Crustless Quiche Master Recipe

2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese

1 1/2 cups (1-inch, day-old) bread cubes, preferably sourdough

2 tablespoons unsalted butter or extra-virgin olive oil

9-inch glass or ceramic pie pan

2 cups half-and-half

2 large eggs

2 large egg yolks

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Freshly grated nutmeg

Pinch cayenne or paprika

2 to 3 cups prepared vegetables, such as braised leeks, broccoli, sauteed onions, mushrooms, spinach, peppers, tomatoes

4 ounces, or about 1 cup grated or crumbled cheese, such as Cheddar, goat cheese, Gruyere, Parmesan, fontina, provolone, mozzarella, Gouda, solo or combined

1 to 4 tablespoons minced herbs, such as parsley, chives, tarragon, basil, dill, rosemary, marjoram

3/4 cup chopped crisp bacon, diced ham or salami

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, optional, this is good to use with vegetables that release liquid during cooking, such as zucchini and spinach