Crustless Broccoli Flan

Broccoli Flan is a light, savory, and elegant vegetarian main course that’s full of flavor and perfect for family dinners or special occasions. This creamy flan combines tender broccoli with béchamel, eggs, and Parmesan to create a soft, spoonable texture that’s both comforting and refined. Whether you're looking for a meatless dinner idea or a make-ahead vegetable dish, this broccoli flan delivers every time.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

• Soft and creamy texture: It’s like a savory custard with a cheesy finish.
• Vegetarian-friendly: Perfect for meatless meals or Meatless Mondays.
• Kid-approved: A great way to serve broccoli in a delicious, comforting format.
• Versatile: Serve as a main course, side dish, or even a starter.

What Is Broccoli Flan?

Broccoli flan is a savory baked dish made with steamed broccoli, eggs, béchamel sauce, and cheese, creating a smooth and tender texture. Flan isn’t just for dessert—in Italy and France, savory vegetable flans are a classic way to showcase seasonal produce. This recipe adds a crispy topping of breadcrumbs and Parmesan for contrast and flavor. It’s both rustic and elegant—a true crowd-pleaser.

Pro Tips for the Best Broccoli Flan

• Steam, don’t boil: Steaming broccoli preserves flavor and avoids excess moisture.
• Mash to your texture: For a smooth flan, use a food processor. For more texture, mash with a fork.
• Use homemade béchamel: A well-seasoned béchamel sauce adds creaminess and flavor.
• Don’t skip the topping: The combo of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and olive oil creates a delicious crust.
• Let it rest: Allow the flan to cool slightly before slicing so it holds its shape better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain it well before steaming or mashing.

How do I make béchamel sauce?

Béchamel is made with butter, flour, and milk. For a quick guide, check this béchamel recipe.

Can I make broccoli flan ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare and bake it in advance, then reheat before serving.

Can I add cheese to the mixture?

Yes! Adding grated cheese like Gruyère, mozzarella, or extra Parmesan enhances the flavor and creaminess.

Is this gluten-free?

It can be. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour in the béchamel to make the recipe entirely gluten-free.

How to Store

Let the flan cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the oven or microwave until warm. For best texture, use the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

How to Freeze

To freeze, bake the flan first and allow it to cool fully. Wrap tightly in foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly.

How to Make Broccoli Flan

Step 1

Step 1

Clean and cut the broccoli into florets. Steam for about 15 minutes, or until tender. Transfer to a large bowl.

Clean and cut the broccoli into florets. Steam for about 15 minutes, or until tender. Transfer to a large bowl.

Step 2

Step 2

Using a fork (or food processor for a smoother texture), mash the florets. Add eggs, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Using a fork (or food processor for a smoother texture), mash the florets. Add eggs, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 3

Step 3

Add the béchamel sauce to the broccoli mixture and stir thoroughly to create a creamy blend.

Add the béchamel sauce to the broccoli mixture and stir thoroughly to create a creamy blend.

Step 4

Step 4

Pour the mixture into a greased or parchment-lined baking dish. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan. Drizzle with olive oil.

Step 5

Step 5

Bake in a preheated oven at 360°F (180°C) for 25 minutes, or until golden on top and set in the middle.

Step 6

Step 6

Let the flan cool slightly. Slice and serve warm.