Creamy Ham and Cheese Quiche
This delightful Creamy Ham and Cheese Quiche is the perfect fusion of savory flavors and creamy textures, ideal for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Homemade with a buttery pastry crust, this dish is filled with a rich custard of eggs and cream, complemented by savory ham and melted cheddar cheese. Its versatility allows it to be enjoyed fresh from the oven or stored in the freezer for a convenient meal at later dates. Savor each flavorful bite of this dish, which is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
unbaked 9-inch pie shell
1 (softened with butter)
large eggs
5 (slightly beaten)
heavy cream
2 cups (none)
butter
1 tablespoon (softened)
salt & pepper
to taste (preferably white pepper)
nutmeg
1 pinch (none)
ham or breakfast sausage
1/2 lb (cooked and chopped)
shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
Gently spread the softened butter evenly across the bottom of the unbaked pie shell to ensure a non-stick surface.
3
In a large mixing bowl, lightly beat the eggs, then whisk in the heavy cream, a pinch of salt, a pinch of white pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg until well combined.
4
Evenly distribute the cooked and cooled ham or sausage pieces over the buttered pie shell.
5
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the meat.
6
Carefully pour the egg and cream mixture over the cheese and meat, ensuring an even distribution.
7
Place the quiche in the preheated oven and bake at 425°F for 15 minutes.
8
Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C) and continue baking for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
9
Once baked, let the quiche cool for about 10 minutes if serving immediately.
10
To store, wrap the quiche tightly in aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to several days or freeze for up to two weeks.
11
Reheating Instructions: For refrigerated quiche, heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 15 minutes or microwave individual slices for about 60 seconds. For frozen quiche, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 30 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Ham and Cheese Quiche?
It is a savory baked dish featuring a buttery pastry crust filled with a rich custard of eggs and cream, combined with ham and melted cheddar cheese.
What size pie shell is needed for this recipe?
An unbaked 9-inch pie shell is required.
How many eggs are used in the custard?
The recipe calls for 5 large eggs, slightly beaten.
What type of cream is recommended?
Two cups of heavy cream are used to create a rich and creamy texture.
Can I substitute the ham with another meat?
Yes, you can use 1/2 lb of cooked and chopped breakfast sausage instead of ham.
What kind of cheese is used?
The recipe specifies 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
How should I prepare the pie shell before adding fillings?
Gently spread one tablespoon of softened butter evenly across the bottom of the unbaked pie shell.
What seasonings are added to the egg mixture?
The custard is seasoned with salt, white pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) for the initial baking phase.
How do I assemble the quiche?
Distribute the meat over the buttered shell, sprinkle with cheese, and then pour the egg and cream mixture over the top.
What is the first step of the baking process?
Bake the quiche at 425°F for exactly 15 minutes.
What is the second step of the baking process?
Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C) and continue baking for 30-40 minutes.
How can I tell if the quiche is fully cooked?
The quiche is done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
How long should the quiche cool before serving?
Let the quiche cool for about 10 minutes if you plan to serve it immediately.
How should I store leftovers?
Wrap the quiche tightly in aluminum foil and refrigerate it.
How long does the quiche stay fresh in the refrigerator?
It can be refrigerated for up to several days.
Can this quiche be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the quiche for up to two weeks.
How do I reheat a refrigerated quiche slice in the oven?
Heat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 15 minutes.
Can I use a microwave to reheat the quiche?
Yes, individual slices can be microwaved for about 60 seconds.
How do I reheat a frozen quiche?
Bake the frozen quiche in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 30 minutes until heated through.
Is this recipe suitable for brunch?
Yes, it is considered an ideal dish for brunch, lunch, or dinner.
Why is butter spread on the bottom of the crust?
It is used to ensure a non-stick surface and adds to the buttery flavor.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the texture of the filling?
The filling is a rich, creamy custard complemented by melted cheese and savory meat.
Do I need to cook the meat before adding it to the quiche?
Yes, the ham or sausage should be cooked and chopped before being placed in the shell.
Can I use black pepper instead of white pepper?
While the recipe suggests white pepper, salt and pepper can be added to taste.
Is the pie shell pre-baked?
No, the recipe uses an unbaked 9-inch pie shell.
What makes the custard 'rich'?
The combination of 5 large eggs and 2 cups of heavy cream creates the rich consistency.
How do I ensure even distribution of ingredients?
Layer the meat first, then the cheese, and carefully pour the egg mixture over them.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish is savory, buttery, and creamy with notes of nutmeg and cheddar.