Introduction:
Quiche is a savory open-faced pastry crust with a rich and flavorful filling. It’s a versatile dish, perfect for any meal from a light brunch to a satisfying dinner. Ham and Cheese Quiche is a classic and beloved variation, combining the salty, savory notes of ham with the creamy, melted goodness of cheese.
This comforting and elegant dish is surprisingly easy to prepare at home. With a flaky crust and a custardy filling, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of ham and cheese is timeless and universally appreciated, making this quiche a safe bet for any occasion.
Whether you’re looking for a new brunch idea, a simple yet impressive lunch, or a comforting dinner option, Ham and Cheese Quiche is an excellent choice. Its balanced flavors and satisfying texture make it a truly delightful dish. Prepare to be amazed at how easily you can create this bakery-style treat in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Ham and Cheese Quiche recipe is designed to be both approachable and rewarding. You’ll love how simple it is to bring together such delicious flavors with minimal fuss. The recipe focuses on clear, step-by-step instructions, ensuring success even for novice bakers.
The combination of flavors in this quiche is simply irresistible. The saltiness of the ham is perfectly balanced by the richness of the cheese and the creamy custard base. Each bite is a delightful experience, offering a comforting and satisfying taste that will leave you wanting more.
Beyond its delicious taste, this quiche is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it warm straight from the oven, or let it cool to room temperature for a perfect picnic treat. It’s also fantastic reheated, making it ideal for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers the next day. This recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
To create this delectable Ham and Cheese Quiche, you will need a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. These components work together to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Let’s explore each ingredient and its role in the final dish.
For the crust, you’ll need pre-made pie crusts. These provide a flaky and buttery base for the quiche filling. Using pre-made crusts simplifies the process and saves valuable time, while still delivering a wonderful texture.
The filling relies on eggs, which are essential for the quiche’s custard-like consistency. Eggs bind the ingredients together and create a rich, creamy texture when baked. Whole milk and heavy cream add further richness and creaminess to the filling, ensuring a luxurious mouthfeel.
For the cheese component, Gruyère cheese is highly recommended. Gruyère offers a nutty, slightly sweet, and complex flavor that melts beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of the quiche. You can also use a combination of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile if desired.
Turkey ham will provide the savory element in this recipe. It adds a wonderful salty and meaty flavor that complements the cheese and custard perfectly. Diced turkey ham is easy to incorporate into the filling and distributes evenly throughout the quiche.
Finally, seasonings are key to elevating the flavor. Salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential for bringing out the best in all the other ingredients. A pinch of nutmeg adds a warm, subtle spice that complements the cheese and custard beautifully.
HOW TO MAKE “Ham and Cheese Quiche”:
Making Ham and Cheese Quiche is a straightforward process. It involves a few key steps that, when followed carefully, will result in a perfectly baked and flavorful dish. Let’s break down the method to ensure your success in creating this culinary delight.
First, preparation is crucial. Begin by preheating your oven to the correct temperature. This ensures the quiche bakes evenly and the crust becomes golden brown. Preparing your ingredients in advance, like grating the cheese and dicing the turkey ham, will streamline the cooking process.
Next, prepare the pie crust. If using a pre-made crust, simply place it in your pie dish. If you prefer to make your own, ensure it is blind-baked or par-baked to prevent a soggy bottom. This step is essential for a quiche with a perfectly crisp crust.
Now, focus on the filling. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, and heavy cream until well combined. This mixture forms the creamy base of your quiche. Season this mixture generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the flavors.
Once the custard base is ready, gently fold in the grated Gruyère cheese and diced turkey ham. Ensure these ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the egg mixture. This will guarantee each slice of quiche contains a perfect balance of ham and cheese.
Carefully pour the filling into the prepared pie crust. Distribute the filling evenly to ensure a consistent baking result. At this stage, you can sprinkle a little extra cheese on top for a golden and cheesy crust.
Bake the quiche in the preheated oven until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. The baking time will depend on your oven and pie dish, so keep an eye on it. The center should be just set, not jiggly, when gently shaken.
Once baked, remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set further and makes it easier to slice neatly. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Let’s delve into a more detailed, step-by-step guide to creating your Ham and Cheese Quiche. Each step is broken down further to provide clarity and ensure even beginner cooks can follow along with ease and confidence.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Crust.
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the optimal temperature for baking the quiche to ensure the filling cooks through without burning the crust. While the oven is preheating, prepare your pie crust. If you’re using a store-bought crust, carefully unroll it and place it into your pie dish. Press the edges to fit snugly against the dish. If you prefer a homemade crust, roll out your dough and fit it into the pie dish, crimping the edges for a decorative touch.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling Ingredients.
Now, prepare all the ingredients for the quiche filling. Grate approximately 1 ½ cups of Gruyère cheese. Gruyère’s nutty flavor and excellent melting properties make it ideal for quiche. Dice about 1 cup of turkey ham into small, bite-sized pieces. This will ensure even distribution throughout the quiche and make it easy to eat. Set these prepared ingredients aside in separate bowls, ready for assembly.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard Base.
In a large mixing bowl, crack 6 large eggs. Add 1 cup of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream to the bowl with the eggs. Using a whisk, thoroughly combine these ingredients until they are well blended and the mixture is smooth. This forms the creamy base of your quiche and needs to be uniformly mixed.
Step 4: Season the Custard.
Season the egg mixture generously. Add ¾ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper to the bowl. These seasonings are crucial for enhancing the flavors of the ham and cheese. For an extra layer of flavor, add a pinch of ground nutmeg, about ⅛ teaspoon. Nutmeg adds a warm, subtle spice that beautifully complements the cheese and dairy. Whisk the seasonings into the custard base until they are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Combine Filling Ingredients.
Gently add the grated Gruyère cheese and diced turkey ham to the seasoned custard base. Using a spatula or large spoon, fold the cheese and ham into the egg mixture. Mix until the ham and cheese are evenly dispersed throughout the custard. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the custard tough.
Step 6: Assemble the Quiche.
Carefully pour the prepared quiche filling into the pie crust-lined dish. Ensure the filling is evenly distributed in the crust. If desired, sprinkle a little extra grated Gruyère cheese on top of the filling. This will create a lovely golden, cheesy crust when baked.
Step 7: Bake the Quiche.
Place the assembled quiche in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. To check for doneness, gently shake the quiche; the center should be just set with a slight jiggle, not liquid. If the crust is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the edges with foil to prevent burning.
Step 8: Cool and Serve.
Once baked, carefully remove the quiche from the oven. Let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This cooling time allows the filling to set completely, making it easier to cut and serve neat slices. Serve the Ham and Cheese Quiche warm, at room temperature, or even chilled. It’s delicious any way.
USEFUL TIPS:
To consistently bake perfect Ham and Cheese Quiche, consider these useful tips. These suggestions cover everything from ingredient selection to baking techniques, designed to elevate your quiche-making skills.
For the best flavor, use high-quality Gruyère cheese. Its nutty and slightly sweet profile enhances the overall taste significantly. If Gruyère is unavailable, a good substitute would be Swiss cheese or a mild white cheddar, although Gruyère is highly recommended for its distinctive flavor.
When preparing the turkey ham, ensure it is diced into small, uniform pieces. This ensures even distribution throughout the quiche and prevents large clumps of ham in one area. Pre-diced ham can be used for convenience, but dicing it yourself allows for better control over size and freshness.
For a flakier crust, consider blind-baking or par-baking your pie crust before adding the filling. This prevents the crust from becoming soggy from the moist filling and ensures a crisp, sturdy base. To blind-bake, line the crust with parchment paper, fill with pie weights or dried beans, and bake for about 15 minutes before removing weights and baking for a few more minutes.
Do not overbake the quiche. Overbaking can lead to a dry and rubbery filling. The quiche is done when the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly. It will continue to set as it cools. Err on the side of slightly underbaked rather than overbaked for the best texture.
If your crust edges are browning too quickly during baking, use a pie shield or make your own by cutting strips of aluminum foil. Loosely cover the edges of the crust with foil to protect them from excessive browning while the center of the quiche finishes baking.
