Ham and Cheese Quiche

Craving a savory breakfast that combines flaky pastry, tender ham, and melted cheese? This Ham and Cheese Quiche recipe delivers a perfect blend of flavors and textures.

A beloved brunch staple, this quiche features a buttery crust filled with a rich custard, smoky ham, and two types of cheese.

Ingredients List

For the Base

• 1 (9-inch) frozen ready-to-bake pie crust (must be deep dish)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced (about 3/4 cup)
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic

For the Filling

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1-1/2 cups chopped cooked ham
• 1 cup Swiss cheese, freshly grated
• 1 cup sharp Cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

Optional Garnishes

• Chopped chives
• Cooked and chopped bacon

Required Kitchen Tools

To ensure a smooth cooking experience, gather these essential tools before starting:

1. Baking Sheet: For pre-baking the crust and supporting the quiche while baking
2. Non-stick Pan: For sautéing onions and garlic
3. Large Mixing Bowl: For combining eggs and other filling ingredients
4. Whisk: For beating eggs and mixing the custard
5. Cheese Grater: For freshly grating the cheeses
6. Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient portions
7. Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping ham and onions

Initial Preparation Steps

Preparing the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F
2. Place the frozen pie crust on a baking sheet
3. Pre-bake the unwrapped crust for 10 minutes
4. Allow to cool briefly before filling

Preparing the Vegetables

1. Melt butter in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat
2. Add diced onions and cook until translucent (3-5 minutes)
3. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (30 seconds)
4. Set aside to cool slightly

Making the Filling

Creating the Custard Base

The key to a perfect quiche lies in its custard mixture. Follow these steps carefully:

1. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until lightly beaten
2. Add the half-and-half and whisk until well combined
3. Season with Italian seasoning
4. Add salt and pepper (recommended: 3/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper)
5. Whisk until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated

Assembling the Quiche

For the best results, layer your ingredients in this order:

1. Ensure your pre-baked crust has cooled slightly
2. Gently stir the cubed ham into the egg mixture
3. Add both types of cheese to the mixture
4. Fold in the cooled onion and garlic
5. Carefully pour the filling into the crust, being careful not to overfill
6. If there’s extra filling, discard it rather than overfilling the crust

Baking and Serving

Baking Instructions

1. Place the quiche (still on the baking sheet) on the lower oven rack
2. Bake at 375°F for 35-42 minutes
3. Look for these signs of doneness:
   • The center should be set but slightly jiggly
   • The top should be lightly golden
   • A knife inserted near the center should come out clean

Serving Suggestions

• Allow the quiche to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing
• Garnish with chopped chives and/or crumbled bacon if desired
• Serve warm or at room temperature

Storage Instructions

Short-term Storage

• Cover leftover quiche with plastic wrap or aluminum foil
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days
• Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 30-45 seconds

Freezing Instructions

• Allow quiche to cool completely
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil
• Freeze for up to 3 months
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating

Pro Tips

• Always use freshly grated cheese for better melting
• Don’t skip pre-baking the crust – it prevents sogginess
• Let ingredients come to room temperature before mixing
• Place a baking sheet under the quiche to catch any potential overflow
• If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil

Conclusion

This classic Ham and Cheese Quiche recipe combines the richness of two premium cheeses with smoky ham in a perfectly flaky crust. The addition of sautéed onions and garlic adds depth to the flavor profile, while the creamy custard base brings everything together in perfect harmony.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability – you can experiment with different cheese combinations, swap ham for other meats, or add vegetables to make it your own.

The key to success lies in the technique: pre-baking the crust, properly seasoning the custard, and watching the baking time carefully. With these fundamentals mastered, you’ll have a reliable recipe that can be customized to suit any occasion or taste preference.