The Classic Ham and Cheese Quiche Recipe Every Cook Needs

A golden, flaky ham and cheese quiche that promises to steal the spotlight at your next brunch.

Cutting through a perfectly crisp crust to reveal layers of creamy, savory goodness waiting inside.

Eggs whisked with precision blend seamlessly with salty ham and melted cheese, creating a symphony of flavors.

My grandmother’s secret was always using high-quality ingredients that speak for themselves.

Sharp cheddar adds a tangy kick while diced ham brings robust, smoky notes to each delectable bite.

Weekend mornings deserve something special that makes you linger at the table.

You’ll want to slice this quiche and savor every delicious moment with someone you love.

Why Ham and Cheese Quiche Is Always a Classic Favorite

• Effortless Meal Magic: Whip up this quiche with minimal prep, perfect for busy cooks seeking a delicious and quick dinner solution that looks like it took hours to make.
• Flavor Explosion Combo: Enjoy the irresistible blend of salty ham, melty cheese, and creamy egg custard that creates a mouthwatering harmony in every single bite.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or light dinner, this quiche adapts to any mealtime and satisfies both kids and adults with its comforting, familiar flavors.
• Make-Ahead Miracle: Prepare this dish in advance, refrigerate, and reheat easily, making it a stress-free option for meal planning and entertaining guests without last-minute cooking chaos.

What Goes into Ham and Cheese Quiche

• Pie Crust: A flaky foundation for the quiche, store-bought or homemade works well for convenience and taste.

• Ham, Cheese: Savory protein and melty cheese that add rich flavor and texture to the quiche.

• Eggs, Milk: Creamy base that binds all ingredients together and creates a smooth, custardy texture.
• Salt, Pepper, Nutmeg: Classic seasoning blend that enhances the overall taste profile of the dish.

How to Bake Ham and Cheese Quiche Effortlessly

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). Grab a ready-to-use pie crust and nestle it into a 9-inch pie dish, giving the edges a gentle crimp. Pop the crust into the oven for a quick 10-minute pre-bake to ensure a perfectly crisp foundation.

Step 2: Create a Flavorful Base

• Diced ham
• Shredded cheese

Spread them evenly to create a mouthwatering layer of deliciousness.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Egg Blend

• Eggs
• Milk
• Salt
• Pepper
• Nutmeg (optional)

Blend until smooth and silky, creating a luxurious mixture that will transform into a heavenly custard.

Step 4: Assemble the Quiche Magic

Gently pour the egg mixture over the ham and cheese. Ensure every inch of the crust gets coated with the creamy goodness, creating a beautiful, even layer.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the quiche into the preheated oven. Let it bake for 35-40 minutes until the filling sets and develops a gorgeous golden-brown top. To check doneness, insert a knife into the center – it should come out clean and pristine.

Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve

Allow the quiche to cool for 5-10 minutes. This helps it set and makes slicing a breeze. For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle some fresh parsley or chives on top before serving.

Little Tips That Make Ham and Cheese Quiche Better

• Perfect Blind Baking: Use pie weights or dried beans to prevent the crust from puffing up during initial baking, ensuring a crisp and sturdy bottom for your quiche.
• Customize Your Protein: Swap ham for bacon, turkey, or even vegetarian alternatives like roasted vegetables to match dietary preferences without compromising flavor.
• Cheese Variation Hack: Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère, cheddar, or goat cheese to create unique taste profiles and elevate the quiche's richness.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the quiche in advance and refrigerate, then reheat at 350F for 15-20 minutes for a quick and delicious meal that saves time during busy days.
• Temperature Precision: Let eggs reach room temperature before mixing to help them blend more smoothly and create a more consistent, silky custard texture.

Storing and Warming Up Ham and Cheese Quiche

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store cooled quiche in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Freezing Option: Slice quiche into individual portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months, creating convenient make-ahead meals for busy days.
• Reheating in Oven: Restore crispy crust by warming slices at 325F for 10-15 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to prevent excessive browning and maintain moisture.
• Microwave Method: Quickly reheat individual slices on medium power for 30-45 seconds. Add a splash of water to prevent dryness and maintain the quiche's delicious texture.

