Ham-Basil Quiche
A savory quiche featuring smoked ham, melted cheese, and fresh basil, perfect for brunch or light lunch, offering rich flavors and a creamy texture.
Ingredients
- 1 cup smoked or cooked ham, diced ⓘ
- 1 cup mozzarella or Jack cheese, grated ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 3/4 cup whipping cream ⓘ
- dash black pepper ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- sliced tomatoes (for garnish) ⓘ
- basil leaves or parsley (for garnish) ⓘ
Instructions
- Prebake the pie shell for 5 minutes at 400°F.
- Mix diced ham, grated cheese, and chopped fresh basil leaves.
- Spread mustard on the bottom of the prebaked pie shell.
- Sprinkle the ham-cheese-basil mixture over the mustard.
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs with whipping cream and black pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture over the ham-cheese layer in the pie shell.
- Bake in the oven at 375°F for about 20 minutes or until set and golden.
- Garnish with sliced tomatoes and basil leaves or parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute half of the cream with milk or use a low-fat cheese. Fresh basil can be replaced with spinach or other herbs if unavailable. To enhance flavor, try adding sautéed onions or bell peppers to the ham-cheese mixture. Ensure the pie shell is fully cooled before adding the filling to prevent sogginess.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Ham-Basil Quiche alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with sliced tomatoes and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. For brunch, consider offering it with a fruit salad or serving it alongside Easy Jello for a refreshing dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This will help maintain the crispness of the crust. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust chewy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham-Basil Quiche contains roughly 262 calories, with 11g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), iron (33% of the Daily Value), and calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make this quiche ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the quiche a day in advance. Bake it, let it cool completely, then cover and refrigerate. Reheat before serving for the best texture. This makes it convenient for gatherings or busy mornings.
What can I use instead of ham?
For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the ham with sautéed mushrooms or spinach. Additionally, you could use cooked bacon or sausage if you prefer a different meat flavor. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time if using raw meats.
How do I know when the quiche is done baking?
The quiche is done when the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle but is not liquid. It should be golden brown on top, and a knife inserted into the center should come out clean. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking.
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).