Description
Classic ham and cheese quiche combines creamy eggs, savory ham, and melted cheese in a buttery pastry crust. Rich French-inspired flavors make this dish perfect for brunch or light dinner. Guests will love its comforting taste and elegant presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) milk (or half-and-half for creamier texture)
- 1 cup (150 g / 5.3 oz) cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup (100 g / 3.5 oz) shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyere)
- 1 store-bought or homemade pie crust
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Pastry Preparation: Position pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing edges decoratively. Blind bake at 375F (190C) for 10 minutes to create a robust foundation.
- Layer Assembly: Distribute diced ham evenly across the partially baked crust, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese, creating a flavorful base for the quiche.
- Egg Mixture Creation: Whisk eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth and fully incorporated, ensuring a silky texture and balanced seasoning.
- Filling and Baking: Gently pour the egg mixture over ham and cheese using circular motions for even coverage. Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes until the filling sets and develops a golden-brown surface with a firm consistency.
- Finishing Touches: Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes to stabilize the filling. Confirm doneness by inserting a knife into the center – it should emerge clean. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a vibrant presentation before serving.
Notes
- Prevent Soggy Crust: Blind bake the pie crust and brush with egg wash to create a protective barrier that stops moisture from seeping into the pastry.
- Balance Moisture Levels: Ensure ham is patted dry before adding to prevent excess liquid from compromising the quiche’s structural integrity and texture.
- Cheese Selection Matters: Use a combination of sharp cheddar and gruyère for maximum flavor complexity and optimal melting characteristics.
- Temperature Control Technique: Let quiche cool slightly before serving to allow filling to set completely, resulting in cleaner slices and more stable presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg