Decadent Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Quiche
This hearty and creamy quiche is brimming with flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and keep you coming back for more. A delightful combination of savory ham, two types of rich cheeses, and crispy hash browns create a luxurious crust that perfectly cradles a silky custard. Infused with a touch of seasoning salt, each bite offers a satisfying burst of flavor. Perfect for brunch gatherings or a special breakfast, this Quiche is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Just a warning—it's incredibly hard to resist going back for seconds!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
frozen hash brown potatoes
3 cups (thawed)
butter
1/4 cup (melted and divided)
Monterey Jack pepper cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Swiss cheese
1 cup (shredded)
cooked ham
1 cup (diced)
eggs
2
heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup
seasoning salt
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
Press the thawed hash brown potatoes between paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispier crust.
3
Grease a 9-inch pie plate with 2 teaspoons of melted butter.
4
Evenly press the hash browns onto the bottom and up the sides of the pie plate to form a crust.
5
Drizzle the remaining melted butter over the surface of the hash browns.
6
Bake the hash brown crust in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
7
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded Monterey Jack and Swiss cheeses with the diced ham. Evenly spread this mixture over the baked hash brown crust.
8
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy whipping cream, and seasoning salt until fully combined.
9
Pour the egg and cream mixture over the ham and cheese layer in the pie plate.
10
Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
11
Once baked, allow the quiche to stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving to help set the filling.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the base of the Decadent Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Quiche?
The base is a crispy crust made from thawed and pressed hash brown potatoes.
Do I need to dry the hash browns before baking?
Yes, press them between paper towels to remove excess moisture to ensure the crust becomes crispy.
What size pie plate is required for this recipe?
You should use a 9-inch pie plate.
How do I prepare the pie plate for the crust?
Grease the pie plate using 2 teaspoons of melted butter.
At what temperature should the oven be set for the crust?
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) for the initial baking of the hash brown crust.
How long does the hash brown crust need to bake initially?
Bake the crust for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
What types of cheese are used in this quiche?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack pepper cheese and 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese.
How should the ham be prepared?
The ham should be cooked and diced into small pieces before being added to the cheese mixture.
What are the liquid ingredients for the custard filling?
The filling consists of 2 eggs and 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream.
What seasoning is used in the egg mixture?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of seasoning salt for flavor.
Does the oven temperature change after the crust is baked?
Yes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) before baking the filled quiche.
How long does the quiche bake after the filling is added?
The quiche should bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes.
How can I check if the quiche is done?
Insert a knife near the center; if it comes out clean, the quiche is finished baking.
Should the quiche be served immediately?
It is best to let the quiche stand for 10 minutes after baking to help the filling set before slicing.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
Can I use frozen hash browns directly from the freezer?
No, the hash browns must be thawed first so the moisture can be removed.
What role does the melted butter play in the crust?
Butter is used to grease the plate and is drizzled over the potatoes to help them crisp and brown in the oven.
How do I arrange the potatoes to form the crust?
Press the thawed potatoes evenly onto the bottom and up the sides of the greased pie plate.
Is the quiche baked covered or uncovered?
The quiche should be baked uncovered for the duration of the cooking time.
What kind of cream is best for this recipe?
Heavy whipping cream is used to create a rich and silky custard texture.
Can I substitute Monterey Jack pepper cheese?
You can substitute it with regular Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack if you prefer a different level of spice.
How is the cheese and ham layer applied?
Mix the shredded cheeses and diced ham together, then spread the mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a Breakfast dish.
Can this quiche be used for brunch?
Yes, it is highly recommended for brunch gatherings or special morning meals.
What makes this quiche 'decadent'?
The combination of heavy cream, two types of rich cheese, and a buttery hash brown crust makes it very luxurious.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for home cooks.
Can I add other seasonings to the eggs?
While the recipe specifies seasoning salt, you could add black pepper or herbs if desired.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store any leftover quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Is the ham pre-cooked in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1 cup of cooked ham.
What gives the quiche its satisfying burst of flavor?
The combination of savory ham, melted cheeses, and the infusion of seasoning salt provides the flavor profile.