For a richer flavor, you can sauté finely chopped onions or shallots in butter until softened and add them to the filling. Sautéed aromatics add depth of flavor and can complement the ham and cheese beautifully. Ensure they are cooled slightly before adding to the egg mixture.
Allow the quiche to cool for at least 10-15 minutes after baking before slicing and serving. This resting time is crucial for the filling to set properly and makes slicing much easier. It also allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste experience.
DETAILS:
Let’s explore the specific details of this Ham and Cheese Quiche recipe. Understanding these details will help you plan your cooking process and appreciate the elements that make this dish so special.
Prep Time: Approximately 20 minutes. This includes the time needed to preheat the oven, prepare the pie crust, grate the cheese, dice the turkey ham, and whisk together the custard base. Efficient preparation will ensure a smooth cooking process.
Cooking Time: Approximately 35-40 minutes. The baking time depends on oven temperature consistency and the type of pie dish used. Monitor the quiche closely during the last 10 minutes to prevent overbrowning or overbaking.
Total Time: Approximately 55-60 minutes. This is the sum of prep time and cooking time, providing a clear picture of the total time investment for making this recipe from start to finish.
Yield: 6-8 servings. This recipe is designed to comfortably serve 6 to 8 people, making it ideal for family meals or small gatherings. Serving sizes can be adjusted based on individual appetites and accompanying dishes.
Category: Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Main Course. Ham and Cheese Quiche is versatile enough to be enjoyed at any time of day. Its satisfying nature makes it suitable as a main dish for lunch or dinner, or a highlight of a brunch spread.
Method: Baking. The primary cooking method for this recipe is baking in the oven. Baking allows the custard to set gently and the crust to become golden brown, creating the signature texture of a quiche.
Cuisine: French-Inspired. Quiche is a classic dish with French origins. This Ham and Cheese Quiche recipe draws inspiration from French culinary traditions, known for their emphasis on rich flavors and elegant simplicity.
Diet: Not specified. This recipe is generally suitable for a balanced diet but can be modified to accommodate certain dietary needs. For a lighter version, you could use low-fat milk and cream, although this may slightly alter the texture.
NOTES:
Consider these additional notes for making your Ham and Cheese Quiche even more personalized and successful. These insights provide flexibility and address potential variations and considerations for different preferences and situations.
For a richer and more intensely flavored cheese experience, consider using a blend of cheeses. Try combining Gruyère with sharp cheddar or Parmesan for added depth and complexity. Experimenting with different cheese combinations can create unique flavor profiles to suit your taste.
If you want to add vegetables to your quiche, consider sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or onions. These vegetables complement the ham and cheese beautifully and add nutritional value. Ensure vegetables are sautéed and any excess moisture is removed before adding them to the filling to prevent a soggy quiche.
For a spicier quiche, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the custard base. A little bit of heat can balance the richness of the cheese and ham and add an exciting dimension to the flavor profile.
If you are sensitive to gluten or prefer a gluten-free option, you can make this quiche crustless. Simply prepare the filling as directed and pour it into a greased pie dish. Bake until set, and you will have a delicious and gluten-free custard bake with ham and cheese.
To ensure the crust doesn’t puff up unevenly during baking, you can dock the bottom of the pie crust with a fork before adding the filling. This allows steam to escape and helps prevent air pockets from forming under the crust.
Leftover quiche can be easily reheated. For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave for quicker heating, though the crust may not remain as crisp.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Let’s address some frequently asked questions about making Ham and Cheese Quiche. These answers are designed to provide clarity and solutions to common queries, ensuring a smooth and successful baking experience.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes, while Gruyère is highly recommended, you can substitute it with other cheeses. Good alternatives include Swiss cheese, mild cheddar, or Fontina. Each will offer a slightly different flavor profile, so choose one that you enjoy and that melts well.
Q: Can I make the quiche ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Quiche is a great make-ahead dish. You can bake it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. It reheats beautifully and is perfect for meal prepping or when you need to prepare for a gathering in advance.
Q: My quiche filling is still jiggly after baking for 40 minutes. What should I do?
A: If the center is still quite jiggly after the suggested baking time, continue to bake it for another 5-10 minutes. Ovens can vary in temperature, so baking times may need slight adjustments. The quiche is done when the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly when gently shaken.
Q: Can I freeze Ham and Cheese Quiche?
A: Yes, you can freeze baked quiche. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Q: My pie crust is browning too quickly. How can I prevent this?
A: If your pie crust is browning too quickly, use a pie shield or strips of aluminum foil to cover the edges of the crust. This will protect the edges from overbrowning while the center of the quiche continues to bake.
Q: Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
A: Yes, you can customize your quiche by adding other ingredients. Sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or onions are excellent additions. Cooked and crumbled turkey bacon or sausage (ensure no pork) can also be added for a different flavor profile. Be sure to adjust seasonings as needed when adding extra ingredients.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality and flavor of your leftover Ham and Cheese Quiche. Follow these instructions to ensure your quiche remains delicious even after being stored.
Refrigeration: Allow the quiche to cool completely to room temperature after baking. Once cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can transfer individual slices to airtight containers. Store the covered quiche in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days when properly refrigerated.
Reheating: To reheat leftover quiche, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the quiche or slices on a baking sheet. Reheat for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Reheating in the oven will help maintain the crust’s crispness. For a quicker option, individual slices can be microwaved on medium power until heated, but the crust may soften.
Freezing (Baked Quiche): For longer storage, baked quiche can be frozen. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. For extra protection against freezer burn, place the wrapped quiche in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen quiche is best used within 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as instructed above.
Freezing (Unbaked Quiche Filling): Freezing unbaked quiche filling is not recommended as the texture of the custard may change upon thawing and baking, potentially becoming grainy. It’s best to freeze the quiche after it has been fully baked.
RELATED RECIPES
If you enjoyed this Ham and Cheese Quiche recipe, you’ll surely appreciate these other cheesy and delightful recipes. These dishes share similar comforting and satisfying qualities and are perfect for cheese lovers.
Classic Cheese Quiche (Quiche Lorraine): A timeless favorite, Quiche Lorraine features a rich custard filling with cheese and bacon (replace bacon with turkey bacon). It’s a simpler version of quiche but equally delicious and elegant. Perfect for brunch or a light meal.
Spinach and Feta Quiche: For a vegetarian option, Spinach and Feta Quiche is an excellent choice. The combination of creamy feta cheese and earthy spinach creates a flavorful and nutritious dish. It’s a delightful way to incorporate vegetables into a savory pie.
Mushroom and Swiss Cheese Quiche: Another vegetarian delight, Mushroom and Swiss Cheese Quiche offers a savory and earthy flavor profile. The mushrooms add a hearty texture and umami taste that pairs beautifully with Swiss cheese. It’s a sophisticated and satisfying quiche option.
Three Cheese Quiche: Indulge in even more cheesy goodness with a Three Cheese Quiche. This recipe typically combines cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan for a complex and intensely cheesy flavor. It’s a true celebration of cheese in a flaky crust.
Asparagus and Gruyère Tart: While not a quiche, an Asparagus and Gruyère Tart offers similar flavors in a slightly different format. It features a flaky pastry crust filled with tender asparagus and nutty Gruyère cheese. It’s a delightful and elegant dish, perfect for spring.
CONCLUSION
Ham and Cheese Quiche is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create comfort and joy in your kitchen. With its simple elegance and satisfying flavors, this dish is perfect for any occasion, from a casual weekend brunch to a special family dinner. The combination of savory turkey ham, nutty Gruyère cheese, and creamy custard encased in a flaky crust is truly irresistible.
This recipe provides a straightforward and detailed guide, ensuring that even novice bakers can achieve perfect results every time. From prepping the ingredients to baking it to golden perfection, each step is designed for clarity and ease. Imagine the delight of serving warm slices of homemade quiche, the aroma filling your kitchen and the smiles around your table.
Whether you enjoy it warm straight from the oven, at a relaxed room temperature, or as a delightful leftover, Ham and Cheese Quiche is a recipe that will quickly become a cherished favorite. It’s versatile, delicious, and satisfying – everything you could want in a comforting meal. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on the delightful journey of baking your own Ham and Cheese Quiche. You’re just steps away from a truly wonderful culinary experience.
