How to Make Ham Quiche: The Ultimate Guide for Perfect Results Every Time

Craving a savory and satisfying breakfast, brunch, or light lunch? Look no further than the timeless classic: ham quiche. This delightful dish is a perfect blend of creamy custard, flaky crust, and savory ham. But don’t let the name intimidate you. Learning how to make ham quiche is easier than you might think! This blog post will guide you through each step, from preparing the crust to baking the perfect golden-brown quiche.

Get Your Ingredients Ready: A Ham Quiche Shopping List

Before you embark on your quiche-making journey, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here’s a comprehensive list to make your shopping trip a breeze:

• For the Crust:
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and diced
• 1/4 cup ice water
• For the Filling:
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup diced cooked ham
• 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese

Step 1: Crafting the Perfect Crust

The foundation of any great quiche is a flaky, buttery crust. Here’s how to make yours:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the chilled butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Water Gradually: Slowly drizzle in the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork after each addition. Stop adding water when the dough just comes together.
4. Form the Dough: Gently shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepping the Crust and Filling

Now that your crust is chilling, let’s prepare the filling and get ready for assembly:

1. Roll Out the Dough: After chilling, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate, gently pressing it into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough.
2. Blind Bake the Crust: Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork. Line it with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes. Remove the weights and parchment paper and bake for another 5 minutes.
3. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, milk, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
4. Assemble the Quiche: Spread the diced ham evenly over the pre-baked crust. Sprinkle with the Gruyère cheese. Pour the egg mixture over the ham and cheese.

Step 3: Baking Your Ham Quiche to Perfection

The final step is baking your quiche until it’s set and golden brown. Follow these instructions:

1. Bake: Bake the quiche at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
2. Cool and Serve: Let the quiche cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature.

Tips for a Delicious Ham Quiche

Here are a few helpful tips to elevate your quiche-making game:

• Use high-quality ham: Opt for a good-quality ham, such as a smoked ham or a prosciutto, for the best flavor.
• Don’t overbake: Keep a close eye on the quiche as it bakes. Overbaking can lead to a dry and rubbery crust.
• Add your favorite ingredients: Feel free to experiment with different additions to your quiche, such as vegetables, herbs, or cheeses.
• Make it ahead: Ham quiche can be made ahead of time and reheated later. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Beyond the Basics: Creative Quiche Variations

While the classic ham quiche is a crowd-pleaser, there’s always room for creativity. Here are some exciting variations to try:

• Spinach and Feta Quiche: Replace the ham with sautéed spinach and crumbled feta cheese for a savory and earthy quiche.
• Mushroom and Gruyère Quiche: A medley of sautéed mushrooms and Gruyère cheese adds a rich and complex flavor profile.
• Bacon and Tomato Quiche: Crispy bacon and juicy tomatoes make for a delightful combination in this quiche.
• Sausage and Pepper Quiche: Spicy Italian sausage and bell peppers add a kick to your quiche.

A Delicious Ending: Your Ham Quiche Feast

Congratulations! You’ve successfully created a delicious ham quiche. This versatile dish is perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive brunches. With its flaky crust, creamy filling, and savory ham, it’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Answers to Your Questions

Q: Can I use pre-made pie crust?

A: Absolutely! Using a pre-made pie crust is a great time-saving option.

Q: What kind of ham is best for quiche?

A: You can use any type of ham you like, but a good-quality smoked ham or prosciutto will add the most flavor.

Q: How long can I store leftover quiche?

A: You can store leftover quiche in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I freeze quiche?

A: Yes, you can freeze quiche for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Q: What can I do with the leftover crust dough?

A: You can use the leftover dough to make small individual quiches or savory pastries.