Ham and Cheese Quiche

Ham and Cheese Quiche

Put a comforting, chef-quality meal on the table with this flavorful Ham and Cheese Quiche. Wholesome ingredients and balanced seasonings ensure a foolproof dish the entire family will love.

Recipe Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Key Takeaways

• Quick & Reliable: Ready in 40 minutes with intermediate difficulty, yielding 4 servings.
• Texture Contrast: Highlights a deep, golden sear paired with a rich, velvety pan sauce.
• Serving Perfection: Best served warm or at room temperature sliced into clean bakery wedges alongside a fresh green salad or breakfast sides.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Stores effortlessly in an airtight container for easy entertaining.

Nutritional Recipe

• Calories: 520 kcal
• Protein: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fat: 22g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 620mg

Why You’ll Love This Ham and Cheese Quiche

This Ham and Cheese Quiche delivers hearty comfort, layered aromas, and deeply satisfying textures. It comes together effortlessly using wholesome everyday ingredients, making it a reliable favorite for busy days and special occasions alike.

The Complete Cooking Journey

From the moment you begin measuring out your fresh ingredients and preparing your kitchen workspace, inviting aromas begin to build. Watching the textures transform and develop deep color is deeply satisfying, promising restaurant-quality comfort when served.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded or sliced cheese
• 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust, homemade or store-bought
• 5 cup large farm-fresh eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream and 1/2 whole milk (or 1.5 cups half-and-half)
• 1.5 cups freshly shredded Gruyère or sharp white cheddar cheese
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground nutmeg (essential French quiche aromatics)
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh chives or thyme, finely minced
• 1 cup cooked smoked ham, finely diced

Method:

Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prep Workspace

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Allow the pan to heat thoroughly over medium-high heat before adding ingredients to ensure immediate, even cooking.

Step 2: Bake to Golden Perfection

Line the crust with parchment paper, fill with pie weights, and blind-bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly set and pale golden, then cool slightly. Bake until bubbling vigorously around the edges and deeply golden brown across the top.

Step 3: Whisk Ingredients Thoroughly

In a large bowl, vigorously whisk eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, salt, pepper, and ground nutmeg until silky and emulsified. Scatter sautéed fillings and cheese evenly over the pre-baked crust, gently pour egg custard over top, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes until golden, puffed, and just set with a gentle center jiggle. Let rest on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes so the custard settles firmly before slicing into neat bakery wedges with a sharp chef knife. Be sure to warm and season the ham until tender and flavorful.

Step 4: Sear to Golden Crispness

Carefully fit the rolled pie crust into a 9-inch deep-dish pie dish, crimping the edges decoratively. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid crowding the pan, ensuring high heat contact for maximum color.

Step 5: Simmer Sauce to Rich Consistency

Allow to rest for 3 to 5 minutes so the savory juices and sauce settle before plating warm. Scrape up all caramelized browned bits from the pan bottom to incorporate maximum flavor into the savory sauce.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Serve warm or at room temperature sliced into clean bakery wedges, accompanied by a lightly dressed baby green salad in Dijon vinaigrette, fresh seasonal fruit, roasted breakfast potatoes, or a warm cup of artisan coffee.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Reheat gently to preserve delicate flavors and textures.

Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips

• Blind-Bake the Crust: Always blind-bake the pastry crust with pie weights until lightly golden before adding the egg custard to ensure a crisp, flaky bottom without any sogginess.
• Custard Emulsification: Whisk the eggs, heavy cream, and pumpkin or aromatics thoroughly until silky and uniform, ensuring a smooth, velvety custard texture that bakes without separating.
• Gentle Rest Before Slicing: Let the baked quiche rest on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes before slicing; this allows the warm egg custard to set cleanly so each wedge holds its pristine bakery shape.

Flavor Variations & Adaptations

• Herb & Cheese Swaps: Swap Gruyère for sharp cheddar, goat cheese, or crumbled feta, and fold in fresh chopped thyme, chives, or rosemary for aromatic depth.
• Savory Protein Add-Ins: Fold in crisped bacon lardons, diced ham, sautéed pancetta, or sautéed wild mushrooms and baby spinach.
• Crustless Style: Pour the custard mixture directly into a well-greased pie dish and bake for 30-35 minutes for a low-carb, gluten-free frittata-style bake.

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