Easy Ham and Cheese Quiche | Make Ahead & Freezer Friendly

Take your breakfast to the next level with our Ham and Cheese Quiche. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor. With a buttery crust, caramelized onions, savory ham, and two cheeses, it’s perfect for busy mornings.

Make it ahead of time for a gourmet breakfast or freeze it for later. It’s a hassle-free meal solution.

Key Takeaways

• Easy to prepare, make-ahead quiche recipe
• Freezer-friendly for convenient meal planning
• Savory ham and cheese flavor combination
• Versatile recipe with various ingredient options
• Provides a hearty and satisfying breakfast or brunch

The Perfect Make-Ahead Breakfast Solution

This Ham and Cheese Quiche is perfect for busy mornings. It can be made ahead, frozen, and baked straight from the freezer. This makes for a delicious and easy breakfast.

Why This Recipe Works

This make-ahead breakfast is great because you can change it up. Add different ingredients to match your taste and diet. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner. Plus, it freezes well, so you can have a meal ready when you need it.

Time-Saving Benefits

Enjoy a homemade breakfast without the morning rush. Bake the quiche ahead, slice it, and freeze individual portions. Reheat it straight from the freezer for a quick, satisfying meal.

Versatility for Any Meal

This versatile quiche recipe is more than just breakfast. It’s also great for brunch or a light dinner. The flaky crust, savory fillings, and creamy custard make it a dish you can enjoy any time.

Essential Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Quiche

Making a great Ham and Cheese Quiche starts with picking the right ingredients. This dish is perfect for breakfast or brunch. It needs a few key parts to taste and feel just right. Let’s look at what you need to make this quiche a hit:

• Pie Crust – You can use a pre-made crust or make your own dough. Either one works well as the base.
• Diced Ham – Diced ham adds a savory, salty flavor that’s essential.
• Cheese Blend – Mixing cheddar and Parmesan cheese gives it richness and flavor.
• Eggs – Eggs are the main ingredient, holding the filling together and making it creamy.
• Half and Half – This creamy dairy helps get the quiche just right in texture.
• Onions – Sautéed onions add a sweet, caramelized taste.
• Butter – A bit of butter boosts the flavor and texture.
• Spinach – Fresh spinach adds a bit of green and nutrition.

You can also add garnishes like chopped bacon, green onions, and parsley. These extras can make the dish look and taste even better. The best part is, you can change up the ingredients to make it your own. Try different cheeses, meats, or veggies to find your favorite.

With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious Ham and Cheese Quiche. It’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

To make a tasty ham and cheese quiche, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. You’ll need a 9-inch pie pan or springform pan for the quiche shape. Also, a mixing bowl, whisk, and skillet are key for the custard filling and caramelizing onions.

Required Bakeware

• 9-inch pie pan or springform pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Skillet

Mixing Tools

1. Chef’s knife for chopping ingredients
2. Measuring cups and spoons for accurate proportions
3. Immersion blender or food processor for blending the custard

Optional Equipment

Some extra tools can make quiche-making easier. A pie crust shield helps prevent the crust edges from burning. A pastry cutter is also useful for mixing butter into the dough.

With these quiche bakeware, kitchen tools for quiche, and baking equipment, you’re ready to make a delicious ham and cheese quiche at home.

Preparing the Perfect Pie Crust

Creating a tasty ham and cheese quiche starts with the pie crust. You can make an all-butter pie crust at home for better flavor. Or, use a store-bought crust for quicker prep. If you pick a frozen crust, thaw it first as the package says.

For a flaky crust, pre-baking is a good idea. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, chill the crust in the fridge for 30 minutes. Prick the bottom with a fork to stop it from puffing.

Line the crust with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10-12 minutes. This step makes the crust crisp before adding the quiche filling.

Whether you make your own crust or buy one, aim for a crisp base. This is key for your ham and cheese quiche to be a hit.

The Secret to Caramelized Onions

Achieving that irresistible, caramelized onion flavor is key to elevating the taste of this delectable ham and cheese quiche. The secret lies in patience and the right onion cooking tips. By simmering the onions slowly over medium-low heat, you’ll coax out their natural sugars. This results in a rich, golden brown caramelization that will have your taste buds singing.

Cooking Temperature Tips

The key to perfectly golden brown onions is to cook them low and slow. Start by slicing the onions into 1/2-inch thick strips. Melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat, then add the onion slices. Let them cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently, until they reach the desired level of caramelization.

Achieving Golden Brown Color

• The slow cooking process allows the natural sugars in the onions to slowly break down and caramelize, creating a rich, sweet flavor.
• Be patient and resist the urge to crank up the heat. Cooking the onions over medium-low heat ensures they don’t burn, but instead develop that sought-after caramelized appearance and taste.
• Once the onions have achieved a deep, golden brown color, add the diced ham and cook for an additional 5 minutes to marry the flavors.

With these simple onion cooking tips, you’ll be well on your way to crafting the perfect caramelized onions. These onions will elevate your ham and cheese quiche to new heights of deliciousness.

Cheese Selection and Combinations

Choosing the right cheese is key to a perfect quiche. This recipe uses cheddar and Parmesan. But, you can try other quiche cheese options for different tastes.

Popular cheese combinations include Monterey Jack, Swiss, Gruyere, feta, and pepper jack. Shredding the cheese yourself is best. It melts better and evenly in the filling.

Feel free to mix and match cheese combinations to find your favorite. The world of quiche is full of possibilities for delicious and beautiful dishes.

Step-by-Step Mixing Instructions

Making the perfect quiche filling is all about mixing eggs right and layering ingredients. Begin by whisking eggs, egg yolk, and half and half in a big bowl for about a minute. This adds air, making the quiche light and fluffy.

Proper Egg Mixture Technique

Whisk the eggs, egg yolk, and half and half until they’re well mixed and slightly frothy. This step is key for a custard-like texture in your quiche.

Adding Ingredients in Order

1. Layer diced ham, caramelized onions, and fresh spinach in the pre-baked pie crust.
2. Top with half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
3. Pour the egg mixture over the ingredients, leaving some space for puffing.
4. Finish by sprinkling the remaining cheese on top.

Make sure to spread all ingredients evenly. This ensures a balanced flavor and texture in the quiche.

Baking Temperature and Timing Guide

To make a perfect quiche, start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This temperature is key for the egg custard to set right. It also helps the crust turn golden brown. Bake the quiche for 45 to 55 minutes, watching it closely towards the end.

For a frozen quiche, heat your oven to 400°F. You can bake it straight from the freezer for about 1 hour. This method crisps the crust and heats the quiche evenly. To avoid burnt edges, use a pie crust shield or foil.

The quiche is ready when it reaches 165°F inside. Use a food thermometer to check. Remember, it will firm up more after it comes out of the oven. So, don’t overbake it.

By sticking to these baking temperatures and times, you’ll get a quiche that’s both perfectly cooked and golden. Always watch the oven and use a thermometer to check the quiche’s doneness before taking it out.

How to Tell When Your Quiche Is Done

Getting your quiche just right is key for a creamy and tasty dish. Watch for a few important signs while it bakes.

The top should turn golden brown. This means the eggs are set and the top is nicely caramelized. Also, the center should jiggle a bit when you shake it. This shows it’s still soft and custard-like.

To check if it’s done, use a clean knife or toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, without any egg mixture, it’s ready. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the center set and the flavors blend.

If the crust browns too fast, cover the edges with foil. This prevents burning and ensures a golden crust and creamy inside.

“The secret to a perfectly cooked quiche is in the subtle jiggle – not too firm, not too loose. It’s all about finding that delicate balance.”

By using these tips, you’ll get a quiche that’s divine. It will be crisp on the outside and smooth on the inside.

Make-Ahead Storage Instructions

This ham and cheese quiche is perfect for busy mornings. It can be made ahead of time. You can refrigerate or freeze it, making it easy to fit into your schedule.

Refrigeration Guidelines

For up to 24 hours, you can refrigerate the unbaked quiche. Just follow the recipe, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it. This saves you time in the morning.

Freezing Methods

• First, cover the unbaked quiche with plastic wrap, making sure there are no air pockets.
• Then, wrap it in aluminum foil, sealing the edges to avoid freezer burn.
• The frozen quiche can last up to 3 months. To bake, remove the plastic and foil, cover the crust edges with foil, and bake at 400°F for about 1 hour.

Freezing the quiche is great for longer storage. It’s perfect for busy weeks or when you need a quick breakfast.

With these easy storage options, you can enjoy the ham and cheese quiche whenever you want. Whether you’re planning ahead or need a quick fix, it’s ready for you.

Reheating Tips for Best Results

Reheating leftover quiche is easy with the right methods. Whether you’re reheating quiche, warming up quiche, or thawing frozen quiche, these tips will help. They ensure your quiche stays tasty and moist.

For quiche in the fridge, use the oven. Set your oven to 315°F. Place the quiche on the rack or a baking sheet. Heat it for 15-20 minutes until warm. If the crust is too dark, cover it with foil.

Quiche at room temperature can be served straight from the fridge. Let it sit for 30 minutes before serving. This makes it reheat more evenly.

Frozen quiche needs more time. Thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Make sure it reaches 165°F inside.

Don’t use the microwave to reheat quiche. It can make the crust soggy. For the best results, use the oven, toaster oven, or air fryer. With a little planning, your leftover quiche will taste just as good as when it was first baked.

“Reheating quiche in the oven is the best way to ensure a crisp crust and evenly heated filling.”

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Make your Ham and Cheese Quiche stand out by adding tasty side dishes and garnishes. It’s perfect for brunch or a cozy dinner. These options will highlight your quiche’s flavors.

Side Dish Ideas

Start with a fresh fruit salad for a light touch. For something more filling, try a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or crispy bacon. You can also pair it with roasted mini potatoes, homemade turkey breakfast sausage, or a creamy broccoli salad.

• Roasted mini potatoes
• Green salad
• Fruit salad
• Homemade turkey breakfast sausage
• Broccoli salad

Garnishing Options

Enhance your quiche’s look with chopped bacon, green onions, or fresh parsley. These toppings bring flavor and beauty, making your dish look like it’s from a restaurant.

The Ham and Cheese Quiche goes well with coffee, tea, or a glass of white wine. Enjoy it at brunch or dinner.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

This delectable ham and cheese quiche recipe is perfect for making your own. You can try different flavors and ingredients to make it your own. Here are some ideas:

• Swap the ham for cooked bacon or spicy Italian sausage for a different savory twist.
• Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and instead adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Try different cheese combinations, such as Swiss and Gruyère for a classic Quiche Lorraine flavor profile.
• For a lighter take, use whole milk instead of the half-and-half called for in the original recipe.

Customizing this quiche is all about finding the right balance. You want the creamy custard and the mix-ins to work together perfectly. It’s a chance to get creative and make it your own.

“The beauty of this quiche lies in its versatility. Feel free to get creative and customize it to suit your personal taste preferences or the ingredients you have on hand.”

Looking to use up leftovers or try something new? This recipe is perfect. With a few tweaks, you can make a customized quiche that will impress everyone. It’s a great way to show off your culinary skills.

Conclusion

This Easy Ham and Cheese Quiche recipe is a delightful, adaptable, and convenient meal. It’s perfect for any time of day. Its make-ahead and freezer-friendly nature makes it great for meal prepping, busy households, or hosting guests.

It’s easy to customize and prepare, making it a go-to for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. Whether you’re looking for an easy quiche recipe, a make-ahead breakfast, or a versatile meal option, this dish fits the bill. It uses a whole wheat crust, low-fat ingredients, and is balanced nutritionally, making it a healthier choice without losing flavor.

With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy a delicious, homemade quiche that suits your taste. So, why not give this Easy Ham and Cheese Quiche a try? It’s convenient, adaptable, and tastes great, making it a staple in your recipe collection for any occasion.