A freshly baked ham and cheese quiche is a culinary delight, a perfect blend of savoury and rich flavours encased in a flaky, buttery crust.
As it emerges from the oven, its golden-brown surface is a testament to its perfectly baked state, with a crisp, bronzed crust that cradles the soft, creamy filling within. This filling, a luscious mixture of eggs and cream, is generously speckled with chunks of savoury ham and melted cheese, creating a symphony of flavours with each bite.
The ham offers a smoky depth, while the cheese – often a blend of sharp cheddar or smooth Gruyère – adds a gooey, indulgent richness. Herbs like chives or parsley are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh contrast to the richness.
A slice of this quiche reveals the beautifully layered ingredients, each complementing the other to create a comforting, hearty dish. Ideal for a brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner, a ham and cheese quiche is not just a meal, but an experience of homely warmth and gastronomic pleasure.
Baked Ham & Cheese Quiche
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup grated cheese (e.g., Gruyère, cheddar, or Swiss cheese)
- 4 large eggs
- 1¼ cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- A pinch of nutmeg
- Optional: chives or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Crust:
- In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together.
- Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Roll Out and Pre-bake the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer to the dish, trim the edges, and prick the bottom with a fork.
- Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, remove the weights and parchment, and bake for another 5 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Filling:
- In a pan, heat olive oil or butter. Sauté the onion until translucent. Add the ham and cook for a few more minutes. Spread this mixture over the pre-baked crust.
- Sprinkle grated cheese evenly over the onion and ham.
Make the Egg Mixture:
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Pour this mixture over the cheese.
Bake the Quiche:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden.
Serve:
- Let the quiche cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired.
Enjoy your freshly baked ham and cheese quiche with a freshly prepare green salad, a classic dish that's perfect for any meal!