Mediterranean Fridge-Cleanout Quiche – Zero Waste, Maximum Yum

Table of Contents

Total Time: 45 minutes (10 minutes prep, 35 minutes bake)
Serves: 4

This Mediterranean Fridge-Cleanout Quiche is a simple, flexible recipe designed to help you turn leftovers into something fresh and delicious. Whether you’ve got a handful of spinach, the last of some cheese, or a few bits of cooked chicken, this quiche brings it all together in one golden, fluffy bake. It’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or an easy weeknight dinner — and a great way to cut down on food waste while making something genuinely satisfying.

Ingredients

4 large eggs

1 cup milk (or cream for extra richness)

1 cup chopped leftover or raw veggies (like spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, tomatoes, peppers, etc.)

½ cup shredded cheese (any kind — cheddar, mozzarella, feta, or a mix)

½ cup diced cooked meat (optional: chicken, ham, sausage, etc.)

Salt and pepper, to taste

¼ tsp onion or garlic powder (optional)

1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the dish)

Instructions

Preheat the oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or baking dish with olive oil.

Mix the base:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or cream), salt, pepper, and onion or garlic powder until smooth and well combined.

Add your fillings:
Stir in the chopped veggies, shredded cheese, and cooked meat (if using). Make sure everything is evenly coated in the egg mixture.

Assemble and bake:
Pour the mixture into your greased dish. Spread evenly with a spoon or spatula.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the center is set.

Cool and serve:
Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled — it’s tasty any way you like it.

Tips & Variations

Choose Your Veggies Wisely:
You can use almost any leftover or raw vegetables. Just remember:

Watery veggies like tomatoes or zucchini should be drained or lightly sautéed first to prevent sogginess.

Hearty veggies like broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or peppers work great either raw or pre-cooked.

Make It More Mediterranean:
Add a few classic Mediterranean touches:

Cheese options: Feta, goat cheese, or mozzarella.

Veggies: Spinach, cherry tomatoes, artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.

Extras: A sprinkle of oregano or thyme, and a drizzle of olive oil before baking.

Lighten It Up:
Use low-fat milk instead of cream and skip the meat if you want a lighter version. It’ll still be rich and flavorful from the eggs and cheese.

Add Protein Power:
If you have leftover cooked chicken, turkey, sausage, or even flaked tuna, toss it in. It turns the quiche into a complete, filling meal.

Flavor Boosters:
A little goes a long way — try adding a teaspoon of pesto, a pinch of chili flakes, or a few olives for an extra punch.

Texture Tips:
For a firmer texture, bake a few minutes longer. If you prefer it creamier, pull it out as soon as the center sets.

Dairy-Free or Vegetarian Options:

Dairy-free: Use a plant-based milk (like almond, oat, or soy) and a vegan cheese alternative or skip the cheese entirely.

Vegetarian: Leave out the meat and double up on veggies.

Crust or Crustless:
This recipe is crustless by default, but if you have a pie crust on hand, blind-bake it for 10 minutes first, then pour in your quiche mixture for a more classic presentation.

Make-Ahead & Storage:

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Slice into portions, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until warmed through.

Serving Ideas:
Pair it with a light Mediterranean salad, some toasted bread, or a side of roasted potatoes for a complete meal.

Q&A

Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?
A: Yes, just thaw them first and pat them dry. This keeps extra moisture from making the quiche watery.

Q: How can I tell when the quiche is done?
A: The center should be set and slightly firm to the touch. If you insert a knife or toothpick in the middle, it should come out clean.

Q: Can I make this quiche ahead of time?
A: Definitely. You can bake it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Q: Can I skip the meat?
A: Of course. The quiche tastes great with just veggies and cheese. Add extra mushrooms or spinach to make it more filling.

Q: What if I don’t have milk or cream?
A: You can use any liquid dairy substitute, like oat milk, almond milk, or even plain yogurt thinned with a little water.

Nutrition

(per serving, based on 4 servings)

(Values will vary depending on your ingredients.)

Calories: ~210

Protein: 13g

Fat: 15g

Carbohydrates: 5g

Fiber: 1g

Sugar: 3g

Sodium: ~260mg

Conclusion

The Mediterranean Fridge-Cleanout Quiche is proof that good food doesn’t need to be complicated or wasteful. With just a few eggs, some milk, and whatever leftovers you have, you can create a warm, satisfying dish that’s both nourishing and sustainable. It’s perfect for busy days, lazy weekends, or when you’re trying to stretch ingredients before your next grocery run.

Each bite is full of flavor, texture, and that unmistakable Mediterranean comfort — a simple way to make something special out of what you already have.