These Low Calorie Gluten Free Mini Quiches are a small, flavorful bite that works for breakfast, brunch, or a protein-packed snack. They are crustless to keep calories down and are naturally gluten-free, so they’re quick to make and travel well. I’ve made dozens of batches, tweaking the egg-to-milk ratio and fillings until each quiche stays tender and never rubbery.
Why Make This Recipe
- Low calorie: crustless cups cut calories while keeping protein high.
- Gluten-free and adaptable for dairy-free diets when needed.
- Quick and convenient: bake a dozen in about 30 minutes and refrigerate or freeze extras.
- Great for meal prep and parties — they reheat well and hold their shape.
- Personal insight: I love these because they’re forgiving — swap fillings freely and they still turn out great.
Recipe Overview
- Prep time: 15 minutes (includes chopping and pre-cooking veggies)
- Cook time: 15–18 minutes
- Total time: 30–35 minutes
- Servings: 12 mini quiches (standard mini muffin pan)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Method: Whisk eggs and milk, mix in fillings, spoon into a greased or lined mini muffin tin, and bake at 375°F (190°C).
My Experience Making This Recipe
On my first test run the quiches were a touch wet in the middle; I fixed that by lightly sautéing mushrooms and bell peppers to remove excess moisture. After adjusting the egg-to-liquid ratio and baking time, I landed on a reliable method that yields tender, set quiches every time.
How to Make Low Calorie Gluten Free Mini Quiches
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 12-cup mini muffin pan or using silicone liners. Whisk 6 large eggs with 1/2 cup skim milk or unsweetened almond milk, then season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Fold in 1 cup packed chopped spinach (or 3/4 cup cooked and squeezed), 1/2 cup finely diced bell pepper, 1/3 cup cooked diced turkey ham (or bacon), and 1/4 cup reduced-fat cheddar if using. Spoon the mixture roughly 3/4 full into each cup and bake 15–18 minutes until centers are set and edges are lightly golden. Let cool 5 minutes before removing.
Key techniques: gently cook high-moisture vegetables first to avoid watery custard, and avoid overwhisking the eggs to keep texture creamy.
Expert Tips for Success
- Custard ratio matters: aim for about 6 eggs to 1/2 cup liquid for 12 minis — more liquid makes them runny.
- Precook and drain veggies: mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers release water; sauté briefly over medium-high heat and squeeze out liquid.
- Use a non-stick mini muffin pan or silicone liners and a light spray of oil to prevent sticking and keep edges intact.
- Don’t overbake: remove when the center jiggles slightly; it will set as it cools and stay tender rather than rubbery.
- For general gluten-free baking confidence, check reliable troubleshooting tips like these gluten-free baking fixes: https://www.noglubread.com/halloween-gluten-free-bread-fails-fix/.
How to Serve Low Calorie Gluten Free Mini Quiches
- Serve warm for breakfast with a side salad or roasted cherry tomatoes.
- Pack 2–3 in a bento-style lunch with cut fruit and carrot sticks for a portable meal.
- Arrange on a platter for brunch or parties; garnish with chopped chives or microgreens for a fresh touch.
- Offer a small dipping sauce like a light yogurt-herb dressing or mustard on the side.
Storage and Reheating Guide
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Stack with parchment between layers to avoid sticking.
- Freeze cooled quiches individually on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat from refrigerated: microwave 20–30 seconds or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until warmed through.
- Reheat from frozen: bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes covered loosely with foil, or microwave in 30-second bursts until hot.
Recipe Variations
- Dairy-free: use unsweetened almond or oat milk and a dairy-free cheese or skip cheese entirely.
- Add a light crust: press a small circle of gluten-free puff pastry or press-fit pre-baked gluten-free pastry into mini tins, then fill and bake — watch time closely (reduce by 2–4 minutes).
- Vegetarian: swap ham for roasted mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes; add fresh basil.
- Vegan-friendly (tested alternative): make chickpea-flour “egg” custard — mix 1 1/4 cups chickpea flour with 1 1/4 cups water, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and seasonings; fold in cooked veggies, pour into tins, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes (see related vegan mini quiche ideas in conclusion).
Nutritional Highlights
- High in protein from eggs — a great way to keep calories low while staying full.
- Low-carb when crustless, suitable for low-carb meal plans.
- Allergen note: contains eggs; may contain dairy if using cheese. Naturally gluten-free when crustless or when using certified gluten-free pastry.
- Portion guidance: 1–2 mini quiches per person for a snack, 3–4 for a light meal.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Watery quiches: precook vegetables and blot them dry, and don’t add excess milk.
- Rubbery texture: remove quiches when centers are just set and slightly jiggly; they firm up as they cool.
- Sticking to pan: use silicone liners or liberally oil the pan and allow quiches to cool 3–5 minutes before removing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these ahead for a week of breakfasts?
A: Yes. Store cooled quiches in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes or microwave briefly. For longer storage, freeze and thaw overnight before reheating.
Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?
A: You can, but thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding. Frozen spinach or mixed vegetables work well after being pressed between paper towels.
Q: How do I convert this to a gluten-free crust?
A: Use a ready-made gluten-free pastry or make small tart shells from a gluten-free flour blend. Pre-bake shells for 6–8 minutes at 375°F (190°C) before filling to prevent sogginess, then reduce quiche baking time slightly.
Q: Can I double the recipe and bake in a regular muffin pan?
A: Yes—double the ingredients for a 24-cup batch. Use two pans or bake in two batches. For jumbo muffin pans, increase bake time to 20–25 minutes and test for doneness with a skewer.
Conclusion
Looking for more ways to vary mini quiches or find alternative crust and filling ideas? Check these helpful resources: the crustless, dairy-free option at Mini Crustless Quiche Recipe (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free) – Dish by Dish (https://www.dishbydish.net/mini-crustless-quiches/), savory gluten-free pastry ideas at Mini Quiche – Meat, Fish or Veg (with Gluten Free Pastry) – Party … (https://www.glutenfreealchemist.com/mini-quiches-bacon-cheddar-salmon/), a ham-focused low-carb cup recipe at Ham Quiche Cups {Low-carb, Gluten-free} – The Dinner-Mom (https://www.dinner-mom.com/ham-quiche-cups/), a light vegan take at 35-Calorie Mini Vegan Quiches (https://wallflowerkitchen.com/35-calorie-mini-vegan-quiches/), and a spinach-mushroom gluten-free variation at Gluten Free Healthy Spinach & Mushroom Quiche – Pinch of Wellness (https://pinchofwellness.com/healthy-gluten-free-quiche/). These links offer tested techniques and flavor ideas to expand your mini quiche repertoire.
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Low Calorie Gluten Free Mini Quiches
These Low Calorie Gluten Free Mini Quiches are a flavorful, crustless option perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a healthy snack.
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 cup skim milk or unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup packed chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup finely diced bell pepper
- 1/3 cup cooked diced turkey ham or bacon
- 1/4 cup reduced-fat cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 12-cup mini muffin pan or use silicone liners.
- Whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in chopped spinach, diced bell pepper, turkey ham (or bacon), and cheddar cheese if using.
- Spoon mixture into muffin cups, filling about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until centers are set and edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan.
Notes
For a dairy-free option, use unsweetened almond milk and skip cheese. Precook vegetables to reduce moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free