Ham and Cheese Breakfast Quiche: A Deliciously Easy Recipe
Quiche is a versatile and satisfying dish, perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even dinner. This ham and cheese breakfast quiche recipe is a classic combination that’s both comforting and flavorful. It’s surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This quiche is also a great make-ahead option, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free morning. The salty ham pairs perfectly with the creamy custard and melted cheese, creating a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to create this delightful dish.
Why You’ll Love This Ham and Cheese Breakfast Quiche
* **Easy to Make:** Don’t be intimidated by the fancy name! This quiche is surprisingly simple to prepare. With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll have a delicious and impressive dish ready in no time.
* **Versatile:** Customize this recipe to your liking! Add your favorite vegetables, swap out the cheese, or use a different type of meat. The possibilities are endless.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Prepare the quiche ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to serve. This is perfect for busy mornings or entertaining guests.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Everyone loves a good quiche! The combination of ham, cheese, and creamy custard is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
* **Perfect for Any Meal:** Enjoy this quiche for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. It’s a versatile dish that fits any occasion.
* **Great Way to Use Leftover Ham:** Transform leftover ham into a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious ham and cheese breakfast quiche:
* **1 (9-inch) pie crust:** You can use a store-bought crust or make your own. A pre-made crust saves time, especially on busy mornings. If you choose to make your own, ensure it’s blind-baked beforehand to prevent a soggy bottom.
* **6 large eggs:** The eggs are the base of the custard, providing richness and structure to the quiche.
* **1 cup heavy cream:** Heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the custard. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or milk, but the texture will be slightly different.
* **1/2 cup milk:** Milk helps to thin out the heavy cream and creates a balanced custard.
* **1 cup cooked ham, diced:** Diced ham adds a savory and salty element to the quiche. You can use leftover ham, deli ham, or even Canadian bacon.
* **1 cup shredded cheese:** A blend of Gruyere and cheddar cheese is recommended, but feel free to use your favorite cheese. Gruyere provides a nutty and slightly sweet flavor, while cheddar adds a sharp and tangy taste. Other good options include Swiss, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella.
* **1/4 cup chopped onion:** Onion adds a subtle savory flavor to the quiche. You can use yellow, white, or red onion, depending on your preference.
* **1 tablespoon butter:** Butter is used to sauté the onion and add richness to the quiche.
* **1/4 teaspoon salt:** Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **1/4 teaspoon black pepper:** Black pepper adds a touch of spice to the quiche.
* **Pinch of nutmeg (optional):** A pinch of nutmeg adds a warm and subtle flavor to the custard. It’s a classic addition to quiche but can be omitted if you prefer.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **9-inch pie plate:** A standard pie plate is perfect for baking the quiche.
* **Large bowl:** You’ll need a large bowl to whisk together the eggs, cream, milk, and seasonings.
* **Skillet:** A skillet is used to sauté the onion in butter.
* **Whisk:** A whisk is essential for creating a smooth and even custard.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate measurements of the ingredients.
* **Cutting board and knife:** For dicing the ham and chopping the onion.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get to the fun part: making the quiche! Follow these step-by-step instructions for a perfectly baked ham and cheese breakfast quiche.
**Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust**
* If using a store-bought pie crust, remove it from the packaging and place it in the pie plate.
* If making your own pie crust, roll it out and fit it into the pie plate. Crimp the edges to create a decorative border.
* **Blind Bake (Recommended):** To prevent a soggy crust, pre-bake the pie crust. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the pie crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the parchment paper and pie weights and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown. Let it cool slightly.
**Step 2: Sauté the Onion**
* In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This step helps to mellow the onion’s flavor and adds depth to the quiche.
* Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
**Step 3: Prepare the Custard**
* In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using) until well combined. Make sure the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps.
**Step 4: Assemble the Quiche**
* Sprinkle the diced ham and sautéed onion evenly over the bottom of the pre-baked pie crust. Ensure the ham and onion are distributed evenly for consistent flavor in every slice.
* Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the ham and onion.
* Pour the custard mixture over the ham, onion, and cheese. Be careful not to overfill the crust.
**Step 5: Bake the Quiche**
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Place the quiche in the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown. The quiche is done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. If the crust is browning too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.
**Step 6: Cool and Serve**
* Remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the custard to set properly and makes it easier to slice. Cooling also prevents burning your mouth!
* Serve warm or at room temperature. You can also refrigerate the quiche and enjoy it cold.
Tips for the Perfect Ham and Cheese Breakfast Quiche
* **Blind bake the crust:** This is crucial for preventing a soggy bottom. No one wants a soggy quiche!
* **Use high-quality ingredients:** The better the ingredients, the better the flavor of the quiche.
* **Don’t overbake the quiche:** Overbaking can result in a dry and rubbery custard. The quiche is done when the center is just set and jiggles slightly.
* **Let the quiche cool before slicing:** This allows the custard to set properly and makes it easier to slice.
* **Customize the recipe:** Add your favorite vegetables, cheese, or meat to create your own unique quiche.
Variations and Add-ins
The beauty of quiche is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. Here are some ideas to get you started:
* **Vegetables:** Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, asparagus, or tomatoes. Be sure to cook the vegetables before adding them to the quiche to prevent them from making the crust soggy.
* **Cheese:** Try different types of cheese, such as Swiss, Gruyere, mozzarella, or feta.
* **Meat:** Substitute the ham with bacon, sausage, or chorizo.
* **Herbs:** Add fresh herbs, such as chives, parsley, or thyme, to the custard for added flavor.
* **Spices:** Experiment with different spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder.
* **Crustless Quiche:** For a lighter option, skip the crust altogether and bake the quiche in a greased pie plate.
Serving Suggestions
This ham and cheese breakfast quiche is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some serving suggestions:
* **Fresh fruit salad:** A refreshing fruit salad is a perfect complement to the rich and savory quiche.
* **Green salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing adds a touch of freshness and acidity.
* **Toast or croissants:** Serve with warm toast or croissants for a heartier meal.
* **Yogurt parfait:** A yogurt parfait with granola and berries is a delicious and healthy side.
* **Coffee or tea:** Enjoy with your favorite coffee or tea.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This ham and cheese breakfast quiche is a great make-ahead option. You can prepare the quiche ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to serve. Here’s how:
* **Prepare the quiche:** Follow the recipe instructions up to the point of baking.
* **Cover and refrigerate:** Cover the quiche tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
* **Bake:** When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the quiche for 50-60 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since the quiche is cold.
Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the quiche in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the crust may become soggy.
* **Freeze:** You can freeze baked quiche for up to 2-3 months. Wrap the quiche tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 400-500 per serving (depending on ingredients and serving size)
* Fat: 30-40g
* Protein: 20-25g
* Carbohydrates: 15-20g
Ham and Cheese Breakfast Quiche Recipe
**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 45-55 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (9-inch) pie crust
* 6 large eggs
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1 cup cooked ham, diced
* 1 cup shredded cheese (Gruyere and cheddar blend recommended)
* 1/4 cup chopped onion
* 1 tablespoon butter
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Pie Crust:** If using a store-bought pie crust, place it in a pie plate. If making your own, roll it out, fit it into the pie plate, and crimp the edges. Blind bake the crust at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes with pie weights, then 5-10 minutes without, until lightly golden brown. Let cool slightly.
2. **Sauté the Onion:** Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. **Prepare the Custard:** In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using) until well combined.
4. **Assemble the Quiche:** Sprinkle diced ham and sautéed onion evenly over the bottom of the pre-baked pie crust. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the ham and onion. Pour the custard mixture over the ham, onion, and cheese.
5. **Bake the Quiche:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the quiche in the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown. If the crust browns too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
6. **Cool and Serve:** Remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Enjoy your delicious and easy ham and cheese breakfast quiche!