This cheese and ham quiche is a delicious and versatile dish, perfect for brunch or a light dinner. Made with a flaky crust, creamy filling, and savory ham, it offers a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
The recipe is simple and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or additional cheeses to enhance the flavor.
Quiche: A Timeless Classic
The cheese and ham quiche stands out as a classic dish that has graced tables for generations.
Its combination of a flaky crust and a creamy filling creates a delightful texture that appeals to many.
Whether served at brunch or as a light dinner, this dish offers versatility that makes it a favorite among home cooks.
Ingredients That Make a Difference
To achieve the perfect quiche, the choice of ingredients plays a vital role.
Using a pre-made pie crust can save time, while a homemade pastry allows for a personal touch.
The filling typically consists of eggs, cream, and cheese, with diced ham adding a savory note.
Optional ingredients like onions or leeks can elevate the flavor profile, making each bite even more enjoyable.
Preparation: The Key Steps
Preparing the quiche involves a few straightforward steps that anyone can follow.
Start by preheating the oven to ensure an even bake.
If opting for a homemade crust, roll it out and fit it into a pie dish, pricking the bottom to prevent bubbling.
Pre-baking the crust for a short time helps achieve that golden-brown finish.
Mixing the Filling
The heart of the quiche lies in its filling, which is a simple yet satisfying mixture.
Whisking together eggs and cream creates a rich base, while the addition of shredded cheese and diced ham brings depth.
Seasoning with salt, pepper, and a hint of nutmeg can enhance the overall flavor, making the quiche truly memorable.
Baking to Perfection
Baking the quiche is where the magic happens.
Pour the prepared filling into the pre-baked crust, ensuring an even distribution.
The quiche typically takes around 30-35 minutes in the oven, during which the filling sets and the top turns a lovely shade of brown.
Allowing it to cool slightly before slicing helps maintain its structure.
Serving Suggestions
Once baked, the quiche can be garnished with fresh herbs for a touch of color and flavor.
Serving it alongside a light salad creates a balanced meal that is both satisfying and visually appealing.
Whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature, this cheese and ham quiche is sure to impress guests and family alike.
Easy Cheese and Ham Quiche Recipe
This quiche features a buttery crust filled with a mixture of eggs, cream, cheese, and diced ham. It takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 6 people.
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust or homemade pastry
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar or Swiss)
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1/2 cup chopped onions or leeks (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Crust: If using a homemade crust, roll it out and fit it into a pie dish. Prick the bottom with a fork and pre-bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and cream. Stir in the shredded cheese, diced ham, onions, salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using.
- Fill the Crust: Pour the egg mixture into the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the Quiche: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is lightly browned.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the quiche to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve warm or at room temperature.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 6 slices
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 24g
- Protein: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 10g