If you’re looking for a festive, fun, and unbelievably tasty appetizer to bring some holiday cheer to your kitchen, you’re going to want to try my Christmas Tree Mini Quiches with Broccoli and Goat Cheese Recipe. These little guys aren’t just adorable—they’re packed with flavor and have this perfect balance of fluffy potato crust, creamy goat cheese, and vibrant broccoli that will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll become a holiday tradition in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and Fun Presentation: The broccoli florets look like Christmas trees, making these mini quiches a charming centerpiece on your holiday table.
- Light yet Satisfying: The potato base is fluffy and gluten-free (when you swap in chickpea flour), paired perfectly with creamy goat cheese for rich flavor.
- Great Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the potato cups in advance and fill them later, which is a lifesaver for busy holiday prep.
- Kid-Approved and Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters in my family gobble these up, and I get tons of compliments every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Christmas Tree Mini Quiches with Broccoli and Goat Cheese Recipe lies in simple, fresh ingredients that complement each other beautifully. You’ll find that choosing the right potato and fresh romanesco broccoli makes a big difference in flavor and texture.
- Peeled Potato: I prefer starchy potatoes here for that light, almost fluffy texture in the crust.
- Romanesco Broccoli: Its natural pine tree shape is perfect for the Christmas theme and it’s mild in flavor.
- Eggs: These bind the quiches and make them rich and custardy inside.
- Flour: Chickpea flour is a great gluten-free swap that’s earthy and adds a nice texture.
- Olive Oil: It keeps everything moist and adds a subtle fruity note.
- Pomegranate Seeds: For that pop of color and sweet-tart finish on top of your mini Christmas trees.
- Fresh Goat Cheese: I love how it melts slightly but still holds its creamy tang—a perfect contrast to the potatoes.
- Milk (Optional): A little splash keeps the egg filling silky, but it’s totally okay to skip.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to bring all the flavors to life.
Variations
I like to tweak this Christmas Tree Mini Quiches with Broccoli and Goat Cheese Recipe depending on my mood or who’s coming over. Feel free to make it your own—it’s very adaptable!
- Cheese Swap: Sometimes I swap goat cheese for feta or sharp cheddar, which kids love but still keeps that tangy bite.
- Herb Boost: Adding fresh thyme or rosemary to the egg mixture adds a lovely fragrant twist that screams holiday vibes.
- Veggie Variations: You can add finely diced red bell peppers or sautéed mushrooms for extra texture and color.
- Gluten-Free Friendly: Use chickpea flour for a grain-free crust—makes the recipe inclusive and adds a subtle nuttiness.
How to Make Christmas Tree Mini Quiches with Broccoli and Goat Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Create the Perfect Potato Cups
Start by peeling and grating the potatoes using a fine-hole mandolin or a cheese grater—quick and easy. One trick I discovered: once grated, place the potato shreds into a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible; this helps avoid soggy quiches. Then, mix in the flour, olive oil, salt, and pepper thoroughly. Press this mixture firmly into the bottoms and up the sides of a greased or silicone muffin tray to shape your little cups. Bake these at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes until they start to set and get a little golden. This step helps build a stable base that won’t collapse later.
Step 2: Prepare Your Festive Broccoli ‘Pine Trees’
While your potato cups bake, bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cut the romanesco broccoli into small florets that look like miniature pine trees. I love this part because it’s like nature’s own Christmas decor! Blanch the florets in boiling water for around 2 minutes (you want them tender but still bright green). Then quickly transfer them to ice-cold water to keep that vivid color—this little blanch-and-shock trick always makes the veggies pop on the plate.
Step 3: Whisk and Fill
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and optional milk (I like the silky texture it adds), seasoning with salt and pepper. Pour this mixture into your half-baked potato cups, filling them about three-quarters full to leave room for expansion. Pop the tray back into the oven at 180°C (350°F) for another 15 minutes. Two minutes before they’re done, sprinkle on shredded goat cheese—this last-minute addition lets it soften and melt beautifully without turning oily.
Step 4: Assemble Your Edible Mini Christmas Trees
When the quiches come out, let them cool for just a couple of minutes to firm up so they don’t break. Then carefully remove from the tray. To make the festive charm complete, take a toothpick and pierce the bottom of each romanesco broccoli floret, pushing it into the quiche so it stands upright like a Christmas tree. Place a single pomegranate seed at the top of each floret for a festive, jewel-like ornament. And voilà — you’ve got the cutest Christmas Tree Mini Quiches with Broccoli and Goat Cheese ready to wow your guests!
Pro Tips for Making Christmas Tree Mini Quiches with Broccoli and Goat Cheese Recipe
- Squeeze That Potato Dry: This is the game changer to keep your crust crisp—not wet and soggy.
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Blanch just until tender-crisp; overcooking dulls the color and flavor.
- Add Cheese Last: Putting goat cheese on in the final minutes keeps it creamy without turning gritty or oily.
- Use Silicone Muffin Trays: They make removal so easy, helping you keep each mini quiche perfectly shaped.
How to Serve Christmas Tree Mini Quiches with Broccoli and Goat Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
I usually finish these off with those bright red pomegranate seeds because they add both a festive look and a little sweet contrast that makes every bite pop. Sometimes I sprinkle a bit of finely chopped fresh parsley or chives for some green freshness that brightens the flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
These mini quiches pair beautifully with a crisp mixed green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, or even a root vegetable soup if you’re serving a holiday brunch or dinner. I’ve also served them alongside smoked salmon or cured meats for a lovely holiday appetizer platter that never disappoints.
Creative Ways to Present
For extra fun, I sometimes cluster a batch of these quiches on a large platter as if it’s a mini forest—great for holiday parties! You can also place each quiche in a festive cupcake wrapper for individual servings or arrange them alongside sprigs of rosemary for a natural woodland look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. I find they keep well for up to 3 days without losing much of their charm. Just make sure to add the “Christmas tree” broccoli garnish fresh when reheating, so it stays crisp and colorful.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these mini quiches before with good success—freeze the fully cooked quiches without the broccoli trees, wrapped well in foil or plastic wrap. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh broccoli and pomegranate before serving. This trick works wonders for holidays when you need to prep ahead.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is in the oven at 160°C (325°F) for about 10 minutes, which keeps the crust crispy without drying out the filling. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that lovely texture and flavor. Always add the broccoli and garnish after reheating so they stay fresh and festive.
FAQs
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Can I use regular broccoli instead of romanesco for this recipe?
Absolutely! Regular broccoli works fine, but the romanesco’s unique shape adds a festive “Christmas tree” look that’s truly special. If presentation isn’t your main concern, standard broccoli florets will taste just as delicious.
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Is this Christmas Tree Mini Quiches with Broccoli and Goat Cheese Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you swap regular flour for chickpea flour, this recipe becomes gluten-free and still delicious. Chickpea flour adds a lovely earthy note that pairs well with the potatoes and goat cheese.
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Can I make these mini quiches vegan?
To make a vegan version, you’d need to substitute eggs with a plant-based binder like a chickpea flour batter or a commercial egg replacer and choose vegan cheese. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor will change quite a bit, but it’s worth experimenting if needed!
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How do I keep the quiches from sticking to the muffin tray?
I always grease the muffin tray well or use a silicone tray, which makes easing out the mini quiches much easier without breaking them. Also, letting them cool just a bit before removing helps them firm up and hold together better.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Christmas Tree Mini Quiches with Broccoli and Goat Cheese Recipe comes together—it’s simple, elegant, and strikes that perfect balance between healthy and indulgent. When I first made these, my family went crazy over the creative presentation and fresh flavors, and ever since, they’ve been my go-to holiday appetizer. If you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen, give this recipe a go. I promise, you’ll be glad you did!
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Christmas Tree Mini Quiches with Broccoli and Goat Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini quiches
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Christmas Tree Mini Quiches are a delightful holiday appetizer featuring crispy potato cups filled with fluffy egg custard, fresh goat cheese, and topped with vibrant Romanesco broccoli shaped like miniature pine trees. They offer a unique combination of textures and flavors that are sure to impress your guests while keeping the dish light and nutritious.
Ingredients
Potato Cups
- 700 grams (1.5 lb) peeled starchy potatoes
- 3 tablespoons flour (use chickpea flour for gluten-free version)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Filling
- 6 eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 romanesco broccoli
- 100 grams (3.5 oz) fresh goat cheese
- Few grains of pomegranate
Instructions
- Prepare Potato Cups: Peel and grate the potatoes using a fine hole mandolin or cheese grater. Place the grated potatoes in a clean towel and squeeze out all excess moisture. In a mixing bowl, combine the drained grated potatoes, flour, olive oil, salt, and pepper, mixing thoroughly to form a cohesive mixture. Grease or use a silicone muffin tray and press the potato mixture evenly into each cup to create the base. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes to partially cook and set the cups.
- Cook Romanesco Broccoli: While the potato cups bake, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cut the romanesco broccoli into small florets resembling pine trees. Add the florets to the boiling water and cook for 2 minutes or until tender but still crisp. Immediately transfer the florets to ice cold water to stop cooking and preserve the bright green color. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Egg Filling: In a bowl, whisk the eggs together with milk (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined. Pour the egg mixture into the partially baked potato cups, filling them to about halfway full. Return the tray to the oven and bake at 180°C (350°F) for another 15 minutes to cook the egg custard through.
- Add Goat Cheese: Approximately 2 minutes before the baking time is complete, sprinkle shredded fresh goat cheese evenly over the quiches to allow it to melt and slightly brown.
- Assemble Pine Tree Toppers: Insert a toothpick into the bottom of each Romanesco broccoli floret, ensuring the toothpick tip protrudes slightly as a handle. Top each floret with a single pomegranate grain to add a festive touch.
- Serve: Remove the quiches from the oven and allow them to cool for about 2 minutes. Carefully pop the mini quiches out of the muffin tray. Finally, insert the prepared Romanesco pine trees into the quiches using the toothpicks. Serve immediately and enjoy these charming holiday appetizers!
Notes
- These mini quiches are perfect for holiday parties and make an impressive appetizer with their festive presentation.
- Using chickpea flour instead of regular flour makes the recipe gluten-free.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute fresh goat cheese with a vegan cheese alternative.
- The potato cups can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving for convenience.
- Ensure you squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the grated potatoes to achieve a crisp base.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini quiche
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg