Ham and Cheese Quiche

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Introduction

A classic Ham and Cheese Quiche is a perfect dish for any occasion, whether it’s a brunch gathering, a quick weekday dinner, or a holiday spread. The rich, custardy filling combined with savory ham and melty cheese is sure to satisfy every palate. This quiche recipe is particularly versatile, allowing for easy adjustments to fit dietary preferences and ingredient availability.

One of the beauties of a quiche is its ability to work as both a warm, comforting meal and a delicious dish served at room temperature. The smooth texture of the custard, the heartiness of the ham, and the creamy richness of the cheese make this quiche an irresistible choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Even better, the recipe is adaptable, meaning you can swap ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs.

In this article, we’ll explore why Ham and Cheese Quiche is a must-try dish, provide you with detailed instructions on how to make it from scratch, and offer some helpful tips and variations to personalize this savory delight. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Comfort: The comforting combination of eggs, cheese, and ham makes this quiche a timeless favorite that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
• Perfect for Any Meal: Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this quiche works beautifully for all occasions.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, ham, or additional veggies to make the recipe your own.
• Quick and Simple: While it may seem sophisticated, making quiche is relatively simple and doesn’t require advanced cooking skills.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Quiche can be prepared in advance, which makes it ideal for meal prep or a stress-free event.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes (15 minutes for prep, 45 minutes for baking, 15 minutes for cooling)
• Servings: This recipe yields about 8 servings, depending on the size of your slices.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories: 350, Protein: 18g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 25g.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of the crust and provides structure.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the flavor of the crust.
• ½ cup unsalted butter: Cold and cut into small pieces. This will make the crust tender and flaky.
• 3-4 tablespoons cold water: To bind the dough together and help it come to the right consistency.

For the Filling:

• 1 cup cooked, cubed ham: This recipe calls for halal-certified ham (such as turkey ham or chicken ham) to ensure the dish is pork-free.
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese: Use your favorite cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix of both.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: To sauté the onions and other vegetables if you like.
• ½ cup finely chopped onion: Adds a mild sweetness and depth of flavor to the quiche.
• ½ cup milk: To add creaminess to the custard filling.
• 1 cup heavy cream: This creates a smooth, rich texture for the quiche.
• 4 large eggs: The key ingredient for the custard base.
• ½ teaspoon ground mustard: Enhances the flavor of the filling and complements the cheese and ham.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick to balance the richness of the quiche.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: To season the custard.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning: For added herbal flavor.

Optional Ingredients:

• Fresh spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers: You can add any vegetables you prefer for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Fresh parsley or chives: Chopped, for garnish.
• Extra cheese: For topping before baking, if you want a cheesier quiche.

Step-by-Step

Preparation

FIRST STEP: PREPARE THE CRUST

1. Make the Dough: Begin by preparing the crust. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add Water: Slowly add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing the dough with a fork. Continue until the dough just begins to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough to avoid a tough crust.
3. Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps it maintain its structure during baking.
4. Roll the Dough: After the dough has chilled, place it on a floured surface and roll it out into a circle large enough to fit your pie dish or tart pan. Gently press the dough into the bottom and sides of the dish. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edge.
5. Blind Bake the Crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the dough with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove the weights and paper. Bake for an additional 5 minutes until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

SECOND STEP: PREPARE THE FILLING

1. Sauté the Onion: In a small pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. If you’re adding any additional vegetables, such as spinach or bell peppers, sauté them along with the onions until tender.
2. Prepare the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, mustard, black pepper, salt, and thyme. Ensure the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Combine Ham and Cheese: Stir in the cooked ham and shredded cheese into the egg mixture. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
4. Pour the Filling: Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the prepared filling into the pie crust. Use a spatula to spread the filling out evenly, ensuring the ham and cheese are distributed well.

THIRD STEP: BAKE THE QUICHE

1. Bake: Place the quiche in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 40-45 minutes. The quiche should be set in the center and lightly golden on top.
2. Cool: Once baked, remove the quiche from the oven and allow it to cool for about 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the quiche firm up and makes it easier to cut.

