Ham and Cheese Quiche

Create a delicious and versatile ham and cheese quiche with caramelized onions, fresh spinach, and a blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this customizable recipe can be made with or without a crust. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s a great addition to any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 frozen or refrigerated pie crust (skip if going crustless)
• 1 small onion, sliced into ½-inch strings
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup ham, diced
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 4 eggs
• 1 egg yolk
• 1¼ cups half-and-half
• 1 cup cheddar cheese
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese

Garnish Options

• Chopped bacon
• Green onions
• Parsley

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pie Crust:
   • If using a frozen pie crust, check the package instructions. Allow it to sit at room temperature if required and unroll carefully. Pre-bake if specified in the instructions. Set aside.
2. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Caramelize the Onions:
   • Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently, until caramelized and golden brown.
4. Prepare Ham and Spinach:
   • Add the diced ham to the skillet with the onions and cook for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
   • Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat.
5. Whisk the Eggs:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolk, and half-and-half for about 1 minute until well combined.
6. Assemble the Quiche:
   • Lightly grease a 9-inch pie pan or springform pan and press the pie crust into it.
   • Evenly distribute the ham, onions, and spinach mixture across the bottom of the crust. Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese on top.
   • Pour the egg mixture into the crust, leaving a small gap to prevent overflow as the filling rises during baking.
   • Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
7. Bake:
   • Bake for 45-55 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set. If the crust browns too quickly, cover the edges with a pie crust shield.
8. Cool and Serve:
   • Let the quiche cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped bacon, green onions, or parsley as desired. Serve warm.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Versatile Meal: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
• Rich and Flavorful: The caramelized onions and combination of cheeses make every bite delicious.
• Customizable: Easily adapt to include your favorite meats, vegetables, or cheeses.

Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs and half-and-half to come to room temperature for a smoother mixture.
• Avoid Overfilling: Leave a little space in the pie crust for the filling to rise as it bakes.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and good-quality cheeses enhance the flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

• Crustless Option: Skip the crust for a lighter, gluten-free version.
• Vegetarian: Replace ham with sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers.
• Different Cheeses: Substitute Gruyère, Swiss, or mozzarella for a unique twist.
• Add Herbs: Mix fresh dill, thyme, or chives into the egg mixture for added flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, bake the quiche, cool it completely, and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.

Can I freeze quiche?
Absolutely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How do I know when it’s done?
The quiche is ready when the center is set, and a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean.

Serving Suggestions

• For Breakfast or Brunch: Pair with fresh fruit, croissants, or a side salad.
• As a Main Course: Serve with roasted vegetables or a bowl of soup.
• For Entertaining: Slice into smaller portions and serve as an appetizer or on a buffet.