Elevate your brunch game with this delightful Ham and Cheese Quiche! This savory pie combines a flaky, buttery crust with a rich filling of tender ham, gooey cheese, and fluffy eggs, making it a satisfying dish for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this quiche is sure to impress. Quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear, it’s a versatile recipe that allows for easy customization with your favorite ingredients.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 4-5 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Swiss, cheddar, or your choice)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Fresh herbs (like chives or parsley) for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crust:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cubed butter and mix with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Avoid overworking the dough.
- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll Out the Crust:
- On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, trimming the edges as necessary. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.
- Pre-bake the Crust:
- Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and cream until well combined. Stir in the diced ham, shredded cheese, chopped onion, spinach (if using), salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Assemble the Quiche:
- Pour the filling into the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the Quiche:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the quiche is set and lightly golden on top. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the quiche to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.