Ultimate Tomato, Arugula & Mozzarella Quiche: Your New Favorite Brunch or Dinner Recipe
Whether you’re a devoted brunch enthusiast, a fan of breakfast-for-dinner, or simply seeking a delightful savory dish, this **Tomato, Arugula, and Mozzarella Quiche** is an absolute culinary gem that you must experience! It boasts a wonderfully crispy whole wheat crust, providing the perfect foundation for a rich, flavorful filling. Layered within are fluffy eggs, sweet cherry tomatoes, peppery arugula, fragrant fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella. The combination is so incredibly cheesy and bursting with fresh flavors that many describe it as tasting more like a gourmet pizza than a traditional quiche!
Embracing the Flavors of Late Summer
Can you believe it’s already mid-August? This summer seems to be flying by, and with its quick pace, we’re already transitioning into the glorious bounty of late summer produce. Think plump blueberries, sweet figs, crisp corn, and, of course, the star of today’s recipe: vibrant, sun-ripened tomatoes! There’s something truly special about cooking with seasonal ingredients, and these juicy tomatoes bring an unparalleled freshness and sweetness to this incredible quiche. They are the heart of this dish, offering a burst of flavor that truly elevates every bite.
The Magic of a Crispy Whole Wheat Crust
While I often opt for the simplicity of a crustless quiche, some recipes truly shine with a well-made crust. This **Tomato, Arugula and Mozzarella Quiche** is one such dish! It features a thin, exceptionally crispy whole wheat crust, delicately seasoned with basil and garlic. Not only does the whole wheat flour add a delightful nutty flavor and a touch more fiber, but it also creates a satisfying texture that perfectly complements the soft, rich filling. Making this crust is surprisingly quick and easy, requiring minimal effort for maximum impact. It acts as the ideal savory base, holding all those incredible, pizza-like flavors together in every perfect slice.
Why This Quiche Will Remind You of Your Favorite Pizza
I can’t emphasize enough how much this particular quiche evokes the deliciousness of a classic pizza. For me, it’s the perfect savory marriage of two beloved comfort foods. Given my general preference for cheeses like goat cheese, feta, and parmesan, the luscious, melty mozzarella generously spread atop this quiche is a rare and welcome indulgence that instantly brings pizza to mind. Beyond the cheese, the vibrant combination of sweet tomatoes, aromatic fresh basil, and peppery arugula are staples on my ideal pizza. The way these ingredients interact within the rich egg base and crisp crust creates a familiar, comforting, and utterly delightful flavor profile that consistently tricks my taste buds into thinking it’s pizza night!
A Meal for Everyone: Solving Dinner Dilemmas and Loving Leftovers
Perhaps the absolute best part about this incredible quiche? My husband actually loves it! You might not realize how often we find ourselves preparing separate meals due to differing preferences. We always share a meal together, but it’s a constant juggling act of creating dishes that appeal to both of our palates. So, discovering a new go-to recipe that we both genuinely enjoy is a massive win and a huge time-saver in our busy lives. No more “what are *you* eating?” questions!
And as a delightful little bonus, this quiche makes fantastic leftovers. I recently enjoyed a slice cold for lunch, and to my pleasant surprise, the crust remained perfectly crispy. This makes it an ideal meal prep option, providing delicious, ready-to-eat breakfasts, lunches, or even light dinners throughout the week. It reheats beautifully, but honestly, it’s just as good straight from the fridge.
Essential Tips for Crafting Your Perfect Tomato and Mozzarella Quiche
To ensure your quiche turns out as absolutely perfect as possible, here are some key tips and insights to guide you through the process:
Achieving a Super Crispy Crust
- For an irresistibly crispy crust, I wholeheartedly recommend using a **cast iron pan**. My first attempt at this quiche was in a standard tart pan, and while still tasty, the crust didn’t achieve the desired level of crispness. A well-seasoned cast iron pan distributes heat evenly and helps to create that beautiful golden-brown, flaky crust that truly elevates this dish. Make sure it’s adequately greased!
The Importance of Very Cold Water for the Dough
- When preparing the crust, the water you use should be **exceptionally cold**. This is a crucial detail for achieving a tender, flaky crust. Cold water prevents the butter (or olive oil, in this case) from melting too quickly, which is essential for creating those delightful pockets of flakiness. My personal trick is to add a few ice cubes to the water and let it sit for a few minutes before incorporating it into the flour mixture. This ensures it’s truly chilled.
