Cheesy Ham Quiche
A savory quiche filled with ham, cheddar cheese, and nutmeg, baked to perfection. Perfect for brunch or a hearty lunch, appealing to cheese and ham lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bake the pastry for 3 minutes, then remove from oven and gently prick with a fork.
- Bake an additional 5 minutes, then let cool on a rack.
- Place diced ham in the cooled pie shell, then top with shredded Cheddar cheese and sprinkle with ground nutmeg.
- Beat eggs until foamy, then stir in half and half, salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley flakes.
- Pour the egg mixture over the ham and cheese in the pie shell.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes or until the filling is firm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier quiche, consider using whole milk instead of half and half. You can also substitute the Cheddar cheese with Gruyère or Swiss for a different flavor profile. If you don't have nutmeg, a pinch of cinnamon can add a unique twist. Ensure to prick the pastry well to prevent puffing during baking. For added texture, add sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cheesy Ham Quiche warm, accompanied by a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with a light vinaigrette dressing. For brunch, consider serving it alongside fruit or pastries. This dish is also great for breakfast, making it a versatile addition to your meal rotation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but this may make the crust less crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Ham Quiche contains roughly 381 calories, with 11g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (25% of the Daily Value), protein (21% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 532mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different meats in this quiche?
Absolutely! You can substitute the diced ham with cooked bacon, sausage, or even leftover chicken for a different flavor. Just ensure that any meat used is fully cooked before adding it to the quiche to ensure food safety.
What can I do if I don't have a pie shell?
If you don't have a pre-made pie shell, you can make a quick crust using crushed crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter. Alternatively, you could bake the filling in a greased pie dish without a crust for a crustless quiche, which is lower in carbs.
How do I know when the quiche is done?
The quiche is done when the filling is set and no longer jiggles in the center. You can also insert a knife into the filling; if it comes out clean, the quiche is ready. A light golden color on top is also a good indicator of doneness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).