A Simple Yet Delicious Ham Quiche Recipe
This recipe will guide you through making a classic ham quiche, perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and offers a delightful balance of savory ham and creamy custard. This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables or cheeses.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe makes a 9-inch quiche. Feel free to double the recipe for a larger one.
- For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ¼ cup ice water
- For the Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup grated Gruyère cheese (or another strong cheese of your choice)
- 1 cup diced ham (about 4-6 slices)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to keep the butter cold.
- Add Water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender crust.
- Roll and Bake: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate or quiche dish. Trim and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling. Blind bake the crust for 10-15 minutes at 375°F (190°C), or until lightly golden.
Assembling and Baking the Quiche:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Whisk Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined. Stir in the Gruyère cheese.
- Add Ham: Gently fold in the diced ham.
- Pour Filling: Pour the egg mixture into the pre-baked pie crust.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the quiche is set and the center is just slightly jiggly. The center will firm up as it cools.
- Cool and Serve: Let the quiche cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Ham Quiche:
- Use High-Quality Ham: The flavor of the ham will significantly impact the overall taste of the quiche. Opt for a good quality ham, such as a thinly sliced baked ham.
- Don't Overbake: Overbaking can lead to a dry quiche. It's better to slightly underbake it, as it will continue to cook as it cools.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as chopped onions, bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Add them along with the ham.
- Experiment with Cheese: Gruyère is a classic choice, but you can use other cheeses such as cheddar, Swiss, or even crumbled feta.
This ham quiche recipe is a versatile and delicious dish that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and flavors to make it your own! Remember to share your creations and tag us! Happy baking!