Introduction
If you’re searching for a delicious and satisfying dish to serve at your next meal, look no further than this delightful quiche recipe. With its flaky pie crust, hearty ham, nutritious spinach, and creamy cheese filling, this dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. In just a few simple steps, you can create a flavorful quiche that will impress family and friends alike.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 1 frozen deep-dish pie crust
– 1 cup cooked ham, chopped
– 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Prep Time
Preparation for this delicious quiche takes about 10-15 minutes. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for those busy mornings or when you want to whip up something special without the hassle.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cooking time for the quiche is 35-40 minutes. In total, from prep to serving, you can expect to spend about an hour on this dish. This recipe yields one delicious quiche, which typically serves 6-8 people, making it an excellent choice for gatherings or family meals.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the quiche.
Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust
Take the frozen deep-dish pie crust and place it on a baking sheet. This will make it easier to transfer to and from the oven.
Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the large eggs, heavy cream, and whole milk. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Add the Ham
Evenly distribute the chopped cooked ham over the bottom of the pie crust. Make sure it is spread out to create an even base.
Step 5: Layer the Spinach
Add the chopped fresh spinach on top of the ham layer, spreading it out evenly.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the spinach layer, ensuring it covers the spinach completely.
Step 7: Pour the Egg Mixture
Carefully pour the whisked egg mixture over the layers in the pie crust. Ensure it fills the crust evenly and covers all ingredients.
Step 8: Transfer to the Oven
Carefully move the baking sheet with the quiche to the preheated oven for baking.
Step 9: Bake the Quiche
Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the quiche is set in the center and the top is lightly golden.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the quiche from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
This quiche can be served warm or at room temperature, making it a great option for brunch or a light dinner.
Make Ahead
You can prepare this quiche in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just add about 10 additional minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Variations
Feel free to modify the ingredients based on your preferences by adding other vegetables or different types of cheese.
Cook techniques
Preheating the Oven
Preheating the oven is essential for even cooking. 375°F (190°C) is the ideal temperature for baking a quiche, ensuring the crust becomes golden and crispy while the filling sets properly.
Layering Ingredients
Layering ingredients in a quiche helps distribute flavors evenly. Start with a base layer, like chopped ham, followed by delicate spinach, and finish with cheese for a flavorful contrast.
Whisking Eggs with Dairy
Whisking together the eggs, heavy cream, and whole milk creates a creamy base for the quiche. Ensure they are well combined for an even consistency that will cook uniformly.
Pouring Techniques
Pour the egg mixture slowly over the layered ingredients in the pie crust. This helps prevent displacement of the layers and ensures that the quiche sets evenly.
Baking the Quiche
Baking at the specified temperature for 35-40 minutes allows the quiche to set. It’s important to avoid opening the oven door early to maintain consistent heat.
Cooling Before Slicing
Letting the quiche cool for a few minutes after baking helps it firm up and makes slicing easier. It also allows the flavors to settle and develop more richness.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cheddar cheese with other varieties like mozzarella, Swiss, or feta for different flavor profiles.
What can I use instead of ham?
You can replace ham with cooked bacon, sausage, or a vegetarian option like roasted vegetables or mushrooms for a meat-free version.
Is it possible to make the quiche ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the quiche in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking, or bake it and reheat when ready to serve.
How do I know when the quiche is done?
The quiche is done when the center is set and no longer jiggly, and the top is lightly golden brown.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, you can add a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or tomatoes. Just make sure to pre-cook any watery vegetables to prevent the crust from getting soggy.
Conclusion
This delicious quiche, filled with ham, spinach, and cheddar, offers a hearty and satisfying meal that is both simple to prepare and enjoyable to eat. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner, it showcases the versatility of a quiche and can easily be adapted to include your favorite ingredients.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Frittata
Substitute the ham with sautéed bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms for a colorful and nutritious dish.
Broccoli and Feta Cheese Quiche
Replace the ham and cheddar with steamed broccoli and crumbled feta for a Mediterranean twist.
Smoked Salmon and Asparagus Tart
Use smoked salmon and blanched asparagus along with cream cheese for a fancy brunch treat.
Mushroom and Gruyère Quiche
Incorporate sautéed mushrooms and Gruyère cheese for a rich and savory flavor combination.
Tomato and Basil Tart
Add fresh tomatoes and basil with mozzarella for a light summer-inspired quiche.
