This egg-free quiche with a tortilla crust is quick, easy, and made with simple ingredients. Mediterranean-inspired flavors give a tasty twist on the classic quiche—no eggs or pastry needed. Ready from prep to table in just 60 minutes, and it’s perfect for make-ahead too.

Visual Instructions
These visual instructions help you see the process. You can also find the full printable recipe with instructions and ingredients at the end of the post.

- Start by cooking your scallions (green onions), red peppers, chickpeas, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes until they’re soft and fragrant.
- Add the baby spinach and cook for a few minutes until it wilts.

- Whisk together the cream cheese, heavy cream, and seasonings and cornstarch to make a smooth, creamy base for your quiche filling.
Cornstarch, known as cornflour in the UK, is a fine, white powder made from the starchy part of the corn kernel. It is commonly used to thicken liquids in cooking and baking.

- Warm the tortillas (to make them pliable) and place them in your greased and lined pie pan. You can use store-bought tortillas, or if you prefer, use my homemade tortilla recipe
- Make sure they cover the bottom and go up the sides. This will create a sturdy, crispy base for your quiche

- Add the cream cheese mixture to the cooled vegetables and stir to combine. Pour the mixture into the tortilla crust and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set.

- After baking, the quiche will be golden and set. Let it cool for a few minutes before cutting and serving.
- It also keeps well for up to 3 days and can be enjoyed cold or reheated.

Recipe tips
Cornstarch, known as cornflour in the UK, is a fine, white powder made from the starchy part of the corn kernel. It is commonly used to thicken liquids in cooking and baking.
Adding cornstarch in the recipe: Mix all the other cream cheese filling ingredients together first, then add the cornstarch last.
- Cornstarch helps thicken the mixture, and if it’s added too early or mixed too much, it can become overly activated, leading to a texture that’s too thick or clumpy.
- By adding the cornstarch last and stirring gently, you avoid overworking it and prevent the mixture from becoming too dense or grainy.
Tortillas: Warm the tortillas briefly on the stovetop (about 5 seconds per side) or in the microwave (10–15 seconds ).
- This makes them pliable and prevents cracking when shaping them in the pan.
Sun-dried tomato substitute
- Fresh Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: These are less watery than regular tomatoes and add a fresh, sweet flavor. Just cut them in halves or quarters.
- Caramelized Onions: If you want a sweet and savory taste, you can add caramelized onions instead. Simply cook them slowly in a pan until they’re golden and soft.
Cream cheese: Best to use a full-fat, plain cream cheese, such as Philadelphia or any other brand that offers a smooth and creamy texture. Avoid using flavored or low-fat cream cheese, as it may affect the texture and flavor of the quiche.
Storage and reheating
- Refrigeration: Cool completely. Store in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap/foil. It lasts up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil. Remove foil in the last 10 minutes to crisp the top.
- Why I Don't Recommend Freezing: Freezing can affect the texture of the crust and filling, making the crust soggy and the filling watery when reheated. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.
Recipe
Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon (14 g) olive or vegetable oil
- 2 scallions / green onion, chopped (spring onion)
- ½ cup (75 g) red bell peppers, diced
- 15 oz (440 g) canned chickpeas, drained (also called garbanzo beans)
- ¼ cup (35 g) pitted olives, quartered (black Kalamata or any preferred)
- ⅓ cup (50 g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (see note 1 for alternative)
- 2 cups (60 g) baby spinach (roughly chopped or whole leaf)
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz / 1 cup (226 g) cream cheese (at room temperature)
- ½ cup (120 g) heavy cream (whipping cream)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves crushed garlic)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup (28 g) cornstarch (known as cornflour in the UK) (see note 2 for measuring tips)
Tortilla Crust
- 2 large tortillas (store bought or homemade) (slightly warmed)
Cook the Vegetables
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped scallions (green onions) and red bell peppers. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add drained chickpeas, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool for 5-10 minutes.
Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and heavy cream (it doesn't need to be perfectly smooth, just combined)
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder (if using), and salt. Mix until combined.
- Add the cornstarch last, stirring gently for 5-10 seconds to prevent clumping. (See note 3 for why this step matters.)
Combine vegetable and cream cheese mixture
- Add the cream cheese mixture to the cooled vegetables. Stir to combine.
Assemble
- Preheat the oven to 356°F (180°C) or 320°F (160°C fan). Line an 8 inch (20cm) baking pan or pie dish with parchment paper
- Warm the tortillas (5 seconds per side on the stovetop or 10-15 seconds in the microwave) to make more pliable and prevent cracking.
- Press warmed store bought or homemade tortillas into the baking pan, covering the bottom and sides.
- Pour the combined vegetable cream cheese mixture into the tortilla base.
Bake
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden and set.
- If the quiche is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil halfway through baking. Make sure the foil doesn't touch the surface of the quiche. Remove the foil 10 minutes before the quiche is done
- The quiche is ready when there’s no wobble in the center when shaken.
Cool before slicing
- Let cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
- For cleaner (neater) slices, let it cool completely or refrigerate before cutting.
Storage and reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Reheat: Microwave for 30-60 seconds or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes (cover with foil, then uncover for the last 10 minutes).
- Not recommended for freezing: Freezing can affect the texture of the crust and filling, making the crust soggy and the filling watery when reheated.
- Combine vegetable and cream cheese mixture
2. Measure cornstarch correctly if using a cup
- Spoon & level cornstarch into a measuring cup (don’t scoop directly, as it packs too much).
- Too much cornstarch → Filling may be too thick/lumpy.
- Too little cornstarch → Filling may be runny.
- For best accuracy, weigh 28g with a kitchen scale.
3. Cornstarch helps thicken the mixture, and if it’s added too early or mixed too much, it can become overly activated, leading to a texture that’s too thick or clumpy. By adding the cornstarch last and stirring gently, you avoid overworking it and prevent the mixture from becoming too dense or grainy.
- Cornstarch, known as cornflour in the UK, is a fine, white powder made from the starchy part of the corn kernel. It is commonly used to thicken liquids in cooking and baking.
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Dianne says
Easy and Delicious! First time, made as indicated and loved it.
Second time, added a bit of red pepper, minced fresh garlic, combo of chard, kale and spinach, combo of sweet peppers, and a handful of sharp cheddar and Swiss cheese (basically cleaned out the fridge).
Awesomeness in a pie plate! Thank you kindly for this super, adaptable recipe!
The Gardening Foodie says
Hi Dianne,
Thank you so much for your kind words. 😊 I'm so glad you loved it and had fun making it your own.
I appreciate you sharing your variation, it sounds absolutely delicious and such a great way to use up what's on hand.
Hope you continue to enjoy this recipe.
Happy cooking 😊