Ham and Hash Brown Quiche: A Comforting and Delicious Breakfast or Brunch Recipe

Quiche is a versatile and elegant dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even dinner. This Ham and Hash Brown Quiche takes the classic quiche and elevates it with crispy hash browns and savory ham, creating a truly satisfying and flavorful meal. The combination of the creamy custard, salty ham, and crispy potatoes is simply irresistible. This recipe is perfect for using up leftover ham or hash browns, and it’s also a great dish to make ahead of time for a weekend brunch or a potluck gathering. Get ready to learn how to make this crowd-pleasing quiche that’s sure to become a new family favorite!

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Comforting and Flavorful:** The combination of ham, hash browns, cheese, and creamy custard creates a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion.
* **Versatile:** This quiche can be served for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
* **Easy to Customize:** You can easily customize this recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or meats.
* **Great for Leftovers:** This recipe is a great way to use up leftover ham or hash browns.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can make this quiche ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to serve it.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** This quiche is always a hit at parties and gatherings.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Ham and Hash Brown Quiche:

* **Hash Browns:** 1 (20-ounce) package frozen shredded hash browns, thawed and squeezed dry
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
* **Onion:** 1/2 cup chopped onion
* **Ham:** 1 1/2 cups diced cooked ham
* **Eggs:** 6 large eggs
* **Milk:** 1 cup whole milk
* **Heavy Cream:** 1/2 cup heavy cream
* **Cheddar Cheese:** 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
* **Salt:** 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* **Black Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* **Optional:** Fresh chives, for garnish

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **9-inch Pie Plate:** A deep-dish pie plate is ideal for this quiche.
* **Large Bowl:** For mixing the custard filling.
* **Skillet:** For sautéing the onion and ham.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Cheese Grater:** If you’re using a block of cheddar cheese.
* **Whisk:** For whisking the eggs and dairy together.
* **Spatula:** For folding in the ingredients.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get started on making this incredible Ham and Hash Brown Quiche. Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect result every time:

### 1. Prepare the Hash Brown Crust

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch pie plate with butter or cooking spray.
* In a large bowl, combine the thawed and squeezed-dry hash browns with the melted butter. Mix well to ensure the hash browns are evenly coated.
* Press the hash brown mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pie plate, forming a crust.
* Bake the hash brown crust in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden brown and slightly crispy. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

### 2. Sauté the Onion and Ham

* While the hash brown crust is baking, melt a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add the diced ham to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until lightly browned.
* Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.

### 3. Prepare the Custard Filling

* In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and heavy cream until well combined.
* Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

### 4. Assemble the Quiche

* Sprinkle the sautéed onion and ham evenly over the baked hash brown crust.
* Pour the custard filling over the ham and onion.
* Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

### 5. Bake the Quiche

* Bake the quiche in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the custard is set and the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
* If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can cover the edges with aluminum 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.
* Garnish with fresh chives, if desired.

## Tips for the Perfect Ham and Hash Brown Quiche

* **Squeeze the Hash Browns:** Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the thawed hash browns. This will help the crust become crispy and prevent it from becoming soggy.
* **Pre-Bake the Crust:** Pre-baking the hash brown crust is essential to ensure that it’s cooked through and crispy. If you skip this step, the crust may be undercooked and soggy.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking the quiche can result in a dry and rubbery custard. Bake until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** Using high-quality ingredients, such as fresh eggs, good cheese, and flavorful ham, will make a big difference in the taste of the quiche.
* **Let it Rest:** Allowing the quiche to cool for a few minutes before slicing helps the custard to set and makes it easier to cut into clean slices.
* **Customize the Filling:** Feel free to add other vegetables, cheeses, or meats to the filling to customize the quiche to your liking. Some great additions include mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, bacon, or Gruyere cheese.
* **Blind Bake:** For a crispier crust, consider blind baking it with pie weights before adding the filling. This involves lining the crust with parchment paper and filling it with pie weights or dried beans to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
* **Adjust Seasoning:** Taste the custard filling before pouring it into the crust and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or other spices to enhance the flavor.
* **Prevent Soggy Crust:** To prevent the crust from becoming soggy, you can brush it with a thin layer of melted chocolate or egg white before adding the filling. This will create a barrier that prevents the custard from seeping into the crust.

## Variations and Add-Ins

The beauty of quiche is its versatility. Here are some variations and add-ins to inspire you:

* **Vegetarian Quiche:** Omit the ham and add your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
* **Bacon and Cheese Quiche:** Substitute the ham with crispy cooked bacon.
* **Spinach and Feta Quiche:** Add chopped spinach and crumbled feta cheese to the filling.
* **Mushroom and Swiss Quiche:** Add sautéed mushrooms and shredded Swiss cheese to the filling.
* **Lorraine Quiche:** A classic quiche with bacon, Gruyere cheese, and a creamy custard filling.
* **Spicy Quiche:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.
* **Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
* **Herbs:** Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the filling for added flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

This Ham and Hash Brown Quiche is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of sides to create a complete meal. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Salad:** Serve with a simple green salad or a fruit salad for a light and refreshing meal.
* **Fresh Fruit:** Offer a platter of fresh fruit, such as berries, melon, or grapes.
* **Toast:** Serve with toasted bread or croissants for dipping into the creamy custard.
* **Soup:** Pair with a bowl of soup, such as tomato soup or vegetable soup.
* **Yogurt Parfait:** Add a yogurt parfait with granola and fruit for a more substantial brunch.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Serve with roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or other vegetables.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

This Ham and Hash Brown Quiche can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy mornings or entertaining. Here’s how to make it ahead:

* **Prepare the Hash Brown Crust:** You can prepare the hash brown crust up to 2 days in advance. Bake it according to the recipe instructions and store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
* **Sauté the Onion and Ham:** You can sauté the onion and ham up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Assemble the Quiche:** You can assemble the quiche (but do not bake it) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake it, remove the plastic wrap and bake according to the recipe instructions.
* **Baked Quiche:** Baked quiche can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.

## Storage Instructions

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

## Reheating Instructions

* **Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the quiche on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Microwave the quiche for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 450-550 per serving
* Fat: 30-40g
* Saturated Fat: 15-20g
* Cholesterol: 200-250mg
* Sodium: 500-700mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
* Protein: 20-25g

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Conclusion

This Ham and Hash Brown Quiche is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. With its crispy hash brown crust, savory ham filling, and creamy custard, it’s a dish that’s sure to delight your taste buds. The flexibility of this recipe allows you to make substitutions to suit your taste preferences, whether you are adding more vegetables, different types of cheeses or meats. Plus, its make-ahead convenience makes it an ideal option for those busy mornings or when you are preparing for a gathering with family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and create this comforting and delicious quiche that will have everyone asking for seconds! Enjoy!