggs	2
Large egg yolks	2
Kosher salt	½ tsp
Freshly ground black pepper	To taste
Freshly grated nutmeg	To taste
Cayenne or paprika	Pinch

Filling Options

Ingredient	Quantity
Prepared vegetables (leeks, broccoli, onions, mushrooms, spinach, etc.)	2 to 3 cups
Grated or crumbled cheese (Cheddar, goat cheese, Gruyère, etc.)	4 oz
Minced herbs (parsley, chives, tarragon, etc.)	1 to 4 tbsp
Chopped crisp bacon, diced ham, or salami (optional)	¾ cup

Optional Additive

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour (for extra structure)	1 tbsp

How to Make an Ina Garten-Inspired Crustless Quiche

1. Prepare the Dish

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Butter a 9-inch pie dish or quiche pan and sprinkle grated Parmesan evenly over the bottom for extra flavor and texture.

2. Cook the Vegetables

• If using fresh vegetables, sauté them in a little butter or olive oil over medium heat.
• Cook until softened and any excess moisture has evaporated.
• Set aside to cool slightly.

3. Prepare the Custard Base

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the half-and-half, eggs, egg yolks, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne or paprika.
• If using flour for extra structure, whisk it into the custard mixture now.

4. Assemble the Quiche

• Layer the cooked vegetables, cheese, and optional meats evenly in the prepared pie dish.
• Pour the custard mixture over the filling, ensuring it covers everything evenly.

5. Bake the Quiche

• Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the quiche is set but still slightly wobbly in the center.
• A knife inserted into the middle should come out clean.

6. Cool and Serve

• Let the quiche cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
• Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Crustless Quiche

• Use full-fat dairy – For a silkier, richer custard, use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk.
• Don’t overbake – The quiche should be slightly jiggly in the center when removed from the oven.
• Remove excess moisture – Sauté vegetables until dry to prevent a watery quiche.
• Experiment with cheeses – Gruyère, goat cheese, feta, or sharp cheddar add unique flavors.
• Let it rest before slicing – This helps the custard set and makes for clean slices.

Variations and Customizations

1. Spinach & Mushroom Quiche

• Sauté mushrooms and spinach in butter, then mix with Gruyère or goat cheese.

2. Mediterranean Quiche

• Use sun-dried tomatoes, olives, feta, and fresh basil for a Greek-inspired twist.

3. Smoked Salmon Quiche

• Swap bacon for smoked salmon and add dill and cream cheese.

4. Spicy Mexican Quiche

• Add chorizo, diced jalapeños, and pepper jack cheese for extra heat.

What to Serve with Crustless Quiche

• Fresh Green Salad – A light salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness.
• Roasted Potatoes – Oven-roasted potatoes make a hearty addition.
• Fresh Fruit – Slices of melon, berries, or oranges add natural sweetness.
• Crusty Bread – If not watching carbs, serve with a baguette or sourdough toast.

How to Store and Reheat Crustless Quiche

Storing:

• Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Oven: Warm at 325°F (165°C) for 10–15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this quiche ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake it a day ahead and reheat when ready to serve.

2. Why is my quiche watery?

Too much moisture from vegetables can cause this. Be sure to sauté them well before adding to the quiche.

3. Can I use milk instead of half-and-half?

Yes, but the texture may be less creamy. For best results, use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream.

4. Can I make this crustless quiche dairy-free?

Yes! Use unsweetened almond or coconut milk and replace cheese with a dairy-free alternative.

5. Can I use egg whites instead of whole eggs?

Yes! Substitute each whole egg with two egg whites for a lighter version.

6. Can I bake this in muffin tins?

Absolutely! Pour the mixture into greased muffin tins and bake for 20–25 minutes for mini quiches.

Final Thoughts – Try This Ina Garten-Inspired Crustless Quiche Today!

This Ina Garten-inspired crustless quiche is the perfect dish for any time of day. With its silky, creamy custard and flavorful fillings, it’s both simple and elegant—just like Ina would make! Whether you’re hosting brunch or need an easy meal-prep dish, this quiche is sure to impress.

Print