When I find myself in need of a quick yet satisfying meal, my mind races to the humble quiche. The first time I whipped up this Quick Ham and Cheese Quiche, I was astounded by how effortlessly delicious it turned out. Picture this: a flaky crust cradling a creamy, savory custard, packed with diced ham and gooey cheese that melts in your mouth. It’s a dish that feels both indulgent and comforting, perfect for any time of day—from leisurely brunches to a light weeknight dinner.
What I love most about this quiche is its versatility. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover holiday ham or to impress friends with minimal effort, making it completely family-friendly. Plus, it requires just a handful of ingredients that come together in a meaningful way, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—enjoying good food with loved ones. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into making this easy brunch delight that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Why is Quick Ham and Cheese Quiche a must-try?
Simple Preparation: You’ll appreciate how this recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.
Flavor Explosion: The rich combination of ham and cheese enveloped in a savory custard is irresistibly satisfying.
Flexible Ingredients: Easily adapt the filling based on what you have on hand, whether it’s leftover meats or fresh vegetables.
Family Favorite: It’s a dish that pleases palates of all ages, making it perfect for family meals or casual brunches.
Meal Versatility: Enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner; this quiche fits seamlessly into any meal plan.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance and enjoy leftovers throughout the week, perfect for meal prepping!
Quick Ham and Cheese Quiche Ingredients
• The building blocks of this delicious quiche come together in no time!
For the Crust
- Unbaked Pie Crust – Provides a flaky texture and sturdy base; feel free to use a homemade crust for extra flair.
For the Filling
- Cooked Ham (1 cup, diced) – A savory delight that adds heartiness; leftover holiday ham or thick-cut deli ham works wonders.
- Eggs (6 large, room temperature) – The base of the custard; using room temperature eggs ensures a silky blend.
- Milk (3/4 cup, whole) – Contributes creaminess to the filling; half-and-half can make it even richer if preferred.
- Salt (3/4 tsp) – Amplifies flavors throughout; tweak it according to your taste.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper (1/4 tsp) – Adds depth and warmth; using freshly ground will make it pop!
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1.5 cups total) – Melts perfectly to create a luscious texture; opt for quality cheese like Cabot for the best results.
- Green Onions (3 tbsp, thinly sliced) – Brightens the dish with freshness and a hint of sharpness; chives are a great alternative.
For the Topping
- Additional Shredded Cheddar Cheese (0.5 cup) – For that gooey finish; always a welcome addition to the top of your quiche!
How to Make Quick Ham and Cheese Quiche
-
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your quiche bakes evenly and gets that golden-brown top we all love.
-
Prepare the crust: Press the unbaked pie crust into a pie plate. This step is crucial for preventing a soggy bottom—nobody wants that!
-
Whisk eggs and milk: In a bowl, whisk together 6 large room temperature eggs, 3/4 cup whole milk, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper until frothy. This creates a smooth, creamy custard base.
-
Layer the filling: Evenly layer 1 cup of diced cooked ham in the crust, followed by 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 3 tablespoons of sliced green onions. This blend is where the magic happens!
-
Add egg mixture: Carefully pour the egg mixture over the filling, leaving a small space at the top to prevent overflow as it bakes. You’ll see how everything beautifully combines!
-
Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. This will create a deliciously cheesy finish that browns perfectly.
-
Bake the quiche: Place the quiche in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center has a slight jiggle and the top is a lovely golden brown.
-
Cool slightly before slicing: Let the quiche cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps set the custard for perfect, clean slices.
Optional: Serve with a light mixed greens salad for a refreshing contrast!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Quick Ham and Cheese Quiche?
Elevate your meal with delightful sides that complement the savory richness of this quiche.
- Mixed Greens Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the richness of the quiche. Toss in some sliced apples for sweetness!
- Fresh Fruit Platter: Juicy slices of fruit provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy quiche, making every bite a burst of flavor. Think berries, melon, and citrus.
- Roasted Asparagus: The earthy flavor of roasted asparagus brings a lovely crunch and pairs beautifully with the creamy custard, creating a delightful textural contrast.
- Savory Scones: Warm, flaky scones bring a cozy touch and are perfect for soaking up any leftover custard goodness on your plate. A little bit of herb-infused butter on top is divine!
- Plain Yogurt with Honey: A light drizzle of honey over creamy yogurt offers a sweet complement, making it a delightful side to balance the savory flavors.
- Herbed Potato Wedges: Crispy, seasoned potato wedges bring a satisfying crunch and a heartiness that contrasts wonderfully with the quiche’s texture.
- Glass of Sparkling Wine: For a celebratory touch, a glass of sparkling wine or a mimosa elevates your brunch experience, adding a festive flair that pairs perfectly with any meal.
- Chocolate Chip Muffins: For those with a sweet tooth, these muffins are a comforting treat that rounds out your meal and offers a delightful dessert option!
Storage Tips for Quick Ham and Cheese Quiche
Fridge: Store leftover quiche in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Ensure it cools completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezer: Wrap slices of quiche tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for long-term storage. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat individual slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust crispy.
Make-Ahead: Prepare your Quick Ham and Cheese Quiche in advance for busy weeks; it’s a perfect meal prep option that’s ready when you are!
Make Ahead Options
These Quick Ham and Cheese Quiche preparations make life easier for busy home cooks! You can prepare the quiche filling (diced ham, cheese, eggs, milk, and seasonings) up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The unbaked pie crust can also be prepared ahead and refrigerated to maintain its texture (just avoid letting it sit too long to prevent sogginess). When you’re ready to bake, simply fill the crust with the prepped mixture and follow the baking instructions. This way, you can enjoy a fresh, delicious quiche on hectic mornings without sacrificing quality or flavor—just as delightful as if you’d made it from scratch that day!
Expert Tips for Quick Ham and Cheese Quiche
-
Pre-bake the Crust: Pre-bake the pie crust for about 10 minutes to ensure a perfectly crispy bottom. This helps avoid a soggy quiche.
-
Room Temperature Eggs: Use room temperature eggs for a smooth custard. Cold eggs can lead to a curdled texture; letting them sit out makes a big difference.
-
Avoid Overfilling: Be cautious not to overfill the quiche to prevent it from spilling over while baking. Keep a small gap at the top.
-
Jiggly Center: When removing the quiche from the oven, it should have a slight jiggle in the center. It will continue to set while cooling, achieving the ideal texture.
-
Rest Before Slicing: Let your Quick Ham and Cheese Quiche rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. It helps create clean, beautiful pieces that hold together!
Quick Ham and Cheese Quiche Variations
Get ready to make this quiche your own with these simple and delightful twists!
-
Vegetarian: Replace the ham with sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a colorful and hearty dish. Fresh veggies not only boost flavor but also add nutrients.
-
Cheese Swap: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Swiss, feta, or mozzarella. Each type brings its own creamy richness and unique flavor profile.
-
Herby Boost: Add chopped fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or parsley to the egg mixture. This elevates your quiche with a fragrant, garden-fresh taste.
-
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a little heat. This adds a fun dimension, waking up your palate with every bite!
-
Smoked Flavor: Incorporate smoked ham or turkey for a deeper, more complex flavor. The smokiness pairs beautifully with the custard, creating a comforting experience.
-
Creamy Texture: Swap whole milk for half-and-half or cream for an indulgent quiche that’s truly rich and smooth. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy brunch!
-
Lighter Option: Substitute the crust with a cauliflower crust or make it crustless entirely for a lower-carb version that’s still full of flavor. It’s a guilt-free delight for those watching their intake!
-
Additions: Toss in some cooked bacon or sausage for meaty goodness. This makes for a heartier meal that’s sure to please meat lovers.
Quick Ham and Cheese Quiche Recipe FAQs
What type of ham is best for this quiche?
Using cooked ham that’s already prepared makes for an easy and savory filling. Leftover holiday ham diced into 1/2-inch pieces is perfect and adds a touch of nostalgia. If you don’t have leftover ham, opt for thick-cut deli ham for a hearty bite.
How should I store leftover quiche?
For best results, refrigerate leftover quiche in an airtight container once it has cooled completely. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it easy to reheat for a quick meal.
Can I freeze my Quick Ham and Cheese Quiche?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This will keep your quiche fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply unwrap and reheat in the oven or microwave.
My quiche overflowed while baking. What can I do differently next time?
To prevent overflow, ensure that you leave a small gap at the top when pouring in the egg mixture. Additionally, double-check the amount you’re filling; overfilling can lead to spills. If you notice the mixture is too full, you might want to use a slightly smaller pie crust or reduce the filling amounts.
How do I know when my quiche is done?
Your quiche is beautifully baked when the top is golden brown and the center has a slight jiggle. It will continue cooking as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit wobbly when you take it out. Allow it to set for 5-10 minutes before slicing to achieve clean edges.
Can I make this quiche dairy-free?
Yes, you can make a dairy-free version by using a dairy-free milk alternative, such as almond or oat milk, and substituting the cheese with a dairy-free cheese. The texture will differ slightly, but it will still be delicious!
Quick Ham and Cheese Quiche: A Family Favorite in Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Press the unbaked pie crust into a pie plate.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until frothy.
- Layer the filling with cooked ham, shredded cheddar cheese, and green onions.
- Pour the egg mixture over the filling, leaving a small space at the top.
- Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes until the center has a slight jiggle.
- Let the quiche cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing.