Ham and Cheese Quiche

Ham and Cheese Quiche: A Flaky, Creamy Masterpiece for Any Occasion 🥧🧀✨

1. Introduction

Nothing says comfort food quite like a perfectly baked Ham and Cheese Quiche. This classic French-inspired dish has become a staple in households worldwide, and for good reason! The combination of savory ham, melty cheese, and a rich egg custard nestled in a buttery crust creates a symphony of flavors that works beautifully for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. Whether you’re hosting a fancy brunch or need a quick weeknight meal, this quiche delivers every time. Plus, it’s incredibly forgiving – you can customize it with your favorite ingredients or whatever you have in the fridge. Looking for more breakfast inspiration? Check out our complete collection of breakfast recipes.

2. Ingredients

Gathering quality ingredients is the first step to quiche perfection. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade if you’re feeling ambitious – we won’t judge!)
• 1 cup diced ham – leftover holiday ham works wonderfully here
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – sharp cheddar adds amazing flavor
• 4 large eggs – the foundation of our creamy custard
• 1 cup whole milk – for richness and creaminess
• 1/2 cup heavy cream – this is what gives that luxurious texture
• 1/2 tsp salt – to enhance all the flavors
• 1/4 tsp black pepper – freshly ground is best
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional) – a secret weapon in many cheese-based recipes

Pro Tip: For an extra special touch, try using a blend of cheeses like Gruyère and Swiss. The nutty flavors complement the ham beautifully!

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures even cooking without over-browning. If you’re using a store-bought crust (no shame in that!), simply unroll it and gently press it into a 9-inch pie dish. For those making their own, roll it out to about 1/8-inch thickness.

Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges, leaving about 1/2-inch overhang. Fold this under itself and crimp the edges between your fingers for a decorative finish. Don’t forget to prick the bottom with a fork – this prevents those pesky air bubbles from forming during baking.

Step 2: Add Ham and Cheese

Now for the fun part – the fillings! Evenly distribute the diced ham across the bottom of the crust. For best results, use ham that’s been diced into 1/4-inch cubes – this ensures every bite has that delicious smoky flavor.

Next, sprinkle your shredded cheese over the ham. The cheese acts as a protective layer between the crust and the wet custard, helping prevent a soggy bottom. If you love cheese as much as we do, you might want to check out our Mexican Mac and Cheese recipe too!

Step 3: Whisk the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs until well beaten. Then slowly add the milk and cream, whisking constantly to create a smooth, homogeneous mixture. The key here is to incorporate air into the mixture – this helps create that light, fluffy texture we all love in quiche.

Season with salt, pepper, and that optional nutmeg. The nutmeg might seem unusual, but it’s a classic French technique that adds depth to dairy-based dishes. For more recipes with surprising ingredients, take a look at our Limoncello Spritz!

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Now comes the magic moment! Slowly pour the custard mixture over the ham and cheese in the pie crust. The filling should come right up to about 1/4-inch from the top of the crust – any higher and you risk overflow during baking.

Carefully transfer your masterpiece to the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, but start checking at 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is just set (a slight jiggle is okay) and the top is beautifully golden brown. For more baking inspiration, check out this excellent quiche resource from Spend With Pennies.

Resist the temptation to cut into it immediately! Letting it rest for 10 minutes allows the custard to set properly, ensuring clean slices.

4. Tips for the Perfect Ham and Cheese Quiche

• Cheese matters: While cheddar is classic, don’t be afraid to experiment. Gruyère, Swiss, or even a smoked gouda can take your quiche to new heights.
• Blind baking: For an extra crisp crust, blind bake it for 10 minutes before adding the fillings. Simply line the crust with parchment and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
• Resting time: That 10-minute rest after baking isn’t just for show – it allows the proteins in the eggs to set properly for cleaner slices.
• Temperature control: If your crust is browning too quickly, create a foil shield to protect the edges while the center finishes cooking.

5. Variations

The beauty of quiche is its adaptability. Here are some delicious variations to try:

• Vegetable lovers: Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Meat alternatives: Swap the ham for cooked bacon, sausage, or even leftover chicken.
• Cheese blends: Mix cheddar with Parmesan, feta, or blue cheese for exciting flavor profiles.
• Dietary needs: Use a gluten-free crust or dairy-free alternatives for those with restrictions.

6. Serving Suggestions

A slice of warm Ham and Cheese Quiche is delicious on its own, but here are some serving ideas to make it a complete meal:

• Breakfast/Brunch: Pair with fresh fruit, crispy hash browns, and a mimosa or refreshing cocktail.
• Lunch/Dinner: Serve with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
• Special occasions: Create a brunch buffet with quiche as the centerpiece, surrounded by sweet treats and other savory options.

7. Storage and Reheating

Leftover quiche? No problem! Here’s how to keep it tasting fresh:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The crust may soften slightly, but the flavor will still be fantastic.
• Freezing: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch (1-2 minutes), but may make the crust soggy.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make quiche ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the quiche (without baking) up to a day in advance. Keep it refrigerated, then bake when needed. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

Why did my quiche turn out watery?
This usually happens if the quiche is underbaked or if the fillings released too much moisture. Make sure vegetables are well-drained and pat dry your ham before using.

Can I use low-fat dairy products?
While whole milk and heavy cream provide the best texture, you can substitute with lower-fat options. Just be aware the custard may be slightly less rich and creamy.

9. Conclusion

This Ham and Cheese Quiche recipe is more than just a meal – it’s a versatile culinary canvas that adapts to any occasion. From lazy Sunday brunches to elegant dinner parties, it never fails to impress. The combination of flaky crust, creamy custard, and savory fillings creates a harmony of textures and flavors that’s hard to resist.

We hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this quiche as much as we do. Don’t forget to explore our other recipes like our famous Copycat Chicken Bryan or indulgent Potato Chip Toffee for more culinary inspiration. Happy cooking!

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