The Ultimate Easy Ham and Cheese Quiche Recipe: A 7-Ingredient Wonder for Breakfast & Brunch
Prepare to impress with this incredibly simple yet utterly delicious quiche! Featuring a delightful blend of savory ham, fluffy eggs, vibrant green onions, and a generous amount of gooey mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese, this 7-ingredient quiche recipe is a true kitchen hero. Perfect for a quick family breakfast, a leisurely brunch, or even a light dinner, it’s a versatile dish that promises flavor without the fuss.
Why This Ham and Cheese Quiche Recipe is Your New Go-To
Quiche, an egg-based dish traditionally baked in a pie crust, is a beloved classic enjoyed across the globe. While it can be a complex culinary endeavor with various fillings from delicate vegetables to rich meats and seafood, our ham and cheese quiche recipe focuses on simplicity and robust flavor. We’ve streamlined the process, using only seven core ingredients to create a breakfast or brunch masterpiece that’s both approachable for beginners and satisfying for seasoned cooks.
What makes this specific recipe truly special is its incredible ease and the harmonious blend of flavors. We layer succulent ham, thinly sliced green onions, a duo of creamy mozzarella and sharp cheddar, and a rich egg and milk custard inside a pre-made deep-dish pie crust. This method ensures maximum flavor with minimal effort. As it bakes, the quiche proudly puffs up, transforming into a magnificent golden-brown creation that’s absolutely irresistible. The result is a light, airy, yet incredibly fulfilling dish that begs to be sliced and savored, delivering comfort and deliciousness in every bite. It’s the perfect solution for busy mornings or when you need a crowd-pleasing dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Quiche
Crafting this delightful quiche requires just seven easily accessible ingredients, making it an ideal choice for impromptu meals or when you’re stocking your pantry for quick culinary adventures. For precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, you’ll find a printable version of this recipe at the very end of this post.
Here’s what you’ll need to create this savory masterpiece:
- Deep Dish Pie Crust: A store-bought thawed crust makes this recipe incredibly fast.
- Large Eggs: The foundation of our creamy custard.
- Milk: Adds richness and helps create the perfect texture.
- Chopped Ham: Brings a wonderful savory and salty note.
- Sliced Green Onions: Provides a mild onion flavor and fresh color.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: For sharp flavor and excellent melt.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Contributes to a delightful gooey texture.
Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Substitutions
Let’s dive a little deeper into each ingredient to ensure your quiche is nothing short of perfect, along with some flexible substitution ideas to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
CRUST: For ultimate convenience, we opt for a store-bought deep-dish pie crust, which comes thawed and ready to use. There’s no need to pre-bake or partially bake this crust, which saves a significant amount of time and effort. As the quiche bakes, keep a watchful eye on it, especially during the last 10 minutes. If you notice the edges of the crust browning too quickly, simply cover them loosely with aluminum foil or use a specialized pie crust guard to prevent over-browning. For those who enjoy baking from scratch, feel free to substitute with our homemade pie crust recipe for an extra touch of homemade goodness. Using a deep-dish crust is key as it provides ample space for all the delicious fillings and allows the quiche to puff up beautifully.
EGGS: We use large eggs for this recipe, which are standard in most baking. For the best flavor and texture, ensure your eggs are fresh. The eggs are the star of the show, providing the base for the creamy custard. Using room temperature eggs can sometimes lead to a slightly smoother custard, but it’s not strictly necessary for this forgiving recipe.
MILK: Any type of milk (whole, 2%, or even a dairy-free alternative like unsweetened almond milk) will work, though whole milk will yield the richest, most decadent custard. For an even creamier, more luxurious quiche, you can substitute half of the milk with heavy cream or half-and-half. This adds a beautiful richness that elevates the dish, making it perfect for a special occasion brunch.
HAM: Chopped ham is a fantastic choice, providing a savory depth and a hearty texture. Leftover holiday ham is perfect for this! If you don’t have chopped ham, you can use deli ham cut into small pieces, cooked bacon, or even cooked sausage for a different flavor profile. Just make sure whatever meat you choose is pre-cooked and diced finely for even distribution throughout the quiche.
GREEN ONIONS: These provide a mild oniony zest and a beautiful pop of color without overpowering the other ingredients. If green onions aren’t available, chives are an excellent substitute. For a bolder flavor, finely diced yellow onion or shallots, lightly sautéed before adding, can also be used, but green onions offer that classic, fresh quiche taste.
CHEESE: The combination of shredded cheddar and mozzarella offers the best of both worlds: sharp flavor from the cheddar and incredible melt and stretch from the mozzarella. This duo creates a perfectly cheesy interior. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for a different twist. Make sure to shred your own cheese from a block if possible, as pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melt and texture.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Ham and Cheese Quiche
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this delicious recipe. For a convenient printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and instructions, please Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
Making this ham and cheese quiche is surprisingly straightforward. The key is in the layering, which ensures an even distribution of all the savory fillings. Follow these simple steps for a quiche that’s sure to be a hit:
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the optimal temperature for even baking as soon as your quiche is ready.
- Whisk Eggs and Milk: In a large bowl, thoroughly whisk together the eggs and milk until they are well combined and slightly frothy. This creates the smooth, creamy custard base for your quiche. A good whisk is essential to fully integrate the ingredients.
- First Layer of Fillings: Carefully place your thawed deep-dish pie crust into a pie plate. Now, it’s time to start layering! Add half of each of the following ingredients evenly into the bottom of the pie crust: chopped ham, sliced green onion, shredded mozzarella cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and finally, half of the whisked egg mixture. This initial layer ensures a rich base and prevents all the fillings from sinking to the very bottom.
- Second Layer of Fillings: Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients in the same order: the rest of the chopped ham, sliced green onion, mozzarella, cheddar cheese, and finally, pour in the remaining egg mixture. Layering helps to distribute the ingredients throughout the quiche, preventing a dense bottom layer and ensuring every slice is packed with flavor. You might think there isn’t enough filling, but trust the process – the egg mixture will puff up beautifully.
- Bake: Place the quiche in your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The quiche is done when the center is set (a knife inserted near the center comes out clean) and the top is beautifully golden brown. If the crust is browning too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
- Cool Before Serving: Once baked, remove the quiche from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the custard to fully set, preventing it from collapsing and ensuring clean slices.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Quiche Success
Have questions about making the perfect quiche? Here are some common inquiries and expert tips to help you achieve delicious results every time.
Absolutely! This ham and cheese quiche recipe is wonderfully adaptable. You can easily substitute or add a variety of ingredients to suit your taste. Popular additions include spinach (sautéed and squeezed dry to remove excess moisture), diced tomatoes, cooked crumbled bacon, sautéed bell peppers, or caramelized onions. Just be mindful not to overfill the crust, and ensure any vegetable additions are pre-cooked and drained of excess liquid to prevent a watery quiche.
Storing leftover quiche is easy! Allow the quiche to cool completely to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For individual slices, you can wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in the container for easy grab-and-go portions.
Yes, quiche is an excellent make-ahead dish, perfect for entertaining or meal prepping. You can prepare and bake the quiche a day in advance. Once baked, allow it to cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. Cover it tightly with an airtight lid or wrap it securely with plastic wrap to maintain freshness. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave when ready to serve.
Yes, quiche freezes beautifully! After baking and cooling completely, wrap the entire quiche (or individual slices) tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double layer helps prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, allow the frozen quiche to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, usually about 20-30 minutes for a whole quiche, or less for slices.
A soggy bottom crust is a common quiche woe. In this recipe, we don’t pre-bake the crust, but the high baking temperature helps. To further prevent sogginess, make sure your pie crust is cold when you fill it, and ensure any wet ingredients like spinach or mushrooms are thoroughly drained or sautéed to remove excess moisture before adding them to the quiche. Some people swear by brushing the bottom of the crust with a thin layer of egg white or melted butter before filling, which creates a barrier.
For best results, reheat quiche in the oven. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. For a whole quiche, it might take 25-35 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, you can use a microwave, but the crust might not be as crisp.
Serving Your Delicious Ham and Cheese Quiche
One of the many charms of quiche is its versatility in serving. This ham and cheese quiche can be enjoyed both warm, straight from the oven, or delightfully chilled, making it perfect for various occasions. Serve it as the star of your breakfast spread, the centerpiece of a festive brunch, or even as a light and satisfying lunch or dinner any day of the week. Its comforting flavors also make it an ideal candidate for holiday mornings, simplifying your cooking while still delivering a memorable meal.
To complement your quiche, consider serving it with a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette, a vibrant fruit salad, or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For the adults, serving your slice with a crisp mimosa or a fresh cup of coffee truly elevates the experience. However you choose to enjoy it, this quiche is sure to be a delightful addition to your table.
More Delightful Breakfast & Brunch Recipes You’ll Love
If you’ve enjoyed this easy ham and cheese quiche, you’ll surely love exploring more of our breakfast and brunch favorites. These recipes are designed to bring joy to your morning table, whether you’re looking for something quick and simple or a dish that feels a little more special:
- Classic Eggs Benedict: A sophisticated brunch staple with poached eggs, Canadian bacon, and hollandaise sauce.
- Flavorful Vegetable Frittata: An open-faced Italian omelet packed with your favorite veggies.
- Easy Sheet Pan Breakfast Pizza: A fun and customizable way to feed a crowd for breakfast.
- Hearty Turkey Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole: A comforting casserole perfect for a hearty morning meal.
- Breakfast Casserole with Ham and Cheese: Another fantastic option for using up leftover ham, baked into a delicious casserole.
We hope these suggestions inspire you to continue your culinary journey and discover new favorites for your breakfast and brunch repertoire!
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Easy Ham and Cheese Quiche
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 1 deep dish pie crust thawed
- 8 large eggs
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 cups chopped ham divided
- ¼ cup sliced green onions divided
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese divided
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
Things You’ll Need
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Pie plate
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Pie crust guard optional
Before You Begin
- You may think that there are not enough ingredients when you layer everything. However, the egg will puff up beautifully when it cooks and the pie crust will shrink slightly, leaving you with a perfectly even and full quiche.
- You do not need to pre-bake or partially bake the pie crust for this recipe. Keep a close eye on the quiche in the last 10 minutes of baking. If you are concerned that the crust is getting too brown, you can easily cover the edges with a strip of aluminum foil or a reusable pie crust guard to prevent over-browning.
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375 F (190°C).
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In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
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Place your thawed deep dish pie crust into a pie plate. Add half of each of the following ingredients, distributing them evenly: chopped ham, sliced green onion, shredded mozzarella cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and then pour in half of the whisked egg mixture.
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Repeat the layering with the remaining ingredients in the same order: the rest of the ham, green onion, mozzarella, cheddar cheese, and finally, pour in the remaining egg mixture.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted comes out clean. The crust should be golden brown.
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Allow the quiche to cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving to ensure the custard sets perfectly.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.