Best Crustless Quiche Recipe

This crustless quiche is hands-down the best—silky, rich custard, nutty Gruyère and smoked Gouda, and perfectly balanced spices make every bite irresistible. I’ve included my favorite add-ins like caramelized onions, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and ham, or it’s EASY to customize with your favorites thanks to my foolproof ratios and technique!

Follow along for expert tips, step-by-step photos, variations, and serving ideas to nail the perfect, restaurant-worthy quiche every single time.

up close of crustless quiche recipe with slices showing the creamy interior


 

Why you’ll love this Crustless Quiche Recipe

Crustless quiche is simple to make, but just a few ingredient adjustments like using heavy cream and caramlized onions elevate it to next level heaven. Here’s why it’s the best:

  • Luxurious filling: Made with heavy cream and an extra egg yolk to create a silky, rich custard that’s indulgent, yet perfectly set.
  • Cheese perfection: Uses Gouda and real Gruyère Swiss for its nutty, buttery flavor—far superior to bland American Swiss.
  • Expert seasoning: Italian herbs, paprika, and a touch of mustard elevate the flavor without overwhelming the delicate custard.
  • Add-in magic: Choose your add-ins (lots of variations below) or I’ve included my favorite options!
top view of recipe for crustless quiche showing it in a 9-inch pie pan
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Easy Crustless Quiche Recipe Ingredients

Let’s take a closer look at what you need to make this recipe (measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

  • Eggs + egg yolk: Provide structure and richness, with the extra yolk adding a silkier, creamier texture.
  • Heavy cream: If you’ve experienced dry quiche in the past, it has either been overcooked or did not use enough fat. For the most luscious, never-dry quiche, use heavy cream. If you substitute half and half, it will still work, but the quiche won’t be as luxurious – it will have a more frittata-like texture.
  • Yellow onion: The onions are thinly sliced and sautéed until soft to bring out their sweetness and prevent excess moisture.
  • Garlic: Adds aromatic, savory depth; use more or less to taste.
  • Spices: Dried basil + dried parsley + paprika + ground mustard + salt + pepper infuse the custard with savory, complex depth.
  • Cheeses: Gruyere adds nuttiness with excellent meltability, while smoked Gouda (may sub cheddar) adds smoky richness.
  • Add-Ins: I’ve included my favorites in the instructions, but you can customize with any cooked veggies or meats.
top view of crustless quiche ingredients: eggs, heavy cream, spices, Gruyere cheese, Gouda cheese, onion, garlic and optional add-ins: broccoli, ham, sweet potatoes

How to Make Crustless Quiche

Let’s take a closer look at how to make this recipe with step-by-step photos (full recipe in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

  • Step 1: Microwave Sweet Potatoes. Add the chopped potatoes to a microwave-safe bowl and add water to reach 1/8″ up the sides. Cover with a microwave-safe lid (or damp paper towel) and microwave for 4 minutes.
showing how to make crustless quiche by microwaving sweet potatoes to cook
  • Step 2: Make Custard. In a large bowlwhisk the eggs and egg yolk until lightly beaten. Whisk in heavy cream and spices.
a collage showing how to make crustless quiche recipe by whisking the eggs together, then the spices, then the heavy cream to make the custard
  • Step 3: Cook Onions & Broccoli. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat in a large cast-iron skillet. Add onions and sauté for 4 minutes. Add the broccoli and cook for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté 30 seconds.
showing how to make crustless quiche recipe by caramelizing the onions, then cooking the broccoli and garlic in a skillet
  • Step 4: Assemble. Transfer the vegetables to a 9″ deep dish pie pan and spread them into an even layer, making sure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
  • Evenly layer the vegetables with ham and dried sweet potatoes.
  • Top with all but ½ cup of the cheeses.
  • Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables and push them down as needed so they are submerged.
  • Top evenly with the remaining ½ cup of cheeses.
a collage showing how to make crustless quiche by assembling: 1) adding broccoli and onions to the pie pan, adding potatoes and ham, 3) adding the cheeses, 4) adding the egg custard and topping with cheese
  • Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes at 350°F, or until the cheese melts and the center barely jiggles.
showing how to make crustless quiche by baking until cooked through

Best Crustless Quiche TIPS

  • Grease the dish well: Because there isn’t a crust, it’s important to grease the dish very well with nonstick spray with flour or butter is even better.
  • Cook vegetables first: Sauté and remove excess moisture to avoid a soggy/watery quiche.
  • Whisk gently: Combine eggs and dairy until smooth without incorporating excess air. Room temperature ingredients will help with this.
  • Pull at slight jiggle: The center should barely wobble; it will finish setting as it cools. Don’t overbake it, or it won’t be as creamy.
  • Rest before slicing: Let stand 10–15 minutes for clean slices and best texture.
holding up a slice of crustless broccoli quiche showing how it holds its shape

