This Easter Ham and Spinach Quiche is a tasty dish that’s perfect for gatherings. It has creamy eggs, salty ham, and fresh spinach all baked in a crispy crust!
Who doesn’t love a quiche? It’s like a fancy egg pie that’s super easy to make. I love serving this with a side salad – it makes a lovely brunch that everyone enjoys! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crust: A pre-made crust is super convenient and will save you time. If you prefer homemade, a simple pastry dough works great! Gluten-free options are also available if needed. Just check your local store for ready-made gluten-free crusts.
Eggs: Large eggs are essential for a fluffy quiche. If you’re looking to cut calories, you can use egg whites instead, but keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different. I love adding an extra egg for a richer texture!
Heavy Cream: While I recommend heavy cream for its richness, half-and-half can lighten it up a bit. For a lighter option, you can also use whole milk or a non-dairy milk, but your quiche will be less creamy.
Cooked Ham: Diced ham adds protein and flavor, but you can swap it for cooked bacon or sausage for a different taste. You can also use leftover holiday ham, which is perfect for this dish!
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives great color and nutrition, but you could use frozen spinach as a substitute. Just remember to thaw it and drain excess water to avoid a soggy quiche.
How Do I Ensure My Quiche Has the Perfect Texture?
Achieving a smooth and well-cooked quiche can be tricky, but following these tips will help. It’s all about the mixing and baking:
- When whisking the eggs and cream, blend them just enough to combine, as over-mixing can create air bubbles.
- Let the sautéed spinach and onion cool slightly before adding them to the egg mixture. This helps to prevent curdling.
- Pour the filling into the crust carefully, and bake until the quiche is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. It will continue to cook as it cools!
Letting the quiche rest for about 10 minutes before slicing helps it hold its shape better, making for neat slices. Enjoy your homemade quiche!
How to Make Easter Ham and Spinach Quiche
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 pre-made pie crust (9-inch) or homemade pie crust
For The Filling:
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for sautéing spinach and onion)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious quiche takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 45 minutes to cook, so you’ll be ready to enjoy it in about 1 hour. It’s perfect for a festive brunch or gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will help it reach the right temperature for baking the quiche evenly.
2. Prepare the Pie Crust:
Place a pre-made pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish or a quiche pan. Use a fork to prick the bottom of the crust a few times. This prevents it from bubbling while baking. It’s okay to use a homemade crust if you prefer!
3. Bake the Crust:
Put the pie crust in the oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes until it starts to set and looks lightly brown. Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil or butter. If you’re using onion, throw it in first and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. Then, add the spinach and cook it until it wilts, which should take another 2-3 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool a bit.
5. Mix the Egg Filling:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream (or half-and-half), salt, pepper, and nutmeg until everything is well blended.
6. Combine Ingredients:
Now, stir in the diced ham, the cooked spinach and onion mixture, and the shredded cheese into the egg mixture. Ensure everything is mixed well.
7. Fill the Crust:
Pour the filling carefully into the partially baked pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
8. Bake the Quiche:
Pop the quiche in the oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes. You want the center to be set and the top to turn a lovely golden brown.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the quiche cool for about 10 minutes before slicing into it. This allows it to firm up a bit and makes for easier servings.
Enjoy your delicious Easter Ham and Spinach Quiche with friends and family!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture to avoid a watery quiche. You might want to sauté it briefly with the onion for added flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Quiche?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave, but for the best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
Can I Make This Quiche Without Cheese?
Absolutely! You can either skip the cheese altogether or substitute it with a non-dairy cheese alternative to keep it vegan-friendly, while still achieving a delicious flavor.
Is It Possible to Make This Quiche Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the quiche and store it in the fridge before baking. Just cover it well with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to eat, remove the wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
