Ham and Cheese Quiche
A classic brunch favorite! This quiche features a flaky, buttery crust filled with a rich, creamy custard, savory diced ham, and nutty Gruyère cheese. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner.
For 8 servings
5 steps. 45 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Pie Crust (Pâte Brisée)
- b.In a large bowl, whisk together 1.25 cups of all-purpose flour and 0.5 tsp of salt.
- c.Add 0.5 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining.
- d.Sprinkle 3-4 tbsp of ice water over the mixture, one tablespoon at a time. Toss with a fork until the dough just begins to come together. Do not overmix.
- e.Gather the dough into a ball, flatten it into a 1-inch thick disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 days.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Blind Bake the Crust
- b.Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- c.On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle.
- d.Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish. Gently press it into the bottom and up the sides. Trim the excess dough and crimp the edges decoratively.
- e.Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
- f.Bake for 15 minutes. Carefully remove the parchment paper and weights. Bake for another 5-7 minutes, until the crust is dry and pale golden. Let it cool slightly on a wire rack.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Custard Filling
- b.Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- c.In a large bowl, whisk together the 4 large eggs until lightly beaten.
- d.Whisk in 1 cup of heavy cream, 0.5 cup of whole milk, 0.5 tsp salt, 0.25 tsp black pepper, and 0.25 tsp nutmeg until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble and Bake the Quiche
- b.Sprinkle the 1 cup of diced ham and 1 cup of shredded Gruyère cheese evenly over the bottom of the warm, pre-baked crust.
- c.Place the pie dish on a baking sheet to catch any potential spills.
- d.Carefully pour the egg mixture over the ham and cheese.
- e.Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. A knife inserted about an inch from the center should come out clean.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Cool, Garnish, and Serve
- b.Remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the custard to set completely, ensuring clean slices.
- c.Garnish with 2 tbsp of fresh chives just before serving.
- d.Serve the quiche warm or at room temperature.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the flakiest crust, ensure your butter and water are ice-cold. This prevents the butter from melting into the flour.
- 2Avoid stretching the pie dough when fitting it into the dish, as this can cause it to shrink during baking.
- 3Blind baking is crucial for a crisp crust. Don't skip this step, or you'll risk a soggy bottom.
- 4For the smoothest custard, have your eggs, cream, and milk at room temperature before whisking.
- 5Grate your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
- 6Let the quiche rest before slicing. This is essential for the custard to firm up, making it much easier to cut.
Adapt it for your goals.
Classic Quiche Lorraine
Replace the diced ham with 6 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon or lardons. Sautéed onions are also a traditional addition.
Vegetarian QuicheVegetarian Quiche
Omit the ham and add 1.5 cups of sautéed vegetables like spinach (well-drained), mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli.
Cheese VariationCheese Variation
Swap Gruyère for other good melting cheeses like sharp cheddar, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or a combination.
Crustless QuicheCrustless Quiche
For a lower-carb option, skip the crust. Generously butter a 9-inch pie dish, add the ham and cheese, pour the custard over, and bake for 30-35 minutes.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
The combination of eggs, ham, cheese, and milk provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and maintaining satiety.
Rich in Calcium
Gruyère cheese, heavy cream, and milk are excellent sources of calcium, a vital mineral for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Source of B Vitamins
Eggs are a natural source of several B vitamins, including B12 and riboflavin (B2), which play a crucial role in energy metabolism and nervous system health.
Frequently asked questions
A typical slice of homemade ham and cheese quiche contains approximately 400-450 calories, depending on the exact ingredients used, particularly the fat content of the dairy and ham.