A simple and hearty meal that’s sure to please everyone for breakfast or lunch!
For some, the word quiche conjures up thoughts of fancy French cuisine. In fact, you may have heard the name quiche Lorraine before. Typically made with bacon or ham, this version is named after the Lorraine region of France, where the recipe originated. While you may think that this recipe is too intimidating to attempt, nothing could be further from the truth. As long as you have a pie crust, a few types of cheese, ham, and some other staple ingredients, cooking a quiche will be as easy as… pie! It’s actually not very different from baking a pie, and some even refer to a quiche as a savory pie. If you’re planning to try this recipe, make sure you have enough time. If you’re rushed and don’t allow the quiche to rest after baking, it may not set completely.
This particular quiche is perfect for any occasion, whether that’s a holiday get-together or a weekend brunch. In fact, I actually brought this to my family’s Easter potluck brunch and got a ton of compliments. Although a slice of quiche doesn’t look like it would be particularly filling, it’s incredibly hearty. That said, don’t be surprised if people are actually going back for more and more, while some of the other dishes remain untouched. We were also surprised that our picky kids were basically inhaling this quiche!
Is This Ham And Cheese Quiche Healthy?
Ham and cheese quiche has some pros and cons when it comes to its nutritional value. The cheese, ham, milk, and eggs provide a good amount of protein to the dish. However, those same ingredients also pack on the calories, fat, and sodium. There are a few adjustments you can make to create a healthier version of this quiche. To cut back on the fat content, you can look for low-fat varieties of cheese. You can also swap out whole milk or half-and-half with skim milk or oat milk. However, those substitutions may affect the richness of the quiche. Finally, look for ham that’s lean or low in sodium.
The Key To A Perfect Quiche Is All In The Crust
The filling for this recipe is pretty simple, so let’s focus on the crust. I think that the base is the most important aspect of a successful quiche. If possible, I recommend making your own pie crust rather than using a store-bought one. Ideally, you’ll have an all-butter pie crust. Although that isn’t the healthiest option, it’s one that will deliver the best flavor. Whether you use a homemade or store-bought crust, always remember that deeper is better. If the crust is too shallow, you run the risk of ingredients spilling out of the crust. Therefore, a deep crust is needed to hold everything. One other trick to ensuring a flaky crust is to keep everything cold. If your kitchen is warm, I’d recommend chilling your ingredients, bowl, and utensils before starting to make it. It may seem silly, but it’s worked for me!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge, tightly covered with plastic wrap, for up to 3 days. The quiche can also be frozen (sliced or whole) for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to serve, it can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Some people like to eat quiche at room temperature or cold, but I think a warm slice is the best.
Serving Suggestions
Quiche is usually a satisfying meal all by itself, but it still deserves a side dish. Whenever possible, try to complement your quiche with a little fruit. I like to assemble a platter of my favorite fruits, like oranges, bananas, strawberries, and blueberries. Another way to introduce a fruity side dish is by making a Coconut Milk Quinoa Fruit Salad or an Açai Bowl. Both salads are equally light and refreshing!
A quiche is also great to pair with a smoothie. How about making a mini smoothie bar? I like to blend up a few different options for my guests. The fan favorites have always been a Blueberry Smoothie and a Green Smoothie. If your guests prefer some caffeine to wake them up, try this Coffee Smoothie.
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust unbaked
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 cup ham chopped
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 4 large eggs slightly beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Gently place the pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate with shallow sides, crimping the edges for a decorative touch. Prebake the crust for 10 to 12 minutes, until it's just starting to turn golden.
- Mix together the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese in a medium bowl. After the crust has cooled for a few minutes, evenly distribute the ham and mixed cheeses across the bottom of the crust.
- Whisk together the milk, eggs, garlic salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Carefully pour this mixture over the ham and cheeses in the crust, taking care not to overfill.
- Bake the quiche for 45 to 50 minutes. It’s done when you can insert a knife into the center and it comes out clean. The quiche should be set and the top lightly browned.
- Let the quiche rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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