Ham and Veggie Quiche: A Delicious and Nutritious Recipe

Quiche, a savory custard pie, is a versatile dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. It’s easily customizable to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. This recipe focuses on a classic combination: ham and vegetables. A ham and veggie quiche is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover ham and incorporate a variety of vegetables into your diet. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, preparing a quick weeknight dinner, or simply looking for a comforting meal, this ham and veggie quiche recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Ham and Veggie Quiche

* **Versatile:** This recipe is easily adaptable to your favorite vegetables and cheeses. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to create your own signature quiche.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** Quiche can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it ideal for meal prepping and busy weeknights. It also freezes well, ensuring you always have a tasty meal on hand.
* **Great for Using Leftovers:** Quiche is a fantastic way to use up leftover ham, vegetables, and cheese, reducing food waste and creating a delicious new dish.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** Whether you’re hosting a brunch or potluck, quiche is always a hit with guests. Its savory flavors and creamy texture make it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
* **Nutritious:** Packed with protein from the ham and vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, this quiche is a well-rounded and nutritious meal.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. This recipe is designed for a standard 9-inch pie dish.

**For the Crust:**

* 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* ¼ cup cold shortening, cut into cubes
* 5-7 tablespoons ice water

**Alternatively, you can use a store-bought pre-made pie crust for convenience.**

**For the Filling:**

* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 cup chopped onion
* 1 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
* 1 cup chopped broccoli florets
* 1 cup chopped cooked ham
* 4 large eggs
* 1 ½ cups heavy cream
* ½ cup milk
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ¼ teaspoon black pepper
* ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
* ½ cup shredded Gruyere cheese (or Swiss cheese)

Equipment

* 9-inch pie dish
* Mixing bowls
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Rolling pin (if making homemade crust)
* Whisk
* Skillet

Instructions

Now, let’s walk through the step-by-step instructions for making this delicious ham and veggie quiche.

Step 1: Prepare the Crust (Homemade or Store-Bought)

**If making a homemade crust:**

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. **Cut in the Fat:** Add the cold butter and shortening to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the fat into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key is to work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
3. **Add Ice Water:** Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
4. **Form the Dough:** Gently form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender crust.
5. **Roll Out the Dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to your 9-inch pie dish. Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the dish.
6. **Trim and Crimp:** Trim any excess dough from the edges of the pie dish. Crimp the edges with a fork or your fingers for a decorative touch. You can also use a knife to create a simple edge pattern.
7. **Pre-Bake the Crust (Blind Bake):** To prevent a soggy bottom, pre-bake the crust. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes. Remove the parchment paper and pie weights and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden.

**If using a store-bought crust:**

1. Simply unroll the crust and place it in your pie dish. Crimp the edges as desired. Pre-bake according to the package directions. This usually involves baking at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetable Filling

1. **Sauté the Vegetables:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the broccoli florets and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender.
2. **Add the Ham:** Stir in the chopped cooked ham and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until heated through. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Custard

1. **Whisk the Eggs:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Quiche

1. **Layer the Filling:** Spread the sautéed vegetable and ham mixture evenly over the bottom of the pre-baked crust.
2. **Pour the Custard:** Pour the custard mixture over the vegetable and ham filling, making sure to distribute it evenly.
3. **Add the Cheese:** Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Gruyere (or Swiss) cheese over the top of the quiche.

Step 5: Bake the Quiche

1. **Bake:** Bake the quiche in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35-45 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown. The center of the quiche should be slightly jiggly but not liquid.
2. **Rest:** Remove the quiche from the oven and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the custard to set further and makes it easier to cut.

Tips for the Perfect Quiche

* **Use Cold Ingredients for the Crust:** Cold butter and shortening are essential for creating a flaky crust. Make sure your ingredients are well chilled before you start.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten, resulting in a tough crust. Mix just until the dough comes together.
* **Pre-Bake the Crust:** Pre-baking the crust prevents a soggy bottom. Make sure to use pie weights or dried beans to keep the crust from puffing up.
* **Sauté the Vegetables:** Sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the quiche ensures they are cooked through and releases their flavors.
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** Using high-quality ham, cheese, and cream will elevate the flavor of your quiche.
* **Don’t Overbake the Quiche:** Overbaking the quiche will result in a dry and rubbery custard. The quiche is done when the center is slightly jiggly but not liquid.
* **Let the Quiche Rest:** Letting the quiche rest before slicing allows the custard to set further, making it easier to cut and preventing it from collapsing.

Variations and Substitutions

* **Vegetables:** Feel free to substitute your favorite vegetables for the ones listed in the recipe. Some great options include spinach, mushrooms, asparagus, zucchini, and tomatoes.
* **Cheese:** Experiment with different cheeses to create your own unique flavor profile. Some delicious alternatives include mozzarella, feta, goat cheese, and provolone.
* **Meat:** If you don’t have ham on hand, you can use bacon, sausage, or even shredded chicken. You can also make a vegetarian version by omitting the meat altogether.
* **Crust:** For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free pie crust or make a crustless quiche by omitting the crust altogether. Alternatively, you can use a pastry crust. Puff pastry provides a wonderfully light and airy crust.
* **Dairy:** For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk. However, keep in mind that this may result in a less creamy custard. Using full-fat dairy will give the best texture and flavor.
* **Herbs:** Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives to the custard for an extra layer of flavor. A sprinkle of fresh parsley after baking also adds a nice touch.

Serving Suggestions

This ham and veggie quiche is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of side dishes to create a complete meal.

* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing complement to the rich and savory quiche.
* **Fruit Salad:** A fruit salad with fresh berries, melon, and grapes adds a touch of sweetness to the meal.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes are a hearty and flavorful side dish.
* **Soup:** A bowl of creamy tomato soup or butternut squash soup is a comforting accompaniment to the quiche.
* **Bread:** Serve with a slice of crusty bread or a warm croissant for dipping into the custard.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

**Storage:**

* **Refrigerate:** Leftover quiche can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover the quiche tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
* **Freeze:** For longer storage, you can freeze the quiche. Wrap the quiche tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the quiche in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

**Reheating:**

* **Oven:** To reheat the quiche in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the quiche on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Cover the quiche with aluminum foil if it starts to brown too quickly.
* **Microwave:** You can also reheat the quiche in the microwave, but it may not be as crispy as when reheated in the oven. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 400-500 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 20-25 grams
* Fat: 30-40 grams
* Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams

**Note:** These values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. For a more accurate nutritional analysis, use a nutrition calculator and input the specific ingredients and quantities used in your recipe.

Conclusion

This ham and veggie quiche recipe is a delicious, versatile, and nutritious meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a brunch dish to impress your guests, or a comforting meal to enjoy on a cozy day, this quiche is sure to satisfy. With its customizable ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a ham and veggie quiche that is perfectly tailored to your taste preferences. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of homemade goodness!

Enjoy your delicious ham and veggie quiche! Bon appétit!