Classic Ham and Cheese Quiche Recipe: An Easy, Crowd-Pleasing Brunch
Create a crowd-pleasing, creamy dish with minimal fuss and flexible ingredients.
Classic Ham and Cheese Quiche – The Perfect Brunch Centerpiece
Ham and cheese quiche stands as a timeless brunch favorite, cherished for its creamy custard filling, savory ham, and melt-in-your-mouth cheese. Whether you’re preparing an easy Easter brunch, a family breakfast, or a quick midweek lunch, this quiche is designed for minimal fuss and maximum flavor. By using a store-bought pie crust, you save prep time and effort, making this dish accessible even for busy mornings.
In this article, you’ll find:
- Essential tips and tricks for quiche success
- Ingredient options, substitutions, and shortcuts
- Step-by-step directions for preparation
- Serving suggestions & creative breakfast ideas
- Frequently asked questions about quiche making
Why Choose Quiche for Your Brunch?
Quiche is more than just a breakfast casserole—it’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that suits any occasion. Its adaptability allows for endless variations, using ingredients you likely already have. Plus, quiche can be served warm or at room temperature, making it ideal for make-ahead entertaining or relaxed family meals.
- Perfect for holidays like Easter, Mother’s Day, and Christmas.
- Quick enough for weekday breakfasts or weekend brunch.
- Easy to customize with ingredients on hand.
- Great for feeding a crowd; doubles or scales easily.
The Secret to Effortless Quiche: Store-Bought Crust
Homemade pie crust has its virtues—tender, buttery, flaky. But for speed and convenience, a store-bought refrigerated pie crust is the hero of this recipe. With no par-baking required, everything comes together seamlessly, so you can focus on what matters: the rich, savory filling.
Time-saving tips:
- Use a standard refrigerated pie crust (not deep dish). No need to par-bake.
- Preheat a baking sheet in the oven. Place the pie plate on this to achieve a crisp bottom—similar to a pizza stone effect.
- If you prefer homemade crust, your favorite recipe will work—just adjust for pie plate size.
Ingredient Spotlight: Ham and Cheese Quiche Essentials
Here’s what you’ll need for a classic ham and cheese quiche:
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated pie crust | 1 (from a 14-oz box) | Base for the quiche |
| Large eggs | 4 | For creamy custard filling |
| Half-and-half | 1 cup | Richness and creaminess |
| Chopped fresh parsley | 1 Tbsp | Fresh flavor and garnish |
| Dijon mustard | 1 Tbsp | Flavor complexity |
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/2 Tbsp | Helps set filling |
| Kosher salt | 1/4 tsp | Seasoning |
| Diced ham | 8 oz | Classic savory filling |
| Shredded sharp cheddar cheese | 1 cup | Melt and flavor |
| Small shallot, finely chopped | 1 | Savory notes |
Ingredient notes:
Diced ham can be deli-sliced or leftover holiday ham—just dice into bite-sized pieces. Choose sharp cheddar cheese for bold flavor, but Swiss, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack also work well.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
- Bacon instead of ham: Cook bacon until crisp. Drain and crumble before adding.
- Vegetarian option: Omit ham, add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or veggies.
- Milk vs. half-and-half: Whole milk can be used for a lighter texture. Or, substitute 1/2 cup sour cream + 1/2 cup milk or 1/2 cup heavy cream + 1/2 cup milk for similar richness.
- Extra flavor: Add herbs like thyme, chives, or basil. Mix in peppers or a dash of hot sauce.
Step-By-Step Directions: How to Make Ham and Cheese Quiche
- Preheat the oven: Set oven to 375°F. Place a baking sheet on the middle rack for crispier crust.
- Prepare the pie crust: Fit the refrigerated crust into a 9-inch pie plate (not deep dish). Fold under the edges, crimp as desired, and refrigerate while preparing the filling.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, parsley, Dijon mustard, flour, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Layer the filling: Sprinkle diced ham, cheddar cheese, and shallot evenly in the pie crust. Pour the egg mixture on top.
- Bake: Place the quiche on the preheated baking sheet. Bake for 40–45 minutes, until puffed around the edges and the center is set.
- Cool: Allow to cool for at least 30 minutes on the baking sheet. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Top with more fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for Quiche Success
- Chill your crust: This prevents soggy bottoms even without par-baking.
- Don’t overbake: Remove quiche when center looks just set—a little jiggle prevents dryness.
- Let it rest: Cooling ensures neater slices and lets flavors deepen.
- Customize: Swap cheeses, meats, or veggies to suit taste or use up leftovers.
What others are reading
Make-Ahead, Storage, & Reheating Guide
- Make-ahead: Prepare and bake quiche up to 1 day before serving. Refrigerate covered.
- To serve: Reheat at 315°F until warm, or let stand 30 minutes and serve at room temp.
- Leftovers: Store slices in airtight containers, fridge up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight.
This flexibility makes quiche an ideal dish for visitors, holiday gatherings, or meal prepping.
Serving Suggestions & Breakfast Inspiration
Quiche is endlessly adaptable. Complement your ham and cheese masterpiece with fresh sides, festive breakfast treats, or create a themed brunch spread:
- Seasonal fruit salad—citrus, berries, or melon add freshness.
- Roasted breakfast potatoes or hash browns.
- Green salad with vinaigrette for balance.
- Muffin tin egg cups—mini quiches, frittatas, or baked oatmeal.
- Easy baked breakfast casseroles—like cinnamon roll peach cobbler, sausage breakfast bake, or crustless quiche options.
- Warm peach smoothies or jammy fig recipes for a sweet note.
- French toast, pumpkin spice treats, or autumnal breakfast ideas for seasonal brunches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What kind of ham is best for quiche?
Deli-sliced ham from the grocery store works well, or use leftover holiday ham. Dice into bite-sized cubes for even flavor distribution.
Can I use bacon instead of ham?
Absolutely! Cook bacon until crisp, drain well, and crumble before adding to the pie crust.
Can I substitute milk for half-and-half?
Yes. Whole milk can replace half-and-half for a lighter quiche. For best results, substitute half and half with a blend of 1/2 cup sour cream & 1/2 cup milk, or 1/2 cup heavy cream & 1/2 cup milk.
Is homemade pie crust necessary?
Homemade crust adds flavor and flakiness, but a store-bought crust is great for speed or convenience—the creamy filling is the highlight!
Do I need to par-bake the crust?
No, you can skip par-baking. This recipe relies on a preheated baking sheet, which helps the bottom crisp as it bakes.
How do I make quiche ahead?
Prepare, bake, and refrigerate quiche up to a day in advance. Reheat gently in the oven, or serve at room temp for easy entertaining.
How do I know when quiche is done?
Bake until edges puff and center is set (no visible liquid), about 40–45 minutes. Allow to cool before slicing for neat servings.
Can I freeze leftover quiche?
Yes! Wrap tightly, freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight for best texture—reheat in a low oven until warmed through.
Quiche Variations: More Brunch Inspiration
If you’ve mastered the basic ham and cheese quiche, try these crave-worthy spins:
- Crustless Quiche: Skip the crust; bake as an egg casserole. Add Italian sausage, hash browns, peppers, onions, and cheese.
- Cowboy Quiche: Go deep dish with caramelized onions, bacon, and sharp cheddar. Swap in asparagus, sausage, or shrimp—make it your own!
- Vegetable Quiche: Fill with roasted mushrooms, spinach, or spring greens, plus feta or goat cheese.
- French-style Quiche Lorraine: Features smoky bacon and Gruyère cheese for a decadent touch.
Pro Tips for Brunch Success
- Customize: Add what you like—cheese, veggies, fresh herbs
- Scale up: Double recipe for holidays or big gatherings.
- Kid-friendly: Mini quiches or muffin tin versions are great for lunchboxes and little hands.
- Egg yolk recipes: Use leftover yolks from baking to make extra rich quiches or custards.
Related Breakfast Recipes and Ideas
- Fruit salad recipes – brighten any table with color and nutrients.
- Make-ahead sausage breakfast casserole – easy, hearty, and feeds a crowd.
- Cinnamon roll peach cobbler – gooey, sweet, and comforting.
- Kid-friendly breakfasts – simplify mornings with portable, delicious options.
- French toast recipes – a classic sweet wake-up call.
- Pumpkin spice breakfast – cozy up for fall with warm, spiced breakfast treats.
Conclusion: Ham and Cheese Quiche, A Make-Ahead Marvel
This ham and cheese quiche recipe is expertly crafted for simplicity, crowd-pleasing appeal, and endless adaptability. With a shortcut crust, rich savory filling, and flexibility for advance prep, it stands as the ultimate answer for brunch, lunch, or any occasion calling for a comforting, flavorful meal. Pair it with seasonal sides, creative breakfast bakes, and brighten your table year-round.
Savor the richness, celebrate the ease—this quiche delivers both.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a41805127/ham-and-cheese-quiche-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a60270018/crustless-quiche-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11074/cowboy-quiche/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g43263692/quiche-recipes/
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