Choosing Your Mozzarella
- The mozzarella I specifically used in this recipe was **bocconcini**, which are small, delightful balls of fresh mozzarella. As the quiche bakes, these little bocconcini melt down beautifully, creating creamy pockets that perfectly embrace the cherry tomatoes. If bocconcini aren’t readily available, don’t fret! You can absolutely use torn or thinly sliced regular mozzarella. The goal is that wonderful, melty, cheesy goodness throughout the quiche.
Tomato Choices: Cherry vs. Sliced
- I typically use 2 cups of vibrant cherry tomatoes for this recipe, which provide a sweet burst with every bite. However, I’ve also had fantastic results using sliced Roma tomatoes (about 4-5 medium-sized ones). If cherry tomatoes aren’t in season or you simply prefer larger slices, go ahead and use sliced tomatoes. They pair wonderfully with the torn mozzarella, making a delicious and visually appealing quiche. The key is using fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor!
Serving Suggestions for Your Savory Quiche
This Tomato, Arugula, and Mozzarella Quiche is a versatile dish that shines on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a light brunch, serve it alongside a simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette. If you’re enjoying it for dinner, consider a side of roasted asparagus or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad. A warm crusty bread or even a small bowl of fruit can also complement its savory notes perfectly. It’s truly a dish that fits any occasion!
Explore More Delicious Quiche Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the versatility and deliciousness of quiches, I have more fantastic recipes you might enjoy. Each offers a unique twist on this classic dish:
- **Green Goddess Crustless Quiche:** This recipe is incredibly fresh and lemony, packed with an abundance of fresh herbs, tender arugula, and delicate asparagus. It’s then crowned with a thick and creamy jalapeño tahini dressing for an extra kick of flavor.
- **Mediterranean Quiche with Almond Crust:** A truly light and savory option, featuring a unique almond flour crust. The filling is loaded with vibrant spinach, briny olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese, transporting your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean coast.
I genuinely hope you take the opportunity to make this fantastic Tomato, Arugula and Mozzarella Quiche. If you do, I would absolutely love to hear your thoughts and feedback in the comments section below! Your experiences and insights help inspire future recipes.
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Tomato, Arugula and Mozzarella Quiche
5 Stars
4 Stars
3 Stars
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1 Star
5 from 10 reviews
Author: Leanne
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 4-6 slices
Category: Breakfast
Method: Bake
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Description
This savory Tomato, Arugula and Mozzarella Quiche is an amazing recipe for any meal. It features a thin, crispy whole wheat crust, a rich egg custard, and a generous topping of sweet cherry tomatoes, peppery arugula, fresh basil, and gooey mozzarella. It’s so flavorful and cheesy, it often gets mistaken for a pizza! A perfect vegetarian option for brunch, breakfast, or even a light dinner.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup cold water
For the filling:
- 1 cup arugula, packed
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup bocconcini
- 4 eggs
- 1 tbsp chives, dried or fresh
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 400F (200C) and generously grease a 10″ cast iron pan with olive oil.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, dried basil, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Stir these dry ingredients well to ensure they are fully combined. Next, add in the extra virgin olive oil and the very cold water. Stir until the mixture comes together into a cohesive dough. You can use a fork, but an electric mixer makes this step quick and effortless.
- Once the dough is formed, gently shape it into a ball and place it on a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out evenly until it is large enough to fit over the base and up the sides of your 10-inch cast iron pan, forming a well-defined crust.
- Carefully press the rolled dough into the cast iron pan. Then, evenly layer the fresh arugula, basil leaves, cherry tomatoes, and bocconcini (or torn mozzarella) over the crust.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the eggs, chives (dried or fresh), garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper until thoroughly combined. Gently pour this egg mixture over the ingredients in the cast iron pan, being careful not to spill over the edge of the crust.
- Transfer the pan to your pre-heated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the egg filling is completely set and firm to the touch, and the crust has achieved a beautiful golden-brown color.
- Once baked, remove the quiche from the oven. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes before carefully cutting it into slices. This resting period helps the quiche set further and makes for cleaner cuts.
- Store any leftover quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 2-3 days. It’s delicious both warm and cold!
Notes
- The cold water for the crust should be really cold. I like to add ice to the water and let it sit before adding it to the crust mixture to ensure maximum flakiness.
- The recipe for the quiche crust was adapted from Genius Kitchen, offering a reliable and delicious base for this savory tart.