Mary Berry Vegetable Quiche Recipe – Easy, Classic, and Full of Flavor

There’s something timeless about a homemade quiche. Flaky pastry, creamy custard, and colorful vegetables come together in a dish that feels just as welcome at a Sunday brunch as it does in a picnic basket. I first tried Mary Berry’s vegetable quiche on a lazy spring afternoon, and since then, it’s been a staple in my kitchen.

What I love most is how versatile it is. You can swap vegetables depending on the season, serve it warm or cold, and it always slices beautifully. It’s a true Mary Berry recipe: simple steps, fuss-free, but guaranteed delicious.


What is Mary Berry’s Vegetable Quiche?

Mary Berry’s vegetable quiche is a savory tart made with buttery shortcrust pastry, sautéed vegetables, and a creamy custard of eggs, cream, and milk. Topped with golden melted cheese, it bakes into a light yet satisfying dish with a crisp base and rich filling.

This classic quiche is endlessly adaptable — make it vegetarian, lighten it up, or add extra herbs for flavor.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect for every occasion – brunch, picnics, light dinners, or lunchboxes.
  • Great make-ahead dish – delicious hot or cold.
  • Buttery, flaky pastry – blind-baked for the perfect crisp crust.
  • Rich but balanced filling – creamy custard without being heavy.
  • Flexible with vegetables – use whatever’s in season or your fridge.

Ingredients for Mary Berry Vegetable Quiche

For the Pastry:

  • 225g (1¾ cups) plain flour
  • 100g cold butter, cubed
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2–3 tbsp cold water

For the Filling:

  • 300g mixed vegetables (red pepper, courgette, onion, mushrooms, spinach, etc.)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 200ml double cream
  • 100ml whole milk
  • 100g mature cheddar (or a mix with Gruyère)
  • Salt + black pepper to taste
  • Optional: parsley, thyme, or chives

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pastry

  1. Rub flour and butter with fingertips until mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
  2. Add cold water, 1 tbsp at a time, until dough forms.
  3. Wrap and chill for 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan) / 400°F.
  2. Roll pastry, line a 9-inch tart tin, prick base.
  3. Blind bake with parchment + baking beans for 15 minutes.
  4. Remove beans, bake another 5–7 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

  1. Chop vegetables evenly.
  2. Heat olive oil, sauté veg for 5–7 minutes until softened.
  3. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Cool slightly.

Step 4: Make the Custard

Whisk eggs, cream, and milk until smooth. Season lightly.

Step 5: Assemble the Quiche

  1. Spread cooled vegetables into pastry case.
  2. Sprinkle cheese over the vegetables.
  3. Pour custard mixture over gently.

Step 6: Bake

  1. Reduce oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F.
  2. Bake 30–35 minutes until custard is set and golden.
  3. Cool slightly before slicing.

vegetable quiche

What to Serve with Mary Berry Vegetable Quiche

  • Fresh green salad with vinaigrette
  • Baby potatoes or potato salad
  • Pickled vegetables for a tangy side
  • Seasonal fruit platter
  • Crusty baguette

Expert Tips for Success

  • Chill pastry before rolling – prevents shrinking.
  • Blind bake – ensures a crisp, non-soggy base.
  • Cool veggies first – avoids watery filling.
  • Don’t overfill with custard – leave a small gap at the top.
  • Let it rest – easier to slice and serve.

Variations

  • Add goat cheese or feta for tang.
  • Use roasted tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for depth.
  • Try spinach + mushrooms for an earthy combo.
  • Make it crustless for a lighter, low-carb option.
  • Swap cream for oat milk and dairy-free cheese for a vegan-style version.

Storage & Reheating

  • Fridge: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
  • Freeze: Slice, wrap individually, freeze up to 2 months.
  • Reheat: 160°C oven for 15–20 minutes; avoid overcooking.

FAQ

Q: What makes Mary Berry’s vegetable quiche different from other quiche recipes?
Mary Berry’s quiche is known for its simple shortcrust pastry, creamy egg custard, and fresh seasonal vegetables. Her method ensures a crisp base and a rich yet light filling, making it one of the best traditional British quiche recipes.

Q: Should I blind bake pastry for vegetable quiche?
Yes — blind baking is essential when making Mary Berry’s vegetable quiche. It prevents the base from becoming soggy once the custard filling is added, giving you a crisp and buttery crust every time.

Q: Do I need to cook vegetables before adding them to quiche?
Absolutely. Sautéing vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, courgettes, or peppers before adding them to the pastry removes excess moisture and enhances flavor, helping the quiche set properly.

Q: Can I make Mary Berry vegetable quiche without cream?
Yes. While Mary Berry’s original quiche recipe uses cream for richness, you can substitute with whole milk, half-and-half, or even a mix of Greek yogurt and milk for a lighter but still creamy quiche filling.

Q: What cheese works best in a vegetable quiche?
Mary Berry’s recipe recommends cheddar or Gruyère for their strong flavor and melting quality. However, feta, goat cheese, or even mozzarella can be used depending on the flavor you prefer.

Q: Can I freeze Mary Berry’s vegetable quiche?
Yes. To freeze, cool the quiche completely, slice into portions, wrap individually in cling film, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for the best results.

Q: How do I stop quiche from being watery?
The most common causes of watery quiche are undercooked vegetables or too much dairy in the custard. Always pre-cook and cool vegetables before adding, and stick to the recommended cream-to-milk ratio for a firm custard.

Q: Is Mary Berry’s vegetable quiche healthy?
This quiche is rich but can be made healthier. Use wholemeal flour for the pastry, reduced-fat cheese, more vegetables, and substitute milk for some of the cream. You can also make a crustless quiche for a lower-carb option.

Q: How long does homemade vegetable quiche last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, Mary Berry’s quiche will keep fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices and reheat when needed.

Q: What can I serve with vegetable quiche?
Mary Berry’s quiche pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted baby potatoes, pickled vegetables, or fresh fruit. For a light brunch, serve with a baguette or seasonal side salad.


Similar Recipes You May Like


Mary Berry Vegetable Quiche – Easy, Classic, and Full of Flavor

Course: Main CourseCuisine: British
Servings

6-8

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

35

minutes
Calories

350

kcal

Ingredients

  • 225g plain flour

  • 100g cold butter, cubed

  • Pinch of salt

  • 2–3 tbsp cold water

  • 300g mixed vegetables (red pepper, courgette, mushrooms, spinach, etc.)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 4 large eggs

  • 200ml double cream

  • 100ml whole milk

  • 100g grated mature cheddar

  • Salt + pepper

Directions

  • Make and chill pastry.
  • Blind bake crust at 200°C / 400°F.
  • Sauté vegetables, season, and cool.
  • Whisk custard: eggs, cream, milk, seasoning.
  • Layer vegetables + cheese in crust, pour custard.
  • Bake at 180°C / 350°F for 30–35 mins.
  • Cool slightly, then slice and serve.