Imagine a quiche so light and custardy it practically melts in your mouth — bursting with the sweetness of corn, the brightness of fresh cilantro, and the savory richness of cheese. This Crustless Corn Cilantro Quiche is the perfect blend of French-inspired elegance and modern, healthy cooking.
No crust means fewer carbs, faster prep, and a gluten-free dish that’s as perfect for brunch as it is for a quick weeknight dinner.
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or impressing guests at a weekend gathering, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort — all while keeping things wholesome and budget-friendly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Gluten-Free & Low-Carb Friendly – No pastry means fewer carbs and no wheat.
- Quick & Simple – From prep to table in under an hour.
- Meal-Prep Friendly – Store in the fridge or freeze for easy meals.
- Customizable – Works with your favorite cheese, herbs, and veggies.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Here’s the science and flavor behind each ingredient — because understanding why makes your cooking better:
| Ingredient | Role in the Recipe | Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh corn kernels (1 ½ cups) | Sweetness, texture, and natural juiciness | Frozen corn (thawed & drained) or canned corn (rinsed & drained) |
| Fresh cilantro (½ cup, chopped) | Herbaceous freshness, balances the richness of eggs and cheese | Parsley, basil, or chives |
| Large eggs (6) | The backbone of the custard, binding the quiche together | For vegan, use chickpea flour batter or JUST Egg |
| Milk (1 cup) | Lightens the texture of the custard | Dairy-free milk (unsweetened almond, oat, or soy) |
| Cheese (1 cup, shredded) | Adds creaminess, richness, and savory depth | Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Gruyère |
| Onion (½ cup, finely diced) | Adds aromatic sweetness | Shallots or leeks |
| Salt & pepper | Balances and enhances all flavors | Adjust to taste |
| Olive oil or butter | Used to sauté vegetables | Any neutral oil |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or quiche pan.
2. Sauté Vegetables
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions, cook until translucent (about 4–5 minutes).
- Stir in corn and cook for another 2–3 minutes to release sweetness.
- Remove from heat, stir in chopped cilantro.
3. Make the Egg Mixture
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs until frothy — this traps air, making the quiche lighter.
- Add milk, salt, and pepper, whisk again until well combined.
4. Assemble
- Spread sautéed vegetables evenly in the prepared dish.
- Sprinkle cheese over the top.
- Pour egg mixture over everything.
5. Bake
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the center is just set and a knife inserted comes out clean.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing — this helps the quiche hold together.
Chef’s Tips for the Perfect Quiche
- Avoid Watery Quiche – Drain vegetables well before adding.
- Extra Flavor Boost – Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the egg mixture.
- Ultra-Creamy Texture – Replace half the milk with cream.
- Make Ahead – Bake, cool, slice, and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
(Based on 6 servings, made with whole milk and cheddar cheese)
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a light brunch.
- Serve with roasted potatoes for a hearty breakfast.
- Enjoy cold as part of a lunchbox meal.
- Top with fresh salsa for a Southwest twist.
Storage & Freezing
- Refrigerate: Up to 4 days, tightly covered.
- Freeze: Slice, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes — use unsweetened almond milk and vegan cheese.
Q: Can I use only egg whites?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly less rich. Use 10 egg whites in place of 6 whole eggs.
Q: How do I know when it’s done?
The center should be set but still slightly jiggly — it will finish setting as it cools.
Final Thoughts
This Crustless Corn Cilantro Quiche is proof that simple ingredients can create restaurant-quality results when handled with care. From its creamy, custard-like texture to the balance of sweet corn and fresh herbs, every bite is a reminder that healthy can still mean deeply satisfying.
Serve it fresh from the oven, prep it ahead, or pack it for lunch — no matter how you enjoy it, this quiche will be a keeper in your recipe collection.
