Ultimate Creamy Ham and Cheese Quiche: A Step-by-Step Guide

Nothing says comfort food quite like a warm, creamy quiche. And when you combine the savory goodness of ham and cheese, you’ve got a dish that’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner. This recipe for creamy ham and cheese quiche is a classic for a reason – it’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create the perfect quiche every time.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe focuses on achieving a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here’s what makes it stand out:

* **Creamy Custard:** We use a combination of heavy cream and milk to create a rich and luscious custard that’s not too heavy. Some recipes rely solely on heavy cream, which can be overwhelming. The milk lightens it up while still maintaining that signature creamy texture.
* **Flavorful Filling:** The combination of salty ham and sharp cheddar cheese is a classic for a reason. We use quality ingredients to ensure maximum flavor.
* **Flaky Crust:** A buttery, flaky crust is essential for a good quiche. You can use store-bought pie crust for convenience or make your own from scratch for a truly exceptional result. We’ll cover both options in this guide.
* **Easy to Customize:** This recipe is a great base that you can easily adapt to your own preferences. Add your favorite vegetables, herbs, or spices to create a quiche that’s uniquely yours.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather all your ingredients. This will make the cooking process much smoother and more enjoyable.

For the Crust (Choose one):

* **Store-bought pie crust:** One 9-inch pre-made pie crust (refrigerated or frozen)
* **Homemade pie crust:**
* 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* 1/4 cup ice water, plus more if needed

For the Filling:

* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/2 cup diced onion
* 1 cup diced cooked ham
* 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Gruyere, Swiss, or a combination)
* 4 large eggs
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Equipment You’ll Need

* 9-inch pie plate
* Mixing bowls
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Skillet
* Oven
* Parchment paper (optional, for lining the crust)
* Pie weights or dried beans (optional, for blind baking)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part – making the quiche! Follow these detailed instructions for a guaranteed delicious result.

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Whether you’re using store-bought or homemade crust, this step is crucial for preventing a soggy bottom.

Using Store-Bought Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Remove the pie crust from the refrigerator or freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes, or as instructed on the package, to soften slightly. This will prevent it from cracking when you unfold it.
3. Unfold the crust and gently place it into the pie plate. Crimp the edges to create a decorative border.
4. **Blind Bake (Optional but Recommended):** To prevent a soggy crust, blind bake it. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. This will prevent the crust from puffing up during baking.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
6. Remove the parchment paper and pie weights and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the bottom of the crust is set.
7. Let the crust cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Making Homemade Crust:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It’s important to keep the butter cold to ensure a flaky crust.
3. 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 into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and prevents the crust from shrinking during baking.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle.
6. Carefully transfer the dough to the pie plate and crimp the edges.
7. **Blind Bake:** Follow the blind baking instructions above.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the diced ham and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until lightly browned. This will enhance the flavor of the ham.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool slightly.
5. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
6. Stir in the cooked onion and ham mixture.
7. Add the shredded cheese and stir to combine.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Quiche

1. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden brown. The center should be just slightly jiggly.
3. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil or a pie shield.
4. Let the quiche cool for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set completely.
5. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips for Success

Here are a few extra tips to help you create the perfect quiche:

* **Use Cold Ingredients:** For the homemade crust, make sure your butter and water are very cold. This will help create a flaky crust.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing the pie dough will develop the gluten, resulting in a tough crust.
* **Blind Bake the Crust:** Blind baking is essential for preventing a soggy crust, especially if you’re using a store-bought crust.
* **Adjust Baking Time:** Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the quiche and adjust the baking time as needed.
* **Let it Cool:** Allow the quiche to cool slightly before slicing and serving. This will help the filling set completely and prevent it from falling apart.
* **Use Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your quiche. Use good quality ham, cheese, and cream for the best results.

Variations and Customizations

The beauty of quiche is that it’s incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas for customizing this recipe to your liking:

* **Vegetables:** Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, asparagus, or broccoli to the filling.
* **Cheese:** Experiment with different cheeses, such as Gruyere, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or goat cheese.
* **Meat:** Substitute bacon, sausage, or pancetta for the ham.
* **Herbs:** Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives to the filling.
* **Spices:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
* **Crustless Quiche:** For a lighter option, skip the crust altogether and bake the filling in a greased pie plate or baking dish. Reduce the baking time slightly.

Serving Suggestions

Quiche is a versatile dish that can be served for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Brunch:** Serve with a side of fresh fruit salad, yogurt, and muffins.
* **Lunch:** Serve with a green salad and a crusty baguette.
* **Dinner:** Serve with roasted vegetables or a light soup.

Storage Instructions

Leftover quiche can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave.

Making Ahead

You can prepare the quiche ahead of time and bake it later. Assemble the quiche and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Recipe Summary

This creamy ham and cheese quiche is a classic recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With its flaky crust, creamy filling, and savory flavors, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Follow this step-by-step guide to create the perfect quiche every time, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations to make it your own.

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Enjoy your delicious homemade creamy ham and cheese quiche!