Asparagus, Mushroom, and Bacon Crustless Quiche: A Deliciously Healthy Recipe

Are you looking for a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make breakfast, brunch, or light dinner option? Look no further than this Asparagus, Mushroom, and Bacon Crustless Quiche! This recipe is packed with flavor, protein, and nutrients, and it’s naturally gluten-free and low-carb. Plus, skipping the crust makes it significantly easier to prepare, without sacrificing any of the satisfying richness you expect from a quiche.

This crustless quiche recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily customize the vegetables and protein to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Feel free to swap out the asparagus for spinach, kale, or broccoli. You can also use ham, sausage, or even leftover cooked chicken instead of bacon. And if you’re vegetarian, simply omit the bacon altogether or use a plant-based alternative.

Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why Crustless? The Benefits of Skipping the Crust

Before we jump into the ingredients and instructions, let’s talk about why we’re making this quiche crustless. There are several benefits to skipping the crust:

* **Healthier:** Crusts are often high in carbohydrates and unhealthy fats. By omitting the crust, you’re significantly reducing the overall calorie and carbohydrate content of the quiche, making it a healthier option.
* **Easier to Make:** Making a traditional pie crust can be time-consuming and tricky. Skipping the crust simplifies the preparation process, making this quiche a perfect weeknight meal.
* **Gluten-Free:** Crustless quiche is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
* **Focus on Flavors:** Without the crust, the flavors of the filling ingredients really shine through.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Asparagus, Mushroom, and Bacon Crustless Quiche:

* **Eggs:** 6 large eggs form the base of the quiche. They provide protein and structure.
* **Milk (or Cream):** 1/2 cup of milk or heavy cream adds richness and moisture to the quiche. You can use whole milk, 2% milk, or even a dairy-free alternative like almond milk or coconut milk. Heavy cream will result in a richer, more decadent quiche.
* **Asparagus:** 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed and chopped. Asparagus adds a fresh, spring-like flavor and a vibrant green color to the quiche.
* **Mushrooms:** 8 ounces of mushrooms, sliced. Use your favorite type of mushrooms, such as cremini, button, or shiitake. Mushrooms add an earthy flavor and a meaty texture.
* **Bacon:** 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled. Bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor to the quiche.
* **Cheese:** 1/2 cup of shredded cheese. Gruyere, cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan are all great options. Choose your favorite cheese or use a combination of cheeses.
* **Onion:** 1/2 small onion, finely chopped. Onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic adds a pungent, aromatic flavor.
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon of olive oil, for sautéing the vegetables.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste, for seasoning.
* **Optional:** Fresh herbs, such as thyme, parsley, or chives, for garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Crustless Quiche

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s make the quiche! Follow these simple steps:

**1. Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish or baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. This will prevent the quiche from sticking.

**2. Cook the Bacon:** Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside to cool. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.

**3. Sauté the Vegetables:** In the same skillet (leave about a tablespoon of bacon fat for extra flavor or drain most of it), heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped asparagus and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

**4. Whisk the Eggs and Milk:** In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or cream), salt, and pepper until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps in the mixture.

**5. Assemble the Quiche:** Sprinkle the cooked bacon and sautéed vegetables evenly over the bottom of the prepared pie dish. Spread them out evenly so that every bite has a good mix of ingredients.

**6. Pour the Egg Mixture:** Pour the egg mixture over the bacon and vegetables in the pie dish. Make sure the egg mixture covers all the ingredients evenly.

**7. Add the Cheese:** Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the egg mixture. This will create a delicious, golden-brown crust on top of the quiche.

**8. Bake the Quiche:** Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the quiche is set and the top is golden brown. The quiche is done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the quiche with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

**9. Let Cool and Serve:** Remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the quiche to set completely, making it easier to slice and preventing it from falling apart.

**10. Garnish (Optional):** Garnish with fresh herbs, such as thyme, parsley, or chives, for added flavor and visual appeal.

Tips for the Perfect Crustless Quiche

Here are a few tips to help you make the perfect crustless quiche:

* **Don’t Overcook the Vegetables:** Overcooked vegetables will become mushy and lose their flavor. Cook them until they are just tender-crisp.
* **Use Good Quality Ingredients:** The better the quality of your ingredients, the better your quiche will taste. Use fresh, high-quality eggs, bacon, and vegetables.
* **Season Generously:** Don’t be afraid to season your quiche generously with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices. This will help to bring out the flavors of the ingredients.
* **Let it Rest:** Letting the quiche rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving is crucial. This allows the egg mixture to set completely, making it easier to slice and preventing it from falling apart.
* **Customize to Your Liking:** Feel free to customize the recipe to your liking. Add different vegetables, cheeses, or meats. You can even add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Variations and Add-ins

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few variations and add-ins to inspire you:

* **Spinach and Feta Quiche:** Substitute the asparagus for spinach and use feta cheese instead of cheddar or Gruyere.
* **Ham and Swiss Quiche:** Replace the bacon with diced ham and use Swiss cheese.
* **Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche:** Substitute the asparagus for broccoli florets and use cheddar cheese.
* **Mediterranean Quiche:** Add sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and crumbled goat cheese to the filling.
* **Spicy Chorizo Quiche:** Use chorizo sausage instead of bacon and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
* **Roasted Vegetable Quiche:** Roast a medley of vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant, before adding them to the quiche.
* **Herb and Garlic Infused Quiche:** Mix fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano into the egg mixture along with extra minced garlic for an aromatic twist.
* **Smoked Salmon Quiche:** Incorporate smoked salmon for a luxurious and flavorful breakfast or brunch option.

Serving Suggestions

This Asparagus, Mushroom, and Bacon Crustless Quiche is delicious served warm or cold. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or a light dinner.

Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Serve with a side salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is a perfect accompaniment to this quiche.
* **Serve with fresh fruit:** A platter of fresh fruit, such as berries, melon, and grapes, is a refreshing and healthy addition.
* **Serve with toast or muffins:** If you’re not strictly following a low-carb diet, you can serve the quiche with toast or muffins.
* **Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt:** A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a creamy tanginess to the quiche.
* **Make it a Meal Prep Staple:** Prepare a quiche on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week for quick and healthy breakfasts or lunches.

Storage Instructions

Leftover crustless quiche can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual slices or bake the entire quiche in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also freeze the quiche for longer storage. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Frozen quiche can be stored for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the quiche in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional information for this Asparagus, Mushroom, and Bacon Crustless Quiche will vary depending on the specific ingredients you use. However, in general, this quiche is a good source of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals.

A serving size of one slice (1/6 of the quiche) typically contains:

* Calories: Approximately 250-350 calories
* Protein: 15-20 grams
* Fat: 15-25 grams
* Carbohydrates: 5-10 grams

This quiche is also a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and potassium.

Conclusion: Enjoy a Delicious and Nutritious Meal!

This Asparagus, Mushroom, and Bacon Crustless Quiche is a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a satisfying brunch, or a light dinner, this quiche is sure to please. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple instructions, and enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal!

This recipe is a great way to use up leftover vegetables and bacon. Feel free to experiment with different combinations of ingredients to create your own signature crustless quiche. And don’t forget to share your creations with us in the comments below!

Bon appétit!