This Easter Ham and Spinach Quiche is a tasty twist on a classic dish! It’s filled with yummy ham, fresh spinach, and creamy cheese, all baked in a flaky crust. Perfect for brunch!
Making quiche is so easy! Just mix everything up, pour it in the crust, and let the oven do its magic. It’s great for using leftover ham, and leftovers are just as good the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crust: A pre-made pie crust is a great time saver. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own crust using flour, butter, and water. You could also use phyllo dough for a lighter option!
Cooked Easter Ham: Don’t have Easter ham? Use leftover ham, smoked turkey, or even diced cooked bacon for a nice twist. Feel free to swap for a vegetarian option like mushrooms or roasted red peppers, too!
Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach gives that vibrant color and flavor. If you don’t have any, try frozen spinach but make sure to drain it well. Kale can also work, but wilting it might take a few extra minutes.
Swiss Cheese: I love using Swiss cheese for its creamy flavor. Gruyère is also fantastic if you can find it. If you’re looking for something different, try cheddar or a dairy-free cheese option.
Half-and-Half: This adds richness to the quiche. You can use whole milk or even a dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk for a lighter custard. If you skip the heavy cream, don’t worry; it’ll still be delicious!
How Do I Ensure My Quiche Filling Is Just Right?
Getting the filling to set perfectly is key for a great quiche. Here’s how to do it:
- Whisk the eggs and dairy together until fully blended, as this creates a smooth custard.
- Don’t skip the nutmeg! Just a pinch enhances the flavors beautifully.
- Blind