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
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Create a delectable base layer by evenly distributing diced ham across the partially baked crust, ensuring complete coverage of the pastry bottom.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the ham, allowing the ingredients to create a harmonious flavor landscape.
- 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.
- Delicately pour the egg mixture over the ham and cheese, using gentle circular motions to guarantee even distribution throughout the quiche.
- 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.
- Verify the quiche’s readiness by inserting a knife into the center – it should emerge clean and without any liquid residue.
- Allow the quiche to rest and cool for 5-10 minutes, which helps the filling stabilize and makes slicing more precise.
- 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