There’s something delightful about the first bite of a warm ham and cheese quiche, where the flaky crust gives way to a creamy custard, rich with savory flavors. I discovered this gem while sifting through my leftover ham from Sunday’s dinner—who knew that a simple combination of ingredients could transform into such a satisfying dish? This Easy Ham and Cheese Quiche isn’t just a recipe; it’s a canvas for your culinary creativity! Whether you’re serving it for brunch with friends, packing it for a hearty lunch, or enjoying it as a quick weeknight dinner, this versatile dish shines on any table.
Plus, it takes only a handful of ingredients and comes together in no time, making it a lifesaver when you’re short on meal prep ideas. Imagine the joy of slicing into a golden quiche that not only tastes amazing but is also family-friendly and freezer-approved. And if you’re looking to elevate your dish, feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or cheeses. Let’s embark on a delicious journey together and whip up this comforting classic!
Why is Ham and Cheese Quiche Amazing?
Flavorful Delight: The blend of creamy custard with savory ham and sharp cheddar creates a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds.
Versatile Options: Feel free to customize with vegetables or different cheeses, making it adaptable to any palate!
Easy to Prepare: With minimal steps and simple ingredients, it’s perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
Perfect for Any Meal: Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this quiche shines at any time of day.
Freezer-Friendly: Make it ahead of time and freeze for busy days, ensuring you have a delicious meal ready to go!
Crowd Pleaser: Serve this stunning quiche at gatherings, and watch it disappear as friends and family rave about its deliciousness!
Ham and Cheese Quiche Ingredients
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For the Crust
Refrigerated Pie Crust – A convenient and flaky base for the quiche; feel free to use homemade for a special touch. -
For the Filling
Diced Fully Cooked Ham – Adds savory flavor and protein; you can substitute with cooked bacon, sausage, or sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian option.
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese – Provides a rich, sharp flavor; other options include mozzarella or gouda for a different taste.
Dried Minced Onion – Enhances flavor without the crunch; fresh onions can be used when sautéed until soft for sweetness.
Large Eggs – Forms the custard base, essential for a fluffy texture; egg substitutes can lower cholesterol content.
Half-and-Half Cream – Produces a rich and creamy texture; consider whole milk for a lighter quiche but expect a less decadent result.
Salt – Elevates overall flavor; adjust according to dietary needs.
Pepper – Adds depth; freshly ground black pepper enhances flavor best. -
For Extra Flavor
Fresh Herbs (optional) – Herbs like chives or parsley brighten the dish and add freshness; perfect for customization.
Unlock the deliciousness of your Ham and Cheese Quiche by gathering these ingredients, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of quiche-making!
How to Make Ham and Cheese Quiche
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F. This prepares it for the perfect baking temperature, ensuring your quiche will rise beautifully during baking.
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Prepare the Crust: Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts into two 9-inch pie plates. Gently flute the edges, then line with foil and fill with weights. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.
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Finish Baking Crust: Carefully remove the weights and foil. Bake the crusts for an additional 3-5 minutes until the bottom is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
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Combine Fillings: Evenly divide the diced ham, shredded cheese, and dried minced onion between the two cooled crusts. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor!
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Prepare Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half cream, salt, and pepper until well combined. This will create a luscious custard that holds everything together.
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Assemble Quiche: Pour the creamy egg mixture over the ham and cheese layers in the crusts. Make sure the filling is evenly distributed for consistent flavor throughout.
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Bake: Loosely cover the edges of the crust with foil to prevent over-browning. Bake the quiche for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set. Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Optional: Sprinkle fresh herbs like chives or parsley on top before serving for an extra touch of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Ham and Cheese Quiche Variations
Feel free to play around with this iconic dish and personalize it to your taste buds!
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Vegetarian Delight: Substitute ham with cooked spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a vibrant veggie twist. The earthy flavors pair beautifully with the creamy custard.
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Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheeses like feta for a tangy zing, or gouda for a rich, smoky flavor. Each cheese transforms the quiche into a unique experience.
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Herb Infusion: Add fresh dill or thyme to your egg mixture for an aromatic touch. The herbs provide a lovely freshness that brightens every delicious bite.
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Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a bit of heat. This variation is perfect for those who enjoy a little spice in their life.
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Smoky Flavor: Use smoked ham or even bacon for a deeper, heartier flavor. The smokiness enhances the overall taste profile, making your quiche remarkable.
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Creamy Avocado: Top your quiche with slices of ripe avocado just before serving for a creamy, rich texture that complements the egg filling perfectly.
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Nutty Crunch: Incorporate finely chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) into the crust for added texture and nuttiness. This twist elevates the quiche and makes it even more satisfying.
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Sun-Dried Tomato Boost: Include some chopped sun-dried tomatoes in the filling for a burst of tangy sweetness. They bring a delightful contrast to the savory ham and cheese.
Embrace your creativity in the kitchen with these variations, and make this familiar quiche truly your own!
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Ham and Cheese Quiches are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the pie crusts up to 24 hours in advance by rolling them out, placing them in the pie plates, and refrigerating unbaked. Additionally, you can chop the ham and cheese, and mix the custard (eggs, half-and-half, salt, and pepper) up to 3 days ahead. Just keep everything separately stored in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, assemble the quiche by filling the prepared crusts with the chopped ham, cheese, and custard mixture, then bake as instructed. This not only saves time but ensures your quiche remains just as delicious and fresh!
Expert Tips for Ham and Cheese Quiche
• Pre-bake Wisdom: Pre-baking the crust is crucial to avoid a soggy bottom; it ensures a flaky and crunchy base for your ham and cheese quiche.
• Watch the Bake: Keep your eyes on the oven! The quiche is done when it’s puffed and slightly wobbly in the center, indicating a perfect custard texture.
• Cool Before Slicing: Be patient and let the quiche rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes for easier and cleaner slices!
• Storage Savvy: Refrigerate any leftovers within 2 hours of serving and enjoy within four days. For longer storage, assemble the ham and cheese quiche without baking it, cover tightly, and freeze.
• Flavor Boosting: Experiment with different cheeses and add fresh herbs like chives or parsley to elevate the flavor profile of your quiche!
What to Serve with Ham and Cheese Quiche?
When it comes to enjoying this delicious quiche, the sides can elevate your meal experience to whole new levels.
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Fresh Garden Salad: The crispness of mixed greens and ripe tomatoes provides a refreshing contrast to the savory quiche, balancing flavors wonderfully. Toss in a light vinaigrette to enhance the freshness.
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Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized seasonal veggies add a hearty side that pairs beautifully with the creamy quiche, providing earthy flavors and extra nutrients. Think of warm carrots and Brussels sprouts drizzled with olive oil and herbs.
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Seasoned Potato Wedges: Crispy, spiced potato wedges deliver a satisfying crunch that complements the soft texture of the quiche. Serve them with a homemade garlic aioli for an indulgent twist!
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Fruit Platter: A colorful assortment of seasonal fruits brings a sweetness to the table, contrasting the rich flavors of the quiche. Pineapple, berries, and citrus slices can brighten up your plate.
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Classic Tomato Soup: A smooth, rich tomato soup makes for a cozy pairing, giving a comforting touch to your meal. The acidity of the tomatoes cuts through the creaminess of the quiche beautifully.
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Sparkling Lemonade: This refreshing drink adds a zesty touch, perfect to wash down the savory flavors of the quiche. Its bubbles and citrus notes brighten the overall dining experience.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: Conclude your meal with a sweet touch by serving warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies. The sweetness rounds out the savory flavors, creating a lovely end to your feast.
Remember, the magic of serving is all about balance and variety—mix and match these side dishes for a delightful meal!
How to Store and Freeze Ham and Cheese Quiche
Fridge: Store leftover ham and cheese quiche in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make sure it’s cooled before refrigerating to maintain best texture.
Freezer: If you want to enjoy this quiche later, assemble it without baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: For best results, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
Avoid Sogginess: To keep the crust crispy, consume leftovers within 1-2 days or freeze unbaked to extend shelf life.
Ham and Cheese Quiche Recipe FAQs
What’s the best type of ham to use for this quiche?
Absolutely! While diced fully cooked ham is the classic choice for a ham and cheese quiche, you can use any leftover ham you have on hand. Look for ham that is not too dry, as that will provide the best flavor and moisture. If you prefer, cooked bacon or sausage can also be delightful substitutes, or even a mixture of sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian twist.
How long will my leftover quiche last in the fridge?
Very! Your leftover ham and cheese quiche can be safely stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. To maintain freshness and texture, make sure it’s placed in an airtight container and cooled to room temperature before refrigerating. For the best taste, try to consume it within the first couple of days!
Can I freeze my ham and cheese quiche? How should I do it?
Certainly! Freezing quiche is a fantastic way to enjoy it later. To freeze, assemble your quiche but skip the baking step. Instead, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake it at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.
What should I do if my quiche has a soggy bottom?
Oh no! A soggy bottom can be disappointing. To avoid this, make sure to pre-bake your crust until it’s just lightly golden. You can also try brushing the crust with a bit of egg wash or melted butter before adding your fillings, which creates a barrier. If you find your quiche is already soggy, it’s best enjoyed as is or reheated in the oven to crisp it back up—just be mindful of not overcooking it.
Is this quiche suitable for people with egg allergies?
While traditional quiche contains eggs, there are alternatives! For those with egg allergies, you can use a commercial egg replacer mixed according to package instructions or make a chickpea flour batter as a substitute. Each will create a different texture, but they can work well to bind the other ingredients in your ham and cheese quiche!
Can I add extra vegetables to my ham and cheese quiche?
The more the merrier! Adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms can enhance the flavor and nutrition of your quiche. Just make sure to precook any watery vegetables (like mushrooms) to avoid excess moisture, and chop them finely for even distribution in the quiche. Enjoy the creativity!
Ham and Cheese Quiche: Easy Recipe for Irresistible Flavor
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F.
- Prepare the Crust: Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts into two 9-inch pie plates. Flute the edges, line with foil, and fill with weights. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Finish Baking Crust: Remove the weights and foil, and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes until the bottom is golden brown. Let cool slightly.
- Combine Fillings: Divide the diced ham, shredded cheese, and dried minced onion between the two cooled crusts.
- Prepare Custard: Whisk together eggs, half-and-half cream, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble Quiche: Pour the egg mixture over the ham and cheese layers in the crusts.
- Bake: Cover the edges of the crust with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set. Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.