Easy Crustless Quiche variations

  • Swap veggies: Try sauteed spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus.
  • Swap cheeses: I recommend at least two cheeses. Try cheddar, havarti, fontina, feta, goat cheese, etc.
  • Meaty Options: Bacon, ham, sausage, smoked salmon, or leftover roasted chicken.
  • Mediterranean: Sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, mozzarella and feta. This would also be amazing with Italian sausage!
  • Tex-Mex: Cooked chorizo or soyrizo, taco seasoning, diced jalapeños, black beans, corn, cheddar and shredded pepper jack cheese. Top with pico de gallo or salsa and cilantro before serving.

How to serve Recipe for Crustless Quiche

Crustless quiche is best enjoyed warm by itself, or stuffed into tortillas or on toast! Serve with a side of fruit or any of these fun options:

up close of a slice of best crustless quiche recipe showing how creamy and cheesy it is

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holding up a slice of crustless broccoli quiche showing how it holds its shape

Easy Crustless Quiche Recipe

This crustless quiche is hands-down the best—silky, rich custard, nutty Gruyère and smoked Gouda, and perfectly balanced spices make every bite irresistible. I’ve included my favorite add-ins like caramelized onions, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and ham, or it's EASY to customize with your favorites thanks to my foolproof ratios and technique!
Servings: 8 -10 servings
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes

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Ingredients

  • 5 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 egg yolk, room temperature
  • 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 tsp EACH dried basil, dried parsley, paprika, ground mustard, salt, pepper
  • 4 dashes hot sauce
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, halved, then thinly sliced
  • 2 oz. (½ packed cup) freshly shredded Gruyere cheese, divided
  • 2 oz. (½ packed cup) freshly shredded smoked Gouda cheese (may sub cheddar), divided

Mix Ins

  • 2 cups mix-ins of choice measured after cooking OR use my favorite below (pictured):
  • 3/4 cup sweet potatoes, peeled, chopped into ½” chunks
  • 2 oz (1 cup) chopped broccoli (about 1-inch pieces)
  • 1/2 cup chopped ham

Instructions

  • Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9" deep dish pie pan with butter or cooking spray (preferably one with flour).
  • Microwave Sweet Potatoes: Add the chopped potatoes to a microwave-safe bowl and add water to reach 1/8" up the sides. Cover with a microwave-safe lid (or damp paper towel) and microwave for 4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  • Make Custard: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and egg yolk until lightly beaten. Whisk in heavy cream and spices (don't overmix).
  • Cook Onions & Broccoli: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat in a large cast-iron skillet. Add onions and sauté for 4 minutes. Add the broccoli and cook for 3 minutes (add additional oil as needed). Add the garlic and sauté 30 seconds.
  • Assemble: Transfer the vegetables to the pie dish and spread them into an even layer. Evenly layer with the ham and sweet potatoes, then top with all but ½ cup of the cheeses. Pour the egg mixture over the top and push the vegetables down as needed. Top evenly with the remaining ½ cup of cheeses.
  • Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes at 350°F, or until the cheese melts and the center barely jiggles. Don't overbake it, or it won't be as creamy.
  • Serve: Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Best served warm.

Notes

Here’s how to tell when a quiche is perfectly done without overcooking it:
•Center jiggle test: Gently shake the pan—if the edges are set but the center still wobbles slightly, it’s done. The residual heat will finish cooking it as it rests.
•Toothpick or knife test: Insert a toothpick or knife into the center; it should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs (not raw egg).
•Golden top: The top should be lightly golden, not deeply browned or dry.
•Internal temp: Pull it from the oven at 155–160°F. As it cools it will carryover to 165°F.

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6 Comments

  1. Amy says

    This was delicious! I used left over baked sweet potato and roasted broccoli. I only had a 1)2 cup of heavy cream and used 1% milk and it still turned out creamy and yummy My husband loved it too. Thank you!

    • Jen says

      Nice! I’m so glad that you both loved this dish! Thanks for your comment!

  2. Sue Thomas says

    Looks like the perfect brunch idea. I will be making this on Monday for our book club. I’m sure it will be delicious as always!

    • Jen says

      Great book club idea Sue! I hope everyone loves it as much as us!

  3. L. Jensen says

    I was excited to see this recipe in my email. I have been looking for the perfect quiche recipe and this one is the best recipe I have tried. Loved it!!!

    • Jen says

      Yay! I’m so pleased you loved this quiche so much! Thanks for sharing your excitement!