Ham and Cheese Quiche

Every time I make this Ham and Cheese Quiche, it reminds me of Sunday mornings at home, where the sun peeks through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow over everything. The aroma of baked goods fills the air, and my heart swells with nostalgia as I remember my mother flipping through her old recipe books, looking for the perfect dish to celebrate a lazy weekend morning. When you pull this quiche out of the oven, it not only tastes delicious but holds the power to create precious memories in your own home. I promise you’ll feel that same warmth and comfort once you take your first bite!

Ham and Cheese Quiche is versatile, and you can serve it for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner! It’s perfect for a family gathering or a cozy meal with friends. Just imagine cutting into that golden crust, revealing the fluffy egg filling bursting with savory ham, gooey cheese, and vibrant veggies. It’s truly a dish that brings people together!

Let’s dive in and learn how to make this delightful quiche together.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups broccoli, chopped: The broccoli adds not only color but also a lovely crunch to your quiche.
• 1 cup cooked ham, diced: This is the star ingredient, giving the quiche its savory depth.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: I adore using sharp cheddar for that rich flavor!
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: This cheesy goodness melts beautifully, adding creaminess to each slice.
• 1/2 cup onion, diced: Onions bring a subtle sweetness that complements the savory ham.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic instantly elevates the flavor; it’s a must!
• 4 large eggs: Eggs are the base of your quiche, creating that light and fluffy texture.
• 1 cup heavy cream: This is what makes your quiche rich and decadent.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Seasoning is crucial to bring out all those lovely flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A hint of spice helps balance everything nicely.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: This adds a beautiful color and slight warmth.
• 1 prepared pie crust: You can use store-bought or make your own; either way, it’s the perfect vessel for all this goodness.

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s walk through the steps to create your Ham and Cheese Quiche!

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C): This warming step is vital to ensure your quiche cooks evenly.
2. Sauté the veggies: In a skillet, sauté the diced onions and minced garlic until they’re soft and fragrant. I can still picture my mother doing this—her kitchen would fill with those delightful scents!
3. Add the broccoli: Toss in your chopped broccoli and cook just until it’s bright green and tender. It should still have a nice crunch to it, adding a perfect texture to your quiche.
4. Whisk the eggs and cream: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and paprika. I always find it helpful to use a whisk here; it makes the mixture nice and fluffy.
5. Combine the ingredients: Gently stir in the sautéed vegetables, diced ham, and both types of cheese. It’s such a colorful mixture; you’ll see those beautiful greens, yellows, and reds all coming together!
6. Prepare the pie crust: If you’re using a store-bought pie crust, place it in your pie dish, pressing it down lightly. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own crust too!
7. Pour the mixture into the crust: Carefully pour the hearty mixture into your pie crust, filling it to the top. Be gentle, so you don’t spill any of that deliciousness!
8. Bake: Place the quiche in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s set and lightly golden on top. The kitchen will be filled with the most mouth-watering aroma during this time!
9. Cool and slice: Once baked to perfection, remove the quiche from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. This makes slicing much easier. You’ll want to take patience here—trust me, it’s worth it!
10. Serve and enjoy: Slice up your delightful quiche and serve it warm. I love to pair it with a light salad or some fresh fruit for a lovely brunch spread.

Why I Love Making This Dish This Ham and Cheese Quiche holds a special place in my heart. It’s not just about the flavors; it’s the memories associated with making it. Whenever I bring it to family gatherings or serve it on a special Sunday, I can see the joy it brings to everyone around the table. It’s a dish that brings smiles and sparks laughter, making the moments spent together even more precious.

What You’ll Need Nothing fancy here! You just need basic kitchen tools—a good quality skillet, a mixing bowl, a whisk, and a pie dish. A sharp knife will help with slicing, and if you’d like, you can use a pastry cutter for a homemade crust. I’ve found that having everything prepared ahead of time makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable!

Tips for Perfect Results

• Choose high-quality ingredients: Fresh vegetables and good-quality cheeses make a world of difference. I always choose local products when I can; they taste better and support our community.
• Pre-bake the crust (optional): For a crispier crust, you can pre-bake your pie crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. This is a little trick I picked up over the years!
• Experiment with ingredients: Feel free to substitute or add vegetables or proteins you enjoy. Spinach, bell peppers, or even crumbled bacon will add great flavors!

Serving Suggestions and Sides This quiche speaks for itself, but pairing it with a side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing crunch. You could also serve it alongside roasted potatoes or a bowl of fresh fruit. For those who love a little extra flavor, try drizzling your favorite hot sauce over a slice—delicious!

Leftovers Oh, and if you end up with leftovers (although, I’m not sure you will!), storing them is easy! Just keep any leftover quiche in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, pop it in the microwave for a minute or two, or you can rewarm it in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes. Enjoying this dish the next day feels like discovering treasure in my fridge!

Emotional Engagement You’re going to love this Ham and Cheese Quiche, I can feel it! When I made it for my family last Sunday, they couldn’t stop talking about how scrumptious it was! Each bite took them back to their childhood, much like it does for me. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s about creating moments and sharing love through food.

FAQ Section Can I use different kinds of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cheeses that you enjoy. Monterey Jack can be replaced with Gouda or even feta for a unique twist. I sometimes add a bit of Parmesan on top for a tasty crust!

Can I make it ahead of time? Yes! This quiche is perfect for prepping ahead. Just make your quiche the day before, refrigerate it, then bake it in the morning. You’ll wake up to the delightful smell of fresh quiche wafting through your home!

Is there a way to make it healthier? Of course! You can swap heavy cream for milk or even a dairy-free alternative. You might also choose to add more veggies or use a whole wheat crust for added nutrients—and it still tastes fantastic!

This dish has become a favorite in my house, and I am so excited for you to try it. I know you’ll love the light, fluffy texture and the harmony of flavors! Make it this weekend, and I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let me know how it turns out, and if your family asks for seconds, just like mine does every time! Happy cooking, friends!