This Flavorful Basil Crustless Zucchini Quiche is one of my favorite light meals to make when I want something fresh, savory, and satisfying—without the heaviness of a traditional crust. With tender zucchini, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil all baked into a creamy egg mixture, it’s the kind of dish that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to throw together. Whether I’m serving it for brunch, lunch, or a simple dinner, it always hits the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s packed with vegetables and flavor, yet still feels light and wholesome. Skipping the crust makes it naturally gluten-free and lower in carbs, and the fresh basil gives it a beautiful herbal aroma. It’s easy to prep ahead, great warm or cold, and versatile enough to serve any time of day. Plus, it’s a great way to use up summer zucchini.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Zucchini, thinly sliced
- Cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- Fresh basil, chopped
- Eggs
- Milk or half-and-half
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite blend)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil or butter (for greasing the dish)
Directions
- I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or baking dish with olive oil or butter.
- I sauté the thinly sliced zucchini in a pan for a few minutes until it starts to soften. This helps prevent the quiche from becoming watery.
- In a mixing bowl, I whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- I stir in the chopped fresh basil and shredded cheese.
- I spread the sautéed zucchini evenly in the greased dish, scatter the halved tomatoes over the top, then pour the egg mixture over everything.
- I gently shake the dish to level the mixture, then bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
- I let it cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 6 servings and takes about 45 minutes total—including prep, cooking, and cooling time. It’s ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner with a side salad.
Variations
- I sometimes add sautéed onions, spinach, or bell peppers for extra veggies.
- For a richer texture, I use half-and-half instead of milk.
- I’ve made it with crumbled feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist.
- If I want a bit of spice, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.
- When I’m out of basil, I swap in fresh parsley or dill.
Storage/Reheating
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. I store them in an airtight container and reheat slices in the microwave or oven until warmed through. It also tastes great cold, straight from the fridge. I don’t recommend freezing, as the texture can change after thawing.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I often bake it the night before and reheat slices as needed. It holds up well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day.
Do I have to sauté the zucchini first?
I highly recommend it. It removes excess moisture and keeps the quiche from becoming soggy during baking.
What’s the best cheese to use?
I love using sharp cheddar or a mozzarella blend, but Swiss, Gruyère, or even Parmesan work beautifully too.
Can I use dried basil?
Fresh basil gives the best flavor, but in a pinch, I use 1 teaspoon of dried basil. I mix it into the egg mixture to let it rehydrate while baking.
Is this quiche gluten-free?
Yes, since it’s crustless, this recipe is naturally gluten-free—just be sure to check your cheese and spices to be safe.
Conclusion
This Flavorful Basil Crustless Zucchini Quiche is a fresh, healthy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect any time of day. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and a beautiful way to showcase summer produce like zucchini and tomatoes. Whether I’m meal prepping for the week or hosting a weekend brunch, this quiche is always a hit on the table.
PrintFlavorful Basil Crustless Zucchini Quiche
A light and savory crustless quiche filled with tender zucchini, juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and a creamy egg and cheese mixture. Naturally gluten-free and perfect for any meal of the day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite blend)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil or butter, for greasing the dish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch pie dish or baking dish with olive oil or butter.
- Sauté sliced zucchini in a pan for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Stir in chopped basil and shredded cheese.
- Spread the sautéed zucchini in the prepared dish, scatter halved tomatoes on top, and pour the egg mixture over everything.
- Gently shake the dish to level the mixture. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the center is set and the top is golden.
- Let cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Add sautéed onions, spinach, or bell peppers for more vegetables.
- Use half-and-half for a richer texture.
- Swap in feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist.
- Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for spice.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Best not frozen due to texture change.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 215mg