Julia Child'S Gratin And Ham Eggs Quiche
A hearty French-inspired quiche featuring ham, Swiss cheese, potatoes, and subtle onion flavors, perfect for brunch or a comforting meal for family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Use a 12-inch baking dish or individual souffle dishes.
- Cook 3/4 cup chopped onions slowly in 3 tablespoons butter until soft but not browned.
- Add 1 1/2 cups diced cooked ham and cook for 5 minutes.
- Blend the ham and onions into the heated mixture with the butter.
- Peel and grate 4 to 5 large potatoes using the large holes of a grater.
- Squeeze out the water from the grated potatoes.
- Stir the potatoes into the egg mixture.
- You may prepare this mixture ahead to this point.
- Heat 2 tablespoons butter in pans.
- Pour the egg and potato mixture into the pans.
- Set the pans in the upper third of the oven.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the top is golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter quiche, consider using half-and-half instead of whipping cream. You can also substitute the Swiss cheese with Gruyère or a dairy-free cheese for a vegetarian option. If you don’t have potatoes, try adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms. Remember to ensure the ham is well-drained before mixing to avoid excess moisture.
Serving Suggestions
This quiche pairs beautifully with a fresh Green Or Red Salad for a balanced meal. Serve with a dollop of Flavored Butter for added richness. For a hearty brunch, consider offering sides like roasted vegetables or a fruit platter. It’s also delightful alongside a crisp white wine.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the quiche in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the texture rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Julia Child'S Gratin And Ham Eggs Quiche contains roughly 241 calories, with 7g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein.
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 mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just pour it into the baking dish and bake it fresh when you're ready to serve. This makes it a great option for brunch gatherings or busy weekdays.
What can I use instead of ham?
If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute the ham with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Alternatively, crumbled tofu or a plant-based sausage can add a nice protein boost while keeping the dish satisfying.
How do I know when the quiche is done baking?
The quiche is done when the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning. If the edges are browning too quickly, you can cover them with foil.
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).