Imagine a warm, golden-brown quiche fresh from the oven. It has savoury ham, melted cheese, and a creamy custard. It’s the perfect dish for a cosy brunch or a satisfying supper. If making quiche from scratch seems daunting, don’t worry! This guide will help you make the ultimate ham and cheese quiche easily.
Key Takeaways
- Achieve a flaky, pre-baked crust for the perfect quiche foundation.
- Combine a delicious mixture of ham, cheese, and eggs for a creamy, flavour-packed filling.
- Learn the secrets to making a custard-like quiche filling that sets beautifully.
- Discover tips for baking the quiche to golden-brown perfection.
- Understand how to store and reheat leftover quiche for easy meal prep.
Table of Contents
Introduction
A quiche is a classic French dish known for its buttery crust and creamy filling. The ham and cheese quiche is a favourite, blending salty ham with melted cheese. It’s a perfect mix of flavours and textures.
This dish is excellent for breakfast, brunch, or a light meal. The filling, made with eggs and cream, gives it a custard-like feel. This sets it apart from regular pies.
The ham and cheese quiche is loved for its simplicity. Its flaky crust, savoury ham, and gooey cheese make it comforting. It’s perfect for any occasion or a delicious morning start.
“A quiche is the ultimate French comfort food – a buttery, flaky crust filled with a rich, creamy custard and your choice of savory ingredients. The ham and cheese version is a classic that never disappoints.”
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
Ham and Cheese Quiche
Equipment
- Tart pan or 9-inch pie dish
- Whisk or immersion blender.
- Rolling Pin
- Parchment paper
- Pie weights or dried beans
Ingredients
- pre-made or homemade pie crust (blind-baked)
- 3 large eggs plus one egg yolk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Shredded cheese (mix of Gruyère, Swiss, or cheddar cheese)
- 1 ½ Diced ham
- 1-2 tbsp Fresh herbs chopped parsley or green onions
- ½ tsp Dry ground mustard
- ½ tsp Kosher salt
- ¼ tsp Black pepper
- 1 cup thawed, drained, and chopped frozen broccoli florets for added vegetables Optional
Instructions
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll out the pie crust and fit it into the tart pan or dish.
- Line the inside of the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
- Blind-bake the crust for 12 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment. Bake for an additional 5 minutes to fully set the crust.
- Let the crust cool while preparing the filling.
Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolk, half-and-half or heavy cream, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- The shredded cheese should be layered on the bottom of the blind-baked crust, followed by the diced ham and any additional herbs or vegetables.
Make the Custard:
- Pour the egg mixture over the ham and cheese in the crust, filling it below the top edge.
- Optionally, sprinkle extra herbs on top for added flavour.
Bake the Quiche:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
- If using a shallow tart pan, bake for 25-30 minutes or 40-50 minutes for a deeper pie dish. The quiche is done when the filling is set, and the top is golden.
- Allow the quiche to cool on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Cool and Serve:
- Let the quiche rest for at least 30 minutes after baking. This helps the custard set and ensures cleaner slices.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
You can easily store and reheat it if you have leftover ham and cheese quiche. This way, you can enjoy the delicious flavours again. The key is to store the quiche properly to keep its texture and freshness.
Quiche storage: You can keep the baked quiche in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. Let the quiche cool thoroughly first, then wrap it tightly in plastic or aluminium foil.
Reheating quiche: There are a few ways to reheat your leftover quiche:
- Oven: Bake the whole quiche at 325°F for 10-15 minutes. Or, bake individual slices for 8-12 minutes.
- Microwave: Reheat quiche slices in the microwave in 30-second intervals on high for 1-2 minutes.
- Toaster oven: Reheat quiche slices in the toaster oven at 350°F for 4-6 minutes for a crispy edge.
- Air fryer: Reheat quiche slices at 350°F for 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Choose one reheating method to avoid making the crust rubbery or soggy. If stored in the refrigerator, reheated quiche should be eaten within 3-4 days.
By storing and reheating your leftover ham and cheese quiche correctly, you can enjoy its delicious flavours for a long time.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 8 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 15g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
Flavor Variations
The classic ham and cheese quiche is tasty, but you can make it your own. Try different cheeses, meats, and veggies. This lets you create a meal that’s just right for you.
Cheese Options
You can substitute cheddar for gruyère, pepper jack, or a mix. Gruyère adds a rich taste, while pepper jack brings a spicy zing.
Meat Alternatives
Instead of ham, use bacon, sausage, or prosciutto. These meats add smoky, savoury flavours that make the quiche even better.
Veggie Additions
Add fresh vegetables like asparagus, mushrooms, or bell peppers. They boost the quiche’s taste and healthiness.
Be creative with your fillings. Quiche is like a blank canvas for your favourite flavours. Mix and match quiche variations, cheese, meat, and vegetables to create something unique.
“The best thing about quiche is that it’s endlessly customizable. The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to creating unique and delicious flavour combinations.”
Tips for the Perfect Quiche
Remember a few tips to make your ham and cheese quiche perfect every time. First, bake the quiche on the bottom rack of your oven. This ensures the crust cooks well before the top gets too dark, giving it a golden-brown look.
Also, keeping the oven at the right temperature is critical for the custard filling’s texture. If you have a convection oven, lower the temperature to 325°F. Also, check the quiche a few minutes early because the air moves faster.
Oven Position and Temperature
- Bake the quiche on the bottom rack of your oven to ensure the crust cooks through.
- Set the oven temperature to 350°F for traditional baking.
- If using a convection oven, lower the temperature to 325°F and check the quiche a few minutes earlier.
Following these tips will help you make the ultimate ham and cheese quiche. It’s sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
A slice of delicious ham and cheese quiche can be enjoyed independently. It also pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. Many sides and beverages can elevate your quiche experience from fresh and fruity to savoury and hearty.
Consider serving the quiche with a fresh fruit salad, roasted potatoes, or a simple green salad for breakfast or brunch. The fruit’s sweetness and acidity can provide a refreshing contrast to the quiche’s richness. The potatoes and greens offer a satisfying and balanced meal.
Pair the quiche with a cup of tomato soup or crusty bread for a heartier lunch or dinner. Combining the savoury quiche and the comforting soup or warm bread can create a truly satisfying dining experience.
And don’t forget the beverages—a mimosa or a mug of hot coffee are classic quiche-friendly drinks. The enthusiasm of the mimosa or the warmth of the coffee can complement the quiche perfectly.fectly.
“Quiche is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. The key is to find accompaniments that balance the richness and flavours of the quiche, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal.”
Whether you opt for a simple green salad or a more elaborate side dish, the possibilities are endless. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect pairing.
Conclusion
This ham and cheese quiche recipe is an excellent addition to your cooking collection. It has a flaky crust, creamy filling, and savoury ingredients. It’s perfect for any meal, from breakfast to brunch or a light dinner.
Following the easy steps and tips’ll make a quiche everyone will love. So, prepare your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy making the best quiche recipe.
Quiche has been a favourite for over 600 years. It’s excellent as a main dish or a side, pleasing many tastes. Though it takes longer to cook, the result is a delicious meal worth the wait.
Try this ham and cheese quiche for a memorable meal. It’s sure to impress your family and friends. So, make this a tasty dish for a unique dining experience. Bon appetit!
FAQ
What is a quiche?
A quiche is a French dish similar to a tart or pie. It has a pastry crust and a creamy filling, often including eggs, cream, meat, cheese, or veggies.
What are the key ingredients needed to make a ham and cheese quiche?
To make a ham and cheese quiche, you need a pie crust. You’ll also need eggs, heavy cream, and shredded cheese like Gruyère and Swiss. Don’t forget diced ham and fresh herbs like parsley or green onions.
What equipment is required to make a ham and cheese quiche?
For a ham and cheese quiche, you’ll need a tart pan or pie dish. To mix the custard, you’ll need a whisk or immersion blender. Essential baking tools like a rolling pin and parchment paper are also needed.
Why is it essential to partially bake the crust before adding the filling?
Partially baking the crust, or “blind baking,” prevents it from getting soggy. It makes the crust crisp and flaky, perfect for holding the custard filling.
How do you create the perfect custard filling for the quiche?
Whip air into the egg and cream mixture for a light custard filling. Use a food processor, immersion blender, or whisk vigorously to make the filling soft and creamy.
How long should the quiche bake, and at what temperature?
Bake the quiche at 350°F for 25-30 minutes in a shallow tart pan. For a deeper pie dish, bake for 40-50 minutes. It’s done when the filling is set, and the top is golden.
How should the quiche be stored and reheated?
Leftover quiche can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for two months. To reheat, bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave slices for 15-30 seconds.
How can I customize the flavour of the ham and cheese quiche?
Try different cheeses like gruyère, cheddar, or pepper jack. Swap the ham for bacon, sausage, or prosciutto. Add veggies like asparagus, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavour and nutrition.
What are some tips for ensuring a perfect quiche every time?
Bake the quiche on the bottom rack of the oven. Keep the stove at 350°F. If you have a convection oven, use it at 325°F for better results.