FINAL STEP: SERVE AND GARNISH

1. Garnish: Before serving, you can sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top for a burst of freshness and color.
2. Slice and Serve: Slice the quiche into wedges and serve while warm, or let it cool to room temperature if you prefer. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some fresh fruit.

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Quiche

Ham and Cheese Quiche is an incredibly versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and beverages. Here are a few ideas for serving:

1. Serve with a Fresh Salad

A light, fresh salad complements the richness of the quiche perfectly. A green salad with mixed greens, arugula, or spinach, topped with a tangy vinaigrette, is a great choice. You can also add fruits like berries or citrus to bring a refreshing contrast to the savory quiche.

2. Pair with Fresh Bread

Crusty bread or toasted baguette slices are ideal for soaking up the flavors of the quiche. You could serve it with a side of garlic bread or a simple warm baguette for a more indulgent meal.

3. Perfect for Brunch

Ham and Cheese Quiche is a quintessential brunch dish. It pairs beautifully with a glass of fresh orange juice or a hot cup of coffee. Add some fruit salad or a selection of pastries to complete the meal.

4. Serve as Part of a Buffet

For gatherings or parties, Ham and Cheese Quiche is perfect for a buffet spread. It’s easy to slice into smaller portions, allowing guests to sample a variety of dishes. Pair it with other savory bites like mini sandwiches, crudités, or a cheese platter.

Additional Tips

1. Make-Ahead Option: You can make the quiche ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, bake it ahead of time and reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes before serving.
2. Freezing: If you want to prepare the quiche for a later date, you can freeze it after baking. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.
3. Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian alternative, swap the ham for sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers. You can also try adding a bit of feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
4. Crustless Version: If you prefer a lower-carb option, you can skip the crust entirely and bake the quiche in a greased pie dish or baking pan. This creates a delicious, gluten-free alternative.

Recipe Variations

Ham and Cheese Quiche is a highly adaptable recipe. Here are a few variations to try:

1. Add More Vegetables

Incorporate vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor. You can also use frozen vegetables if fresh ones aren’t available.

2. Experiment with Cheeses

While cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, you can experiment with different cheeses such as Swiss, Gruyère, or even goat cheese for a more unique flavor profile.

3. Spice it Up

If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small diced jalapeño to the filling for a spicy kick.

4. Add Fresh Herbs

For extra flavor, try adding fresh herbs like basil, tarragon, or rosemary to the egg mixture. These will elevate the overall taste of the quiche and give it a fragrant, herbal finish.

Freezing and Storage

Ham and Cheese Quiche can be made in advance and stored for later use. Here’s how to store it properly:

• Refrigeration: Leftover quiche can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
• Freezing: To freeze, allow the quiche to cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.

Special Equipment

While making a Ham and Cheese Quiche doesn’t require many specialized tools, here are a few essentials:

• Pie Dish or Tart Pan: For baking the quiche. A 9-inch pie dish is standard, but you can use any similar-sized baking dish.
• Rolling Pin: For rolling out the crust to the desired thickness.
• Whisk: For mixing the egg mixture and ensuring it’s smooth.
• Sauté Pan: To cook the onions and any additional vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use turkey ham instead of regular ham? Yes, turkey ham or chicken ham is an excellent substitute for traditional pork ham. Ensure it is halal-certified for a pork-free alternative.
2. Can I make the crust gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the crust gluten-free.
3. Can I add other meats like turkey or chicken? Absolutely! Feel free to swap the ham for turkey or chicken breast for a different twist.
4. How do I prevent the quiche from becoming watery? Ensure the vegetables are thoroughly drained of any excess moisture before adding them to the filling. Also, avoid overbaking the quiche, as this can result in a dry or overly firm texture.
5. Can I freeze the quiche? Yes, quiche freezes well. Simply bake it, cool it, and freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

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Conclusion

Ham and Cheese Quiche is a wonderful dish that offers comfort, flavor, and versatility. It’s perfect for any occasion and easy to customize based on your preferences. Whether served as a savory brunch item, a main course for dinner, or as part of a buffet, this quiche will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

By following the simple steps in this recipe, you’ll be able to create a delicious, halal-friendly Ham and Cheese Quiche that’s perfect for any meal. Enjoy this classic dish and make it your own with different fillings, cheeses, and spices!