Crunchy Crouton Crisp Recipe
Description:
This delightful dish, originating from the “Cook’s Nook” column of our local newspaper, is a savory and healthy treat that brings together the heartiness of bread cubes, the crispiness of croutons, and the creaminess of a cheesy, vegetable-filled filling. It’s perfect for a light lunch or a unique side dish, and it’s sure to impress anyone at your dinner table. The combination of flavors is comforting yet exciting, and it’s easy to prepare in under an hour. While it’s recommended to use a quiche pan, you can always opt for a 10″ pie plate and increase the bread cubes to 7 cups for a fuller crust.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings
Recipe Category: Healthy
Keywords: <60 mins, Oven
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Onion | 1 medium, diced |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Dried Thyme | 1/2 tsp |
| Eggs | 6 large |
| Broccoli Florets | 5 cups |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Cheddar Cheese | 3/4 cup, shredded |
| Carrot | 1 medium, grated |
| Chicken Stock | 1/2 cup |
| Red Pepper | 1/2 small, diced |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 885.6 kcal |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 190.1 mg |
| Sodium | 1436 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 138.2 g |
| Fiber | 6.3 g |
| Sugar | 8.1 g |
| Protein | 41 g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Crust:
Begin by melting butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and dried thyme. Stir occasionally, allowing the ingredients to soften and become fragrant. This should take about 3 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. -
Combine the Bread:
Transfer the onion, garlic, and thyme mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the bread cubes into the bowl and toss them together to combine. The bread should be coated with the butter and seasoning mixture. -
Prepare the Mixture:
Pour the chicken stock into the bread mixture, followed by one of the eggs. Toss the ingredients together to ensure that the bread is well-coated and the stock is absorbed. Gently press the mixture into the bottom and sides of a greased 10″ quiche pan or pie plate. Form the bread mixture into a shell that will hold the vegetable filling. -
Bake the Shell:
Place the pan in the oven and bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the crust becomes light golden brown. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t overbake. -
Prepare the Broccoli:
While the crust is baking, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for about 2 minutes until they are tender yet still vibrant green. Drain the broccoli and immediately rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Pat the broccoli dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. -
Make the Filling:
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk the remaining five eggs and add the milk. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in the cooked broccoli, 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, grated carrot, and diced red pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients. -
Assemble the Dish:
Once the crust is baked, pour the vegetable and egg mixture into the prepared shell. Spread the filling evenly across the surface. Top with the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for a rich, melty finish. -
Bake the Crisp:
Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake the dish for approximately 40 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center of the crust comes out clean. The filling should be set and slightly puffed up, and the cheese should be golden and bubbling. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Allow the Crunchy Crouton Crisp to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy the rich, savory flavors in every bite.
Note: If using a 10″ pie plate instead of a quiche pan, increase the amount of bread cubes to 7 cups to ensure a fuller crust that holds the filling well. This recipe serves 6, but feel free to scale it up or down depending on your needs. It’s perfect for meal prepping, and leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
This Crunchy Crouton Crisp is the perfect balance of texture and flavor. The crispy bread crust provides a hearty base, while the creamy, cheesy filling with vibrant broccoli and carrots brings the dish to life. It’s healthy, satisfying, and easy to make, making it an excellent addition to any meal. Whether enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
