Welcome to a culinary journey that celebrates the simple joys of breakfast and brunch! Few dishes evoke a sense of comfort and elegance quite like a perfectly baked quiche. And what could be better than a quiche that requires minimal effort yet delivers maximum flavor? Get ready to discover your new favorite brunch staple: a Cheesy Ham, Cheddar, and Scallion Quiche. This delightful recipe promises a golden-brown crust, a fluffy, savory filling, and an irresistible aroma that will draw everyone to the kitchen table. Whether you’re hosting guests, planning a festive holiday meal like Easter or Mother’s Day, or simply craving a luxurious weekend breakfast, this quiche is designed to impress with just five core ingredients, plus your trusted pie crust and a dash of seasoning.
There’s something truly magical about the aroma of a homemade breakfast wafting through the house, especially when friends or family are visiting. As a devoted advocate for hearty morning meals, I often find myself going above and beyond the usual bacon and eggs when my home is bustling with loved ones. It might involve an early start, a quiet moment in the kitchen before the rest of the house stirs, but the effort is always rewarded. A delicious, satisfying breakfast has an incredible power to uplift spirits and set a positive tone for the entire day. It’s an act of love, a gesture of warmth, and a surefire way to gather everyone around a table filled with good food and great conversation. My goal? To ensure everyone leaves my table feeling happy, nourished, and maybe just a little bit spoiled. And this ham and cheese quiche is the perfect vehicle for that mission.
My culinary adventures often lean towards anticipatory celebrations, especially when it comes to holidays. This allows me to perfect recipes and share them with you well in advance. Recently, this tradition left me with an abundance of leftover Easter ham – a delightful predicament for any food enthusiast! While ham is wonderfully versatile in egg sandwiches, pizzas, and casseroles, my breakfast-loving heart immediately gravitated towards quiche. I was determined to create a recipe that was not only incredibly delicious but also remarkably quick and easy to prepare, perfect for those mornings when you want something special without the fuss. The vision was clear: a cheesy, savory quiche that could be whipped up with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, ideal for a morning-of assembly.
And what a success it was! This scrumptious 5-ingredient quiche (excluding your pie crust and basic spices, of course) proved to be everything I hoped for and more. It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need a lengthy ingredient list or complex techniques to achieve extraordinary results. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmonious blend of classic flavors. It truly is a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their breakfast or brunch game without spending hours in the kitchen. This quiche is a comforting hug in food form, ready to make any morning feel a little more festive and a lot more delicious.
Crafting Your Perfect Cheesy Ham Quiche
The magic of this quiche unfolds with incredible ease. Simply whisk together a creamy mixture of eggs, rich half-and-half, sharp shredded cheddar cheese, savory diced ham, and fresh, vibrant green onions. This luscious filling is then poured into your chosen pie crust, filling it to the brim with promise. As it bakes, it transforms into a beautifully browned, bubbly masterpiece. The quiche rises to achieve a remarkably fluffy, light-as-air texture that simply melts in your mouth with every bite. The top develops a gorgeous golden hue, indicating that perfect balance of crispness and tender custardy goodness within. It’s a sight to behold and a delight to taste! For a complete and elegant brunch or lunch, serve this magnificent quiche alongside a crisp, simple green salad. The fresh greens provide a lovely contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the quiche, creating a perfectly balanced meal.
Tips for the Perfect Quiche Every Time
- The Crust: While a store-bought, pre-made pie shell is a fantastic time-saver, feel free to roll out your favorite homemade crust if you prefer. Both options will yield delicious results, so choose what best suits your schedule and culinary ambition. Blind baking your crust for a few minutes before adding the filling can help prevent a soggy bottom, especially if your oven tends to run a little cooler or if you’re using a wetter filling.
- The Custard: The quality of your eggs and half-and-half matters. Using fresh, large eggs ensures a rich flavor and proper setting of the custard. Make sure to use regular half-and-half, not fat-free, as the fat content contributes significantly to the creamy texture and richness of the quiche.
- Baking Temperature: The two-stage baking temperature (initial high heat, then reduced) is key to achieving that perfect texture and golden-brown crust without overcooking the delicate custard. The initial blast helps set the crust and start the rise, while the lower temperature ensures a gentle, even bake through the center.
- Don’t Overmix: When whisking the eggs and other ingredients, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can introduce too much air, leading to a tougher texture. Whisk just until everything is combined.
- Resting is Key: Allowing the quiche to rest for at least 10 minutes after removing it from the oven is crucial. This resting period allows the custard to set completely, making for cleaner slices and preventing it from collapsing.
Customizing Your Quiche: Endless Possibilities
This recipe is wonderfully versatile, inviting you to experiment with your favorite ingredients and make it uniquely your own. Don’t have ham on hand, or prefer a different protein? No problem! Feel free to substitute the diced ham with other cooked meats like leftover turkey, crispy bacon bits, crumbled sausage, or even smoked salmon for a more luxurious touch. Each substitution will lend a distinct flavor profile, transforming the quiche into a new culinary experience.
Not a fan of cheddar, or simply want to explore other cheesy horizons? This quiche is incredibly adaptable to various cheeses. Swiss, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a blend of different cheeses would work beautifully. A sprinkle of Parmesan or a dash of crumbled feta could also add an exciting layer of flavor. The key is to choose a cheese that melts well and complements the other ingredients. You can also elevate the flavor profile by adding a pinch of nutmeg to the egg mixture, a classic French touch that enhances savory egg custards.
Beyond the core ingredients, consider incorporating finely chopped vegetables to boost both flavor and nutrition. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach (squeezed dry), bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions would all make excellent additions. Just ensure any vegetables are cooked and drained of excess moisture before adding them to the quiche filling to prevent it from becoming watery. A touch of fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill can also brighten the overall taste and add a beautiful visual appeal. The possibilities are truly endless, making this recipe a fantastic canvas for your creativity.
Serving Suggestions for Any Occasion
While a simple green salad is a classic accompaniment, this Cheesy Ham, Cheddar, and Scallion Quiche pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, making it perfect for any meal:
- For Brunch: Alongside that crisp green salad, consider serving fresh fruit platters, fluffy muffins, warm croissants, or a vibrant mimosa bar. A side of roasted potatoes or crispy hash browns would also be a fantastic addition, creating a hearty and satisfying spread.
- For Lunch: A slice of quiche is a complete meal in itself, especially when served with a light soup, like a creamy tomato or a clear vegetable broth. It also makes a great addition to a picnic basket or a packed lunch for a sophisticated midday meal.
- For Dinner: Yes, quiche for dinner! Pair it with steamed asparagus, green beans almondine, or a hearty grain salad. Its rich flavors can easily hold their own as the centerpiece of a lighter evening meal.
- Holiday Feasts: For special occasions like Easter or Mother’s Day, this quiche fits right in. It’s elegant enough for a formal spread yet comforting enough for a casual family gathering.
However you choose to dish it up, you are guaranteed to fall in love with this deliciously easy quiche. It’s the perfect recipe for Easter, Mother’s Day, or any spring morning (or any morning, really!) that calls for something truly special, comforting, and utterly delightful. Enjoy the process of creating it, and savor every single bite!
Cheesy Ham, Cheddar and Scallion Quiche
8 servings // 8 slices
Ingredients
- 1 (9-inch) deep dish pie crust, store bought or homemade*
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups half-and-half, not fat-free
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced cooked ham
- 1/3 cup chopped green onions (scallions)
- 1/4 teaspoon each salt, black pepper, and paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Place oven rack in the lower third of your oven.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs until well combined. Stir in the half-and-half, shredded cheddar cheese, diced ham, chopped green onions, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Carefully pour the egg mixture into your prepared pie crust, filling it almost to the top.
- Bake for 20 minutes at 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
- Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C), and continue baking for another 45 minutes, or until the quiche is set in the center and golden brown on top. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean.
- Remove the quiche from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the custard to set properly.
- Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Ham, Cheddar, and Scallion Quiche!
Did you make this recipe?
Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest