This classic culinary creation has captured the hearts and palates of countless food lovers around the world and for good reason.
The harmonious blend of smoky ham, creamy cheese, and delicate pastry creates a symphony of flavors that leaves an indelible impression.
Ham and cheese quiche is not just any ordinary dish—it’s a versatile and satisfying choice for any meal of the day.
Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely brunch, hosting a gathering with friends, or simply seeking a comforting dinner, this delectable quiche never disappoints.
Its golden crust, filled with a savory mixture of ham, cheese, and other delightful ingredients, holds the promise of culinary bliss.
I find the combination of ham and cheese utterly irresistible. The saltiness of the ham, coupled with the richness of the cheese, creates a perfect balance that dances on the taste buds.
Every time I indulge in a slice of ham and cheese quiche, I’m transported to a world of culinary delight.
So, if you’re ready to embark on a flavor-filled journey, join me as we delve into the art of making a mouthwatering ham and cheese quiche.
Essential Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Quiche
Let’s dive into what you’ll need to create the magic of a ham and cheese quiche. You may even have some of these items in your kitchen already. Here’s what you’ll need:
Pie Crust: You can use a store-bought pie crust for convenience, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own! The buttery, flaky crust is worth the extra effort.
The process may seem intimidating at first, but once you experience the aroma of freshly baked pastry, you’ll be hooked.
Ham: Opt for cooked ham, such as smoked or honey-glazed. It adds a delightful smokiness and a burst of flavor to every bite.
Don’t be shy when it comes to ham—slice it into generous chunks for a hearty quiche.
I love using leftover holiday ham to create a scrumptious ham and cheese quiche. It’s a fantastic way to transform those remnants into a brand-new culinary masterpiece.
Cheese: Ah, the star of the show! Choose a cheese that melts beautifully and complements the ham.
Gruyère, cheddar, or Swiss cheese are popular options but feel free to experiment with different varieties.
Eggs: The backbone of any quiche is the eggs. They provide richness and a creamy texture, binding all the ingredients together.
You’ll typically need a few large eggs for the perfect consistency. I recommend using four to six eggs, depending on the size of your quiche.
This ensures a velvety filling that holds its shape beautifully.
Milk or Cream: To achieve that luxurious texture, add some milk or cream to the egg mixture.
Whole milk or heavy cream works wonders, infusing the quiche with lusciousness.
I’m using a combination of milk and cream. It strikes the ideal balance between richness and lightness, making each bite heavenly.
Seasonings: To elevate the flavors, season your quiche with a pinch of salt, a dash of black pepper, and perhaps a sprinkle of dried herbs like thyme or parsley.
Adjust seasonings according to your taste. Feel free to use different herbs and spices to make it your own.
Now that we have the ingredient lineup ready, it’s time to roll up sleeves and dive into the delightful process of preparing a ham and cheese quiche.
Step-by-Step Process for Making a Mouthwatering Ham and Cheese Quiche
Ham And Cheese Quiche (Irresistible Delights)
Course: Lifestyle, Recipes6-8
servings15
minutes30
minutes250-300
kcalIngredients
1 pre-made pie crust (9-inch)
1 cup cooked ham, diced
1 cup shredded cheese (Gruyère, cheddar, or Swiss)
4 large eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: dried herbs (thyme or parsley)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim any excess crust hanging over the edges.
- Spread the diced ham evenly over the crust, followed by the shredded cheese.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and any desired dried herbs.
- Pour the egg mixture over the ham and cheese in the pie crust.
- Place the quiche in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Remove the quiche from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Fear not, dear reader, as I will guide you through each step with enthusiasm and clarity.
So, let’s roll up sleeves and dive into the wonderful world of quiche preparation!
Making the Crust
First things first, let’s tackle the crust. If you decided to take the plunge and make your own crust from scratch, congratulations!
You’re in for a treat. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Gather the Ingredients
For the crust, you’ll need all-purpose flour, salt, cold butter, and a bit of ice water. Make sure your butter is cold; it helps create that flaky texture we all adore.
2. Cut in the Butter
In a bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the cold butter, cut into small cubes.
Use a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
This process creates those delectable butter pockets that make the crust irresistible.
3. Add Ice Water
Drizzle a few tablespoons of ice water over the mixture, one tablespoon at a time. Use a fork to mix the water into the dough until it starts coming together.
Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to be just moist enough to hold its shape.
4. Form the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gather it together and shape it into a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
This chilling time allows the gluten to relax and ensures a tender crust.
Preparing the Filling
This is where the magic happens—where ham, cheese, and other delightful ingredients come together to create a symphony of flavors.
Here’s how to prepare the filling for your ham and cheese quiche:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to the specified temperature (we’ll cover that in the baking section).
2. Slice the Ham and Shred the Cheese
Cut the ham into small, bite-sized pieces. As for the cheese, grate it using a box grater or the shredding disc of a food processor.
Freshly grated cheese will melt beautifully and distribute its flavor evenly throughout the quiche.
3. Whisk the Eggs and Milk/Cream
In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until they’re well beaten. Then, add the milk or cream and continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and combined.
This creamy mixture will bind all the ingredients together and give the quiche its delightful texture.
4. Season to Perfection
Season the egg mixture with a pinch of salt, a dash of black pepper, and any additional herbs or spices you desire. Taste and adjust the seasonings according to your preferences.
Remember, this is where you can infuse your quiche with your personal touch.
With the crust and filling ready, it’s time to bring them together and assemble our ham and cheese quiche. Exciting, isn’t it?
Assembling the Quiche
1. Roll Out the Crust
Take the chilled dough out of the refrigerator. On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a circle slightly larger than your pie dish.
Gently transfer the crust to the dish, pressing it into the bottom and sides.
2. Add the Ham and Cheese
Spread the chunks of ham evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, ensuring it covers the ham evenly.
This layering of ham and cheese will create pockets of flavor throughout the quiche.
3. Pour in the Egg Mixture
Slowly pour the seasoned egg mixture over the ham and cheese, ensuring it fills the pie dish evenly. The filling should reach just below the edge of the crust.
Be careful not to overfill, as the mixture will puff up slightly during baking.
Baking Tips for a Flawless Ham and Cheese Quiche
Soon, your kitchen will be filled with the tantalizing aroma of a perfectly baked quiche.
But how do we achieve that ideal balance of a golden crust and a creamy, set filling?
Let’s explore the art of baking a ham and cheese quiche to perfection.
Proper Baking Temperature and Time
The key to a beautifully baked quiche lies in finding the perfect balance of temperature and time. Follow these guidelines for a quiche that is cooked to perfection:
Preheat the Oven: Ensure your oven is preheated to the temperature specified in your recipe.
Typically, a moderate oven temperature of around 350°F (175°C) works well for a ham and cheese quiche.
Baking Time: The baking time may vary depending on your oven and the size of your quiche.
As a general guide, a standard-sized quiche will require approximately 30 to 40 minutes in the oven.
Keep an eye on the crust—when it turns a golden brown and the filling is set, your quiche is ready to come out.
The Jiggle Test: To check if your quiche is properly baked, gently give the baking dish a little shake.
The filling should have a slight jiggle in the center but be set around the edges.
Remember that the quiche will continue to set as it cools, so a slight jiggle is perfectly normal.
Tips for Achieving a Perfectly Cooked Quiche
Now, let’s delve into some tips and tricks to ensure your ham and cheese quiche turns out splendidly:
Shield the Crust: To prevent the edges of the crust from over-browning, you can create a makeshift shield with aluminum foil.
Simply cover the exposed crust with the shield, leaving the filling exposed.
Allow for Resting Time: After removing the quiche from the oven, let it rest for about 10 to 15 minutes.
This resting time allows the flavors to settle and the quiche to set further.
Slicing and serving will become simpler.
Serve Warm or at Room Temperature: While the quiche is at its best when served warm, it’s equally delicious at room temperature.
If you’re serving it later, allow it to cool completely before refrigerating. When ready to serve, simply let it come to room temperature or reheat it gently in the oven.
Your Perfectly Cooked Quiche Awaits
Picture this—a beautiful golden crust, a creamy filling studded with ham and cheese, and the satisfaction of a job well done.
With proper baking techniques and a touch of patience, your ham and cheese quiche will be the star of the table.
Serving Tips and Perfect Pairings for Your Ham and Cheese Quiche
Let’s explore some serving and pairing suggestions that will make your quiche experience even more delightful.
Ideas for Serving Ham and Cheese Quiche
Here are some fantastic ways to present and serve your ham and cheese quiche:
Brunch Delight: Serve slices of warm quiche alongside a fresh fruit salad and a flaky for a delectable brunch spread.
The combination of savory and sweet will please even the most discerning palates.
Lunch or Dinner: Accompany a slice of quiche with a crisp, green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette.
The contrast between the creamy quiche and the refreshing salad creates a harmonious balance of flavors.
Picnic Perfect: Pack individual slices of quiche for a delightful picnic treat.
Pair it with some fresh, crusty bread, a variety of cheeses, and a bottle of chilled white wine for an unforgettable outdoor feast.
Recommended Side Dishes and Beverages
To complete the ham and cheese quiche experience, consider these delightful side dishes and beverages:
Salads: A light and refreshing salad, such as a mixed greens salad or a cucumber and tomato salad, pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the quiche.
The crispness of the vegetables complements the creamy texture of the quiche.
Fruit: Serve slices of juicy melons, berries, or citrus fruits to add a burst of freshness to your meal. The natural sweetness of the fruits provides a delightful contrast to the savory quiche.
Beverages: When it comes to beverage pairings, options abound. For a classic choice, opt for a glass of chilled white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
If you prefer non-alcoholic options, try a refreshing iced tea, sparkling water infused with citrus, or even a fruity mocktail.
By carefully selecting your serving options and pairing them with complementary side dishes and beverages, you can create a memorable dining experience that perfectly showcases the deliciousness of your ham and cheese quiche.
Bon Appetit!
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FAQ’s
Why is my quiche not fluffy?
You want to cook your quiche low and slow to keep the light fluffy texture. Too high of heat will cause the egg to curdle.
Is quiche a pie or cake?
Quiche is a flavourful custard baked in a pie crust.
It is said to have originated in the French province of Lorraine, thus the best-known of these egg pies is Quiche Lorraine.
Can I freeze quiche?
You can freeze quiche for up to 3 months with excellent results, and you have several options for doing it:
You can assemble and freeze it before baking, you can bake and then freeze the quiche for reheating later or you can freeze the unbaked filling and crust separately.