Sometimes you can’t beat a homemade quiche with a baked potato and a nice fresh salad, but it always takes me longer to make a quiche than I think it will! Which is why I was very excited to ‘discover’ this amazing (magic?) crustless quiche. The Aussies call it ‘impossible quiche’! Read on to find out why, and how to make it…
All quiches are easy to make… right?
A big thumbs down for traditional homemade quiche!
Whenever I make quiche, which we all enjoy in our family (including our super picky toddler!), I find it surprisingly time consuming to make.
I also find the end result varies.
I’m sure it’s just me, but I often end up with holes in my pastry (aka half the filling dripping out onto the oven – oops. See this post. Delicious quiche, terrible photos desperately in need of an update!).
Or I undercook or overcook the filling.
Even if everything goes swimmingly and my quiche is perfect, it takes ti-iiiiii-me. Especially if I make my own pastry.
So now… I either make THESE mini quiche lorraine, because you don’t have to precook the pastry or fillings, or I make THIS crustless quiche.
Impossible Quiche!
Have you ever heard of impossible quiche? I’ve only ever seen recipes for it in Australia, but it’s pretty well known there, and for good reason. It’s a delicious quiche – and a little bit different!
Most crustless quiche recipes I find a bit too interchangeable with a frittata. The thing that makes this recipe different is that you add flour to the egg mixture.
The idea is that the flour sinks to the bottom of the quiche during cooking and makes a very light ‘crust’.
Quiche or souffle?
I say crust, but really I’d describe it as a sort of pancake-y layer that’s slightly heavier than the rest of the quiche. Sometimes it’s a bit more defined than other times.
I think it might depend of the type of fillings that you add to the quiche, and whether or not they are cooked.
Either way the quiche is delicious. If the flour doesn’t sink so much, I find that the eggy mixture has a slightly different texture to a regular quiche – almost like a souffle! The top of the quiche is also a bit crunchier than usual. As some of the flour stays on the top, it forms a kind of light batter topping.
This quiche reheats really well, and when you reheat it the top gets even more deliciously crunchy. Try it and see!
Erm… but what’s Impossible Quiche?
If I’m totally honest I don’t know why this is called impossible quiche. At first I thought it was because of the thin ‘crust’ that forms at the bottom, as if by magic!
But this feature of the quiche is subtle, and like I said before seems to depend on what fillings you’ve added.
So maybe it’s because the quiche is ‘impossibly’ quick to make?
Lightly cook the onions and mushrooms (or whatever fillings you want to add), then pour everything into your quiche pan and cook it for just 30 minutes.
Caramelizing the onions. Mmmm, delicious!
Before…
After…
Of course it doesn’t really matter why it’s called what it’s called. The important thing is that it’s a really delicious quiche. Recently it’s become my go-to, and I wonder if it will become yours too if you give it a go!
Why is this the best crustless quiche?
To summarize, I think this is the very best crustless quiche because…
- It’s REALLY quick and easy to make, but it ISN’T just another frittata!
- It seems really cheesy, even though there isn’t that much cheese in it – almost like a souffle.
- This particular quiche is made with ham (so no pre-cooking!), mushrooms, and the most amazing caramelized onions.
- If you’re lucky there’s a kind of magic thin crust on the bottom of your quiche.
- Sometimes, when I’m feeling especially lazy or short on time, I don’t pre-cook any of the veggies. I just add finely chopped onions, peppers and chopped cherry tomatoes (as well as ham and cheese, of course!). Surprisingly I seem to end up with the best ‘magic crust’ on the bottom of the quiche when I do this.
- You use milk to make this quiche, not cream. So it’s a little lighter than a regular quiche – but no less delicious!
- This crustless quiche reheats really well. If anything it’s more delicious when reheated!
So next time you’re craving a quiche, I challenge you to ditch your regular recipe (or store-bought go-to!) and give this crustless quiche a chance.
What to serve with a crustless quiche
Our favourite way to eat quiche is with a baked potato and salad. Don’t forget the coleslaw – trust me, it’s the icing on the cake 😉
Another easy quiche recipe for you!
If you’re loving the easy quiche vibe in the post, but would rather keep the crust…
- try these easy mini quiche lorraine! They do have pastry, but you don’t need to pre-cook it. In fact you don’t pre-cook anything. The quiches are super super quick and easy, contain only 6 ingredients, and are perfect for freezing and/or taking along to parties!
The very best crustless quiche (Impossible Quiche!)
Equipment (affiliate links)
Ingredients (UK/Australia? Click below for grams/ml)
- 1 onion sliced thinly
- 1 tablespoon butter for cooking
- 5 ounces mushrooms (around 4 medium mushrooms)
- 3½ ounces ham chopped
- 1 cup grated cheese (strong cheddar cheeses or similar work well)
- ½ cup self-raising flour
- 1½ cups milk
- 4 eggs lightly whisked
- 2 teaspoons mustard (I usually use wholegrain, but any mustard works)
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 390F / 200C.
- Melt the butter in a large frying pan or saucepan, then cook the onions slowly for about 10 minutes or until soft and beginning to caramelize.
- Add the mushrooms to the onions in the pan and cook for a further couple of minutes.
- Grease a standard quiche dish (or other round pan) with a little butter, then spread the onions and mushrooms evenly over the bottom. Scatter over the chopped ham and cheese.
- Slowly add the milk to the flour in a large jug. Whisk continuously so that there are no lumps, then whisk in the eggs, mustard, and salt and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture over the fillings in the dish/pan, then bake for 30 (to 40) minutes or until the mixture is just cooked in the centre. Slice and serve!
Notes
A note on the fillings
The amount/type of fillings in this recipe are just a guideline. You could easily make a more traditional quiche lorraine with just bacon, onions and cheese if you prefer. To make this quiche even quicker and easier, don’t pre-cook a single thing! I’ve made it with just finely chopped raw onion and peppers, halved cherry tomatoes, and lots of cheese! Interestingly, this made for the best ‘magic crust’ on the bottom. Or add things like: leftover cooked roasted vegetables (I often add these)asparagus (no need to pre-cook)
chopped spinach (blanched and squeezed) & cubes of feta cheese
Lisa says
Has anyone tried using almond flour? just curious as to what the ratio would be. Looking for GF, lectin-free options!
Helen says
Hello Lisa! I’ve never tried this with almond flour, but someone did report almond flour working with my zucchini slice recipe, which is based on a similar principle of mixing a little flour with egg to make a ‘crust’. I have a feeling you’d get more of a souffle texture rather than a ‘crust’ at the bottom, but I’d love to know how it turns out for you if you do try it.
Lydie says
I had a lot of frozen vegetables that I desperately wanted to finish without having to eat roasted vegs every night, and this recipe was absolutely excellent! It’s simple, no-fuss, delicious and infinitely customisable! Thank you very much
Helen says
Hello Lydie! I’m so glad I could help you out with those leftover veggies! Those are the things I love about this recipe too. Thank you so much for the feedback! 🙂
Margaret Filippi says
Made this last night – IT WAS PERFECT – followed recipe exactly using some leftovers. Only problem I had was too much filling to fit in pan so saved it for today and had French Toast for breakfast to use it up.
Also perfect. Thanks for a great recipe.
Helen says
Hello Margaret! So happy this was a hit! It’s perfect for using up leftovers, and sounds like your problem was a good one to have in the end. Thanks so much for the feedback! 🙂
Karen says
What a great quiche! I added smoked bacon instead of the ham, it was scrummy! Thanks very much for the recipe, look forward to trying some more of your suggestions! 👍😁
Helen says
Hello Karen, and thank you so much for your great feedback! Ooh yes it’s delicious with bacon too – more like a classic quiche lorraine. So happy you’re going to try some more recipes. Sign up if you’d like to get emailed when I post anything new 😉
Linda says
Can you use cream instead of milk?
Helen says
Hello Linda! Yes absolutely! You might find that the texture is more souffle like though and the ‘crust’ might not form on the bottom as the egg mixture will be a bit heavier. It’ll definitely still be delicious though!
Stacey says
Hi there,
My quiche was a little bit stodgy but I’m not sure why. Any suggestions please?
Thank you
Stacey
Helen says
Hello Stacey! Did you make the classic quiche lorraine? Sometimes I find the flour doesn’t sink to the bottom if there’s a lot of filling. I don’t find it ‘stodgy’ though – more like a souffle! Try reducing the amount of flour slightly. It could just be personal taste! 🙂
Stacey says
Thanks so for your reply Helen. Yes I wondered if reducing the flour might help so I’ll try that and see how we go.
Toodles 😊
Helen says
Maybe go a little easy on the filling too and see if that makes a difference. And have a great weekend!
Dorothy Hall says
I agree this is such a great recipe. I have found that if I reheat in a lightly greased frying pan on low with a lid on, it crisps up the base beautifully – just like pastry.
Helen says
Oooh wow, what a great idea Dorothy – I’m going to try that next time! Thank you so much for the idea, and I’m so glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Debi 🇨🇦 says
Helen, thank you so much for this recipe. I was so excited when I saw the name. My grandmother used to make Impossible Pie and sadly I lost the recipe. Can’t wait to try this!
Helen says
Hi Debi! Aw, so happy to hear this story! I’d love to know how you get on when you make it. We love it, and it’s a really adaptable recipe 🙂
Helen Bredell says
Hi Helen,
After the success of your crustless quiche, I’d like to be a bit more adventurous (!) I have a Muslim friend and obviously bacon or ham is a no no. So a spinach and feta seems to be perfect, except I’ve never made one. What quantities of feta and spinach do I use? I have to say that most bought so called feta and spinach quiches have very little feta, if any.
Once again, thanks for introducing me to this no fail quiche.
Helen says
Hello Helen! What a great question! I’m so happy you enjoyed the quiche so much and are thinking about adapting it for your friend 🙂 This is such an adaptable recipe. If it were me making it I’d literally just throw it in until it looked enough, but I know that’s a bit hit and miss!! As a general guide I’d sprinkle in at least half a packet of feta, so about 100 grams. See how it looks in the mixture and if that doesn’t seem enough, throw in another 25 to 50 grams. As for the spinach, I’d get a 100 gram (3.5 ounce) packet and throw it in a colander. Pour boiling water over it, rinse in cold water then squeeze out as much of the water as you can (just with your hands is OK). This way the spinach won’t make the quiche too watery 😉 . let me know how you get on if you have a moment, Helen. I’m really interested to hear how it goes! 🙂
Helen Bredell says
Thank you, I’ll let you know. I might not make it immediately, but would have no idea of quantities. So I don’t have to chop the spinach?
Helen says
Hello Helen! No don’t worry about chopping it although you can a little if you like. Just squeeze out as much water as you can. Enjoy!
Rhi Live says
Just tried this and it’s delicious! I ditched the ham for cherry tomatoes but otherwise stuck to it and will definitely be making it again! Out of interest what’s a portion size for calories provided? I’ve eaten a quarter and so tempted to have one more slither but know I’ve probably already had too much portion wise really but so nice xx
Helen says
Hi Rhi! I’m so glad you enjoyed this! I’m particularly pleased that you feel like you want to eat the lot… hahaha! The nutrition info is for 1/8 of a quiche, so half of each quarter (over-explaining!!). Each piece is pretty low calorie really as there’s no pastry or heavy cream, so go on, have another slice!! 😉
Rhi Live says
Thanks for this, I’ve frozen into quarters and have with salad instead of a jacket to even out the calories! Going to try the feta idea too above, would you replace the grated cheese with the feta or use both??
Helen says
I’d just stick with feta but it’s totally up to you. Enjoy!
Helen Bredell says
Wonderful, used it for a lunch with a friend, who doesn’t like pastry. Quiche is usually one of my go-to recipes for a lunch. Never again, will I do a conventional quiche.
Thank you.
PS Different Helen!!!
Helen says
Hello Helen (great name!), so happy that you enjoyed this with your friend. I always used to think that crustless quiche equalled boring but I like how this is sort of a cross between crustless and traditional. Thanks so much for the feedback!
Sharon says
Has anyone made this with gf flour? I used Bob’s 1to 1 and it was disappointing. It just wasn’t the right texture. I’m wondering if I overcooked it -the knife came out clean-or if anyone has had luck with a different GF flour mix?
Helen says
Hi Sharon! I’ve never made this with gluten free flour so I’m interested to hear if anyone else has tried it and had different results. Maybe do try cooking for slightly less time and seeing if that makes a difference 🙂
Melissa says
By mustard, you mean dry right? Just double checking! Thank you!
Helen says
Hi Melissa! Actually I usually use mustard from a jar. Wholegrain works well but I’ve also used Dijon. Dry would be absolutely fine too, though. Whatever you have – it’s just for the taste. Enjoy!
Leigh says
The most delicious quiche ever, I’ll never make a crusted one again . With thanks.
Helen says
Hello Leigh and thank you so much for this review. It’s pretty surprising how nice this quiche is, isn’t it? 😉
Terry Chamney says
Thankyou Sooooo much for this recipe. The basics are great and I have become a major fan, filling with basically anything I like at the time which started when looking for a way of using some leftover snags. Cut these up with a variety of veges, add the egg mixture and the magic happens. YUMMO!!!
Helen says
Thanks, Terry! Love that you love it so much! I’ve made it with leftover sausages before too – definitely a favourite! A few cherry tomatoes goes well in the sossie version, I find. Thanks for the feedback!
Meg T says
Impossible meaning they are impossible to get wrong they are so easy! Impossible pie, impossible quiche……
Thanks for the recipe, It is a go to for us
Helen says
Thank you Meg! So glad you enjoy it!
bev says
I remember making “impossibles” growing up, a decided it was time to introduce my kids to them, but, alas, I had no Bisquick. I found your version – brilliant to just use self-rising flour!! And I like that it is more wholesome than a pie crust or Bisquick, too. We whipped up a spinach & mushroom and a roasted veg. DEE-lish – even better than I remember! Thank you!!
Helen says
Those versions both sound absolutely delicious Bev. It’s not the first time someone has said they like this better than the Bisquick version. Thanks so much for the feedback!
Leonie says
Have just taken this out of the oven ist time I have made ,turned out great,will make this again and add lots of other things! looks delicious. Added zucchini cherry tomato’s and added some parmasen cheese !
Helen says
Hello Leonie. Thank you so much for the feedback. I just made this again the other day too and included zucchini. I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Lori says
I have made this a few times. It’s the perfect recipe for me. I don’t look forward to making pie crusts, and can never remember to pick them up at the store. This is a simple, delicious recipe, which you can change up, and add different veggies. I have not had any complaints yet, but many compliments. Thank you for sharing and God Bless America.
Helen says
Hi Lori. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your feedback. I really appreciate it! I hope you have a happy and healthy holiday period and New Year!