Rise and shine! This easy Ham And Spinach Quiche recipe will make all your breakfast dreams come true!
In college, my girlfriends and I would plan summer trips at the end of July, just before classes resumed in August. One of our favorites was the summer we spent on the chilly coast of Monterey, California. Even now, when I remember that foggy, dreamy getaway, I think of the cozy breakfast we enjoyed every morning at a rickety little dining table in our beach house: a freshly baked quiche.
There’s something about treating myself to creamy cheesiness inside a flaky crust that makes me feel more comforted than watching a classic rom-com! I’ve always loved a good quiche, and this ham and spinach quiche recipe is no exception. It’s packed with complementary flavors, like sweet ham, hearty spinach, sharp cheddar cheese, and savory onions and garlic. Drizzle a little hot sauce over a slice, and your day is off to a bright, satisfying start.
Is This Ham And Spinach Quiche Healthy?
This quiche is a moderately healthy choice to include in modest portions as part of an otherwise balanced diet. It offers a good amount of protein, some vitamins and minerals, and a decent amount of micronutrients, thanks to the veggies—especially the star ingredient: spinach! However, the ham, dairy products, and pie crust bring in fair amounts of fat, cholesterol, and sodium. If those elements are on your watchlist, you can make a few adjustments. Replacing the half-and-half with low-fat milk or unsweetened plant-based milk can reduce the fat content. Subbing cooked chicken breast for the ham and opting for low-sodium cheese will bring down the sodium content. Using egg whites for half the eggs will lower both cholesterol and fat while maintaining the protein content. You can also go crustless to address all these concerns—while making the dish gluten-free at the same time! Just grease the heck out of your pie pan before adding your egg filling, then bake as normal.
What Is Quiche?
Quiche is a savory French tart consisting of a buttery pastry crust filled with a rich custard made from eggs and cream. The dish typically includes cheese, meats like ham or bacon, and a variety of vegetables. It originated in the Lorraine region of France, with its name derived from the German word Kuchen, that means “cake.” Quiche can be served hot, warm, or cold and is a staple at brunches, holiday gatherings, and parties. Classic variations include quiche Lorraine with bacon and quiche Florentine with spinach and cheese. It’s sort of like an omelet that’s baked in a crust like a pie, giving it a creamier texture and making it easy to prepare ahead of time for any occasion.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Let the quiche cool to room temp, then wrap it tightly or place it in an airtight container. It’ll stay good in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months when properly stored in a freezer-safe container. If you’re going to serve it cold, just let it thaw overnight in the fridge. If you’d rather serve it warm, you can take it directly from the freezer to the oven preheated to 350°F—just remove the wrapping first and place it on a baking sheet. Covering it loosely with aluminum foil will prevent over-browning. I do not recommend reheating quiche in the microwave because it always results in a soggy crust.
Serving Suggestions
I love eating this quiche with a full spread of breakfast options like Breakfast Potatoes, this Fruit Salad Recipe, and Whole-Wheat Pancakes. You could also pair it with veggie-rich sides, like Peas And Carrots or Sautéed Arugula, for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 1/4 cup half-and-half
- 1/2 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1/4 cup green onions sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 cup cooked ham diced
- 1/2 cup yellow onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 1/2 cups fresh baby spinach chopped
- 1 9-inch pie crust unbaked
- 1/2 cup white sharp cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, hot sauce, green onions, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.
- Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced ham and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly browned.
- Add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing for 3-5 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the chopped baby spinach and cook for about 1 minute until wilted, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Transfer the ham and spinach mixture to the pie crust, and sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the quiche, ensuring the green onions are spread out. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the crust is golden and the egg is set.
- Remove from oven and let quiche cool for 10 minutes. Slice and serve while warm.
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.
Leave a Comment