Best Things to Serve with Ham and Cheese Quiche

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness of the ham and cheese, refreshing your palate with its bright, zesty notes.
• Serve with Tangy Side Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the quiche's creamy texture and provide a peppery, acidic contrast.
• Match with Fruity Sparkling Drink: A chilled apple cider or sparkling elderflower beverage complements the savory quiche, adding a subtle sweetness and effervescence.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare a side of roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts to add a earthy, caramelized element that enhances the quiche's flavor profile.

New Ways to Make Ham and Cheese Quiche Shine

• Mediterranean Magic: Swap ham for sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle chopped kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired version that brings vibrant Mediterranean flavors to your quiche.
• Smoky Bacon Blast: Replace ham with crispy bacon bits, add caramelized onions, and mix in sharp cheddar cheese to create a rich, smoky profile that will satisfy hearty breakfast lovers.
• Vegetarian Garden Burst: Substitute ham with roasted zucchini, spinach, and bell peppers, using goat cheese for a creamy texture and adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme for extra brightness.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate diced jalapeños, swap regular cheese for pepper jack, add chorizo sausage, and top with fresh cilantro for a zesty southwestern-style quiche that brings bold, exciting flavors.

Answers to Your Ham and Cheese Quiche Questions

• What's the purpose of blind baking the crust?

Blind baking helps prevent a soggy bottom by partially cooking the pie crust before adding the wet egg mixture. This technique ensures a crisp, flaky crust that holds up well to the quiche filling.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While the recipe works great with standard shredded cheese, you can experiment with gruyère, swiss, or cheddar for different flavor profiles. Just make sure to use a cheese that melts well.

• Is this quiche suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Ham and cheese quiche is perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat individual slices for a quick breakfast or lunch throughout the week.

• How do I know when the quiche is fully cooked?

The quiche is done when the center is set and no longer jiggly. When you insert a knife near the center, it should come out clean, and the top should have a light golden color. This typically takes about 35-40 minutes in the oven.

Ham And Cheese Quiche Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savor layers of creamy Swiss cheese and smoky ham nestled in a buttery, flaky crust with this classic ham and cheese quiche. Brunch enthusiasts will delight in this elegant French-inspired dish that brings comfort and sophistication to any morning gathering.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Cheese:

• 1 cup (150 g / 5.3 ounces) cooked ham, diced
• 1 cup (100 g / 3.5 ounces) shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyere)
• 4 large eggs

Dairy and Liquid:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters / 8 fluid ounces) milk (or half-and-half for creamier texture)

Crust and Seasonings:

• 1 store-bought or homemade pie crust
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the pastry shell by carefully positioning the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing the edges to create a decorative crimp. Place the crust in a preheated oven at 375F (190C) for initial blind baking, removing after 10 minutes to create a sturdy foundation.
2. Create a delectable base layer by evenly distributing diced ham across the partially baked crust, ensuring complete coverage of the pastry bottom.
3. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the ham, allowing the ingredients to create a harmonious flavor landscape.
4. Craft a silky egg mixture by whisking together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and a hint of nutmeg in a mixing bowl until the combination becomes perfectly smooth and integrated.
5. Delicately pour the egg mixture over the ham and cheese, using gentle circular motions to guarantee even distribution throughout the quiche.
6. Transfer the assembled quiche to the oven, baking for approximately 35-40 minutes until the filling sets and develops a golden-brown surface with a slightly firm texture.
7. Verify the quiche’s readiness by inserting a knife into the center – it should emerge clean and without any liquid residue.
8. Allow the quiche to rest and cool for 5-10 minutes, which helps the filling stabilize and makes slicing more precise.
9. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives to add a vibrant touch of color and fresh herb flavor before serving.

Notes

• Blind baking prevents a soggy bottom by pre-cooking the pie crust, ensuring a crisp texture that holds up against the wet egg mixture.
• Choose high-quality ham like Black Forest or smoked varieties to elevate the quiche’s flavor profile and add depth to each bite.
• For a lighter version, swap whole milk with low-fat milk or use half-and-half for a richer custard without excessive calories.
• Experiment with alternative cheese options like Gruyère, fontina, or goat cheese to create unique flavor combinations that suit different palates.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg