Introduction
This savory quiche blends rich and creamy flavors with hearty ingredients for a delightful dish. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it can be enjoyed on its own or served with a fresh side salad. With its simple preparation and versatile filling options, this quiche is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
5 large eggs (~50 – 55g / 2oz each)
1 cup cream, heavy/thickened (halve if subbing milk)
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
100g / 3.5 oz ham, diced
1 cup shredded cheese (anything that melts except mozzarella)
1 green onion, sliced
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 slices
To prepare the quiche, preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C fan-forced) and grease a 22.5cm / 9″ pie dish with butter or a light spray of oil. Whisk the eggs, cream, salt, and pepper together until well combined. Scatter most of the diced ham, shredded cheese, and sliced green onion in the pie pan, then pour in the egg mixture. Top with the remaining ham, cheese, and green onion.
Bake the quiche for about 35 minutes or until the top is golden and the center barely wiggles. It is crucial not to overcook it to preserve its custardy texture. After removing it from the oven, allow the quiche to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let it set further.
This delicious quiche pairs well with a simple side salad and can easily be transformed into a delightful meal by stuffing it into soft rolls or wrapping it in burritos and pan-frying to achieve a crispy finish.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C for fan-forced ovens). Prepare a 22.5cm / 9″ pie dish by greasing it with butter or lightly spraying it with oil.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 5 large eggs, 1 cup of cream (or 1/2 cup of milk if substituting), 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Filling
Evenly scatter most of the diced ham, shredded cheese, and sliced green onion in the greased pie dish.
Step 4: Add the Egg Mixture
Carefully pour the egg mixture over the layered ham, cheese, and green onion in the pie dish.
Step 5: Top it Off
Sprinkle the remaining ham, cheese, and green onion on top of the egg mixture.
Step 6: Bake the Quiche
Place the pie dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes. The quiche is done when the top is golden brown and the center barely moves when gently shaken. Avoid overcooking to maintain a custard-like texture.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the quiche from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Be prepared to see it deflate slightly during this time. Slice the quiche and serve it warm. It pairs well with a simple side salad, or can be stuffed into soft rolls or wrapped in burritos, which can then be pan-fried to achieve a crispy exterior.
Notes
Note 1: Cream vs. Milk
Using cream will result in a richer, custard-like texture similar to a traditional quiche. If substituting with milk, reduce the amount to half, as eggs cannot hold as much milk, which will affect the quiche’s set. Low-fat cream can be used in the same quantity as full-fat cream.
Note 2: Salt
Be cautious with the amount of salt used, as ham and cheese already contribute saltiness to the dish.
Note 3: Cheese
Avoid using mozzarella as it lacks salt. If mozzarella is your only option, consider adding a pinch of extra salt to the egg mixture for balance.
Note 4: Pie Pan Size
It is recommended to use a 22.5cm / 9″ standard pie dish for even baking. If using a larger pie pan, increase the recipe slightly. For a 20cm/8″ square pan, scale the recipe to 7 eggs and bake for 40 minutes. If using muffin tins, it will likely fill 10 muffin holes; bake for 20 minutes at the same temperature.
Note 5: Storage
The quiche can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for 3 months. To freeze, allow it to cool completely, wrap it well, and place it in an airtight container. Thaw and reheat in the microwave or covered in the oven at 180°C/350°F for about 10 minutes, adjusting time for a slice.
Note 6: Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided per serving, assuming the quiche is cut into 6 slices.
Cook Techniques
Preheating the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C for fan-forced) to ensure even cooking.
Greasing the Pie Dish
Grease your pie dish with butter or a light spray of oil to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the quiche.
Whisking Ingredients
Whisk the eggs, cream, salt, and pepper together until fully combined for a smooth custard consistency.
Layering Ingredients
Scatter a portion of the diced ham, shredded cheese, and sliced green onion in the pie dish before pouring in the egg mixture, layering some ingredients for a more flavorful quiche.
Baking
Bake for about 35 minutes until the top is golden and the center has a slight jiggle, avoiding overbaking to maintain a custardy texture.
Cooling
Let the quiche rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, allowing it to set further and making it easier to cut.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the quiche with a simple side salad, or use it as a filling for soft rolls or burritos, which can be pan-fried for added crispiness.
FAQ
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, you can use milk, but halve the quantity since eggs cannot hold as much milk as cream. This will give a different texture, more like a frittata.
How do I prevent my quiche from being too salty?
Limit the amount of ham and cheese added, as they are already salty. Be mindful of additional salt in the egg mixture.
What type of cheese works best?
Any cheese that melts well can be used except for mozzarella, which may require a pinch of extra salt.
What size pie dish should I use?
A standard 22.5cm / 9″ pie dish is recommended. If using a larger dish, scale up the recipe slightly.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftover quiche can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for 3 months in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Conclusion
This ham and cheese quiche delivers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, with a rich, custardy filling that’s easy to prepare and bake. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner, it serves as a versatile dish that can be enjoyed warm or cold. With its simple ingredients and straightforward method, this recipe is a fantastic addition to your cooking repertoire.
Vegetable Variations
Consider adding spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to create a delicious veggie quiche.
Herb Infusions
Incorporate fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley for an aromatic twist.
Meat Combos
Mix in cooked bacon, sausage, or turkey for a heartier quiche option.
Cheese Alternatives
Experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar, gouda, or feta to customize flavors.
Spicy Kick
Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy version of the quiche.
Breakfast Frittata
Transform this quiche into a frittata by cooking it on the stovetop and finishing it in the oven.
Mini Quiches
Use a muffin tin to create mini quiches for easy serving at gatherings or parties.
Flavorful Additions
Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes or olives for added depth and flavor.
