Ham and Cheese Quiche is an enduring classic that embodies the essence of comfort food. This dish combines the heartiness of ham with the creaminess of cheese, all enveloped in a buttery crust or whipped into a fluffy filling. Quiches originated in France, specifically from the Lorraine region, where the original quiche Lorraine featured eggs, cream, and bacon. Over time, it has evolved into countless variations, making it a popular option for any meal of the day, from breakfast to dinner. Whether served at a brunch gathering or as a family-friendly dinner, this recipe is sure to please. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade quiche without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the versatility of the ingredients means you can personalize it to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

Ingredients

• For the crust (optional):
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3-5 tablespoons ice water
• For the filling:
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup diced cooked ham
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or your choice)
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon dried herbs (thyme or oregano)

For best results, choose high-quality cheese options for quiche, such as sharp cheddar for a robust flavor or creamy Swiss for a milder taste, along with fresh, flavorful ham. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or even a plant-based cream for a dairy-free version. This dish also offers room for creativity; feel free to swap out the cheese or add additional ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a sprinkle of nutmeg for a unique twist to suit your taste preferences. You can learn more about this topic.

Steps / Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is essential to ensure even cooking of your Ham and Cheese Quiche.
2. Make the crust (if using): In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the chilled butter with a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, similar to the texture of sand. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together and is slightly sticky but not wet. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, ensuring to press it into the corners firmly. Trim any excess dough to prevent burning during baking.
3. Blind bake the crust (optional): If you’re using a crust, bake it in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove and let cool slightly while you prepare the filling to avoid a soggy bottom.
4. Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream until well combined, and the mixture is slightly frothy. Stir in the diced ham, ensuring even distribution, shredded cheese, and chopped spinach (if using), then add black pepper, salt, and dried herbs for flavor. Make sure there are no clumps of ham or cheese in the filling for even cooking.
5. Combine and fill: Pour the filling mixture into the prepared crust or directly into a greased pie dish if making a crustless quiche, spreading it evenly to ensure a consistent texture. Use a spatula to gently tap down any ingredients that float to the top.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the quiche is set in the middle and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean, indicating that it’s fully cooked. If the top browns too quickly, you can cover it with a piece of aluminum foil.
7. Cool and serve: Allow the quiche to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set further, making for cleaner cuts, and allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Tips & Tricks

For the best Ham and Cheese Quiche, consider these tips: Check out our related guide for more tips.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture; microwaving can make the quiche rubbery.
• Meal prep: This quiche makes excellent meal prep breakfast options. You can prepare it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week, whether reheated for breakfast or served cold for lunch.
• Common mistakes: Avoid overmixing the filling; this can incorporate too much air, resulting in a spongy texture rather than the desired creamy consistency.
• Pro technique: Use room temperature eggs for a fluffier texture in your quiche. This allows them to mix more easily with the cream, creating a uniform filling.

Conclusion

Ham and Cheese Quiche is not only simple to make but also a delightful dish that combines flavors and textures harmoniously. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with different toppings, this quiche will surely impress family and friends alike. Don’t hesitate to give it a try and delight in the warmth of this savory dish that brings people together at the table, making any meal feel special.

Ham and Cheese Quiche

★★★★★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dinner Cuisine: French Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

8

⏱️

Prep Time

15 min

🍳

Cook Time

40 min

🔥

Calories

—

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Ham and Cheese Quiche is an enduring classic that embodies the essence of comfort food. This dish combines the heartiness of ham with the creaminess of cheese, all enveloped in a buttery crust or whipped into a fluffy filling.

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Ingredients

• For the crust (optional):
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3-5 tablespoons ice water
• For the filling:
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup diced cooked ham
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or your choice)
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (optional)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon dried herbs (thyme or oregano)

Directions

1.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2.

In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the chilled butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water until the dough comes together. Roll out and fit into a 9-inch pie dish.

3.

If using a crust, bake it in the oven for about 10 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.

4.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and heavy cream until frothy. Stir in the ham, cheese, spinach, black pepper, salt, and dried herbs.

5.

Pour the filling mixture into the prepared crust or a greased pie dish.

6.

Bake for 35-40 minutes until set and golden brown. A knife inserted should come out clean.

7.

Allow the quiche to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition Facts