Zucchini Quiche Recipe: If you’re looking for a savory, comforting, and versatile dish that works for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even dinner, zucchini quiche is one of the best options you can make. It’s creamy, lightly cheesy, packed with vegetables, and elegant enough for guests—yet simple enough for everyday cooking.
In this complete professional recipe guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about making the perfect zucchini quiche from scratch—from choosing the right zucchini to mastering a crisp crust, balancing the egg-to-cream ratio, preventing sogginess, and customizing flavors for different diets.
This guide is intentionally very detailed so beginners can follow confidently, while experienced cooks still pick up expert tips.
What Is Zucchini Quiche?
Zucchini quiche is a savory baked dish made with:
- Fresh zucchini
- Eggs
- Dairy (milk or cream)
- Cheese
- Seasonings
- A pie crust (optional but classic)
It originated as a variation of traditional French quiche, which typically features eggs, cream, and fillings baked in a pastry crust. Zucchini adds moisture, mild sweetness, and nutritional value, making it lighter and more vegetable-forward than meat-heavy quiches.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Below is a classic, well-balanced zucchini quiche ingredient list. You can customize later, but this version delivers consistent results.
For the Crust
- 1 standard 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon flour (for dusting, optional)
For the Zucchini Filling
- 2 medium zucchini (about 2½–3 cups grated)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for draining moisture)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
For the Custard Base
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- ½ cup grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, or Swiss)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional but recommended)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or basil
- Salt to taste (adjust carefully)
Optional Add-Ins
- Cooked mushrooms
- Spinach
- Bell peppers
- Bacon or ham (fully cooked)
- Fresh herbs (parsley, chives, dill)
Essential Tools for Success
- Box grater or food processor
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Whisk
- Skillet
- Pie dish (9-inch)
- Clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth
Step-by-Step Zucchini Quiche Guide
Step 1 – Choose Fresh Zucchini
Select zucchini that are firm, smooth-skinned, and medium-sized. Very large zucchini tend to be watery and seedy, which can ruin the quiche texture.
Step 2 – Wash and Grate the Zucchini
Rinse under cold water, trim both ends, and grate using the medium holes of a box grater. Measure 2½–3 cups grated zucchini. Do not peel—the skin adds color and nutrients.
Step 3 – Remove Excess Moisture (CRUCIAL STEP)
This prevents watery quiche.
Place zucchini in a bowl, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt, and let sit 10–15 minutes. Transfer to a towel or cheesecloth and squeeze firmly until very dry. The zucchini should feel almost fluffy.
Step 4 – Pre-Bake the Crust (Blind Baking)
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Fit crust into a pie dish, prick the base, line with parchment, and add pie weights or beans. Bake 10–12 minutes, remove weights, then bake 5 more minutes. Cool slightly.
Step 5 – Sauté the Aromatics
Heat oil or butter in a skillet. Cook chopped onion until soft (3–4 minutes). Add garlic if using and cook 30 seconds. Cool slightly. This step deepens flavor.
Step 6 – Prepare the Egg Custard
In a bowl, whisk eggs gently until combined. Add cream or milk, black pepper, nutmeg, and herbs. Mix smoothly—do not overwhisk.
Step 7 – Combine the Filling
Add the squeezed zucchini, sautéed onions, and cheese to the custard. Stir gently until evenly mixed.
Step 8 – Assemble the Quiche
Pour filling into the pre-baked crust. Smooth the top and tap the dish lightly to release air bubbles.
Step 9 – Bake the Zucchini Quiche
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40–50 minutes. The center should be just set and the top lightly golden. Tent edges with foil if browning too fast.
Step 10 – Rest and Set
Let the quiche rest 15–20 minutes before slicing. This ensures clean cuts and a perfectly set custard.
Best Cheese for Zucchini Quiche
| Cheese | Flavor | Texture |
|---|---|---|
| Cheddar | Sharp | Creamy |
| Mozzarella | Mild | Stretchy |
| Gruyère | Nutty | Rich |
| Swiss | Light | Smooth |
| Parmesan | Salty | Depth |
👉 Combining one melting cheese + Parmesan gives best results.
Flavor Variations
Crustless Zucchini Quiche
- Skip the crust
- Grease baking dish
- Reduce baking time by 5–10 minutes
Mediterranean Style
- Add feta cheese
- Olives
- Fresh oregano
Protein-Rich Version
- Add cooked chicken or turkey
- Increase eggs to 5
Vegetarian Deluxe
- Mushrooms + spinach
- Goat cheese or ricotta
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping zucchini draining
- Overbaking (leads to rubbery eggs)
- Too much liquid
- Overloading fillings
- Cutting too early
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator
- Store covered for 3–4 days
Freezer
- Freeze whole or sliced
- Wrap tightly
- Freeze up to 2 months
Reheating
- Oven: 325°F for 15 minutes
- Microwave: low power, short bursts
Serving Suggestions
- Fresh green salad
- Tomato soup
- Roasted potatoes
- Fruit platter for brunch
Nutrition Highlights
Zucchini quiche provides:
- Protein from eggs
- Calcium from cheese
- Fiber and vitamins from zucchini
- Healthy fats for satiety
FAQs about Zucchini Quiche Recipe
1. Why is my zucchini quiche watery?
This is usually caused by excess moisture in the zucchini. Always salt the grated zucchini and squeeze it thoroughly before adding it to the filling.
2. Can I make zucchini quiche ahead of time?
Yes. You can bake the quiche, let it cool, refrigerate it, and reheat before serving. The flavor often improves after resting.
3. Can zucchini quiche be frozen?
Absolutely. Freeze the quiche whole or in slices for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
4. Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes. Whole milk works well, though using cream will give the quiche a richer, silkier texture.
5. How do I know when quiche is done?
The quiche is ready when the center is just set and no longer jiggly. A knife inserted near the center should come out mostly clean.
These tips help ensure a perfectly set, flavorful zucchini quiche every time.
Conclusion
Zucchini quiche is the perfect balance of comfort and freshness. With its creamy custard, tender zucchini, and golden crust, it’s a dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome. By following this step-by-step professional guide, you’ll consistently produce a quiche that’s flavorful, sliceable, and crowd-pleasing—whether for a quiet breakfast or a festive brunch table.
Master this recipe once, and you’ll return to it again and again.
