Easy Broccoli and Ham Quiche: A Delicious and Simple Recipe

Quiche is a wonderfully versatile dish, perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. It’s elegant enough to serve to guests but simple enough to whip up on a weeknight. This Easy Broccoli and Ham Quiche is a fantastic twist on the classic, combining the savory goodness of ham with the nutritional punch of broccoli in a creamy, comforting custard. It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.

This recipe prioritizes simplicity and uses readily available ingredients, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, you’ll find this quiche easy to make and incredibly rewarding to eat.

## Why You’ll Love This Broccoli and Ham Quiche

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal prep time and straightforward steps.
* **Versatile:** Perfect for any meal of the day, from a weekend brunch to a quick weeknight dinner.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Swap out the ham for bacon, add different cheeses, or include other vegetables.
* **Delicious and Nutritious:** Combines the savory flavors of ham and cheese with the health benefits of broccoli.
* **Great for Meal Prep:** Quiche is fantastic for meal prepping. Make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather your ingredients. This recipe uses common ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and refrigerator.

### For the Crust:

* **1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour:** Provides the structure for the crust.
* **1/2 teaspoon salt:** Enhances the flavor of the crust.
* **1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed:** Creates a flaky and tender crust. Make sure the butter is very cold!
* **1/4 cup ice water:** Binds the dough together. Keep it ice cold to prevent the butter from melting.

### For the Filling:

* **1 tablespoon olive oil:** For sautéing the broccoli.
* **1 cup broccoli florets, chopped:** Provides a healthy and delicious vegetable element.
* **1 cup cooked ham, diced:** Adds a savory and meaty flavor.
* **4 large eggs:** The base of the custard filling.
* **1 cup heavy cream:** Creates a rich and creamy texture.
* **1/2 cup milk:** Thins the cream slightly for the perfect consistency.
* **1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese:** Adds a sharp and cheesy flavor. Feel free to use your favorite cheese, such as Gruyere or Swiss.
* **1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese:** Adds a salty and nutty flavor.
* **1/4 teaspoon salt:** Seasons the filling.
* **1/4 teaspoon black pepper:** Adds a touch of spice.
* **Pinch of nutmeg (optional):** Adds a warm and aromatic flavor.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **9-inch pie plate:** For baking the quiche.
* **Mixing bowls:** For preparing the crust and filling.
* **Food processor (optional):** Makes preparing the crust even easier.
* **Rolling pin:** For rolling out the dough.
* **Fork:** For docking the crust.
* **Sauté pan:** For cooking the broccoli.
* **Whisk:** For mixing the filling ingredients.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Easy Broccoli and Ham Quiche.

### Step 1: Make the Crust

1. **Combine dry ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. **Add butter:** Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter pieces should be about the size of peas.
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 disk. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and the butter to chill, resulting in a flakier 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 plate.
6. **Trim and crimp the edges:** Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges of the crust to create a decorative border.
7. **Dock the crust:** Use a fork to prick the bottom of the crust all over. This prevents the crust from puffing up during baking.
8. **Pre-bake the crust (blind bake):** 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 weights, and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden.

### Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. **Sauté the broccoli:** Heat the olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the chopped broccoli florets and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Season with salt and pepper.
2. **Combine the ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Add the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, cooked ham, and sautéed broccoli to the egg mixture. Gently stir to combine.

### Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Quiche

1. **Pour the filling into the crust:** Pour the broccoli and ham mixture into the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly.
2. **Bake the quiche:** Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
3. **Cool the quiche:** Let the quiche cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

## Tips for the Perfect Quiche

* **Use Cold Butter:** Cold butter is essential for creating a flaky crust. Make sure the butter is very cold when you add it to the flour mixture.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten and result in a tough crust. Mix just until the dough comes together.
* **Blind Bake the Crust:** Blind baking the crust ensures that it is fully cooked and prevents it from becoming soggy when you add the filling.
* **Pre-Cook the Broccoli:** Sautéing the broccoli before adding it to the filling helps to ensure that it is tender and flavorful.
* **Use Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will impact the flavor of your quiche. Use fresh, high-quality eggs, cheese, and ham.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking the quiche can result in a dry and rubbery filling. Bake until the filling is set but still slightly wobbly.
* **Let it Rest:** Allowing the quiche to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing will help the filling to set and make it easier to slice.

## Variations and Substitutions

This Easy Broccoli and Ham Quiche is a versatile recipe that can be easily adapted to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:

* **Cheese:** Experiment with different cheeses, such as Gruyere, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
* **Meat:** Substitute the ham with bacon, sausage, or cooked chicken.
* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, onions, or bell peppers.
* **Crustless Quiche:** For a lighter option, skip the crust altogether and bake the filling in a greased pie dish.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the crust gluten-free.
* **Dairy-Free:** Substitute the heavy cream and milk with coconut cream or almond milk. Use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

## Serving Suggestions

This Easy Broccoli and Ham Quiche is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Salad:** Serve with a simple green salad or a more elaborate salad with grilled vegetables and a vinaigrette dressing.
* **Fruit Salad:** A refreshing fruit salad is a great complement to the savory quiche.
* **Soup:** Pair with a light soup, such as tomato soup or vegetable soup.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Serve with roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.
* **Toast or Croissants:** Offer toast or croissants on the side for a heartier meal.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezer:** You can also freeze the quiche for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Reheating Instructions

* **Oven:** Reheat the quiche in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

* Calories: 350-450 per serving
* Fat: 25-35g
* Protein: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 15-20g

## Conclusion

This Easy Broccoli and Ham Quiche is a delightful and simple recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy filling, savory ham, and nutritious broccoli, it’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant brunch option, this quiche is a fantastic choice. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a slice of homemade goodness!

## Recipe Card

**Easy Broccoli and Ham Quiche**

A delicious and simple recipe for a classic quiche with broccoli and ham.

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 40-45 minutes
**Total Time:** 1 hour 5 minutes
**Servings:** 6-8

**Ingredients:**

* **For the Crust:**
* 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
* 1/4 cup ice water
* **For the Filling:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped
* 1 cup cooked ham, diced
* 4 large eggs
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Make the Crust:**
* In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
* Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
* Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
* Gently form the dough into a disk. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
* On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to your 9-inch pie plate.
* Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges of the crust to create a decorative border.
* Use a fork to prick the bottom of the crust all over.
* 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 weights, and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden.
2. **Prepare the Filling:**
* Heat the olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the chopped broccoli florets and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Season with salt and pepper.
* In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Add the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, cooked ham, and sautéed broccoli to the egg mixture. Gently stir to combine.
3. **Assemble and Bake the Quiche:**
* Pour the broccoli and ham mixture into the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly.
* Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
* Let the quiche cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

**Notes:**

* Use cold butter for a flaky crust.
* Don’t overmix the dough.
* Blind bake the crust to prevent it from becoming soggy.
* Sauté the broccoli before adding it to the filling.
* Let the quiche cool before slicing.

Enjoy your delicious Easy Broccoli and Ham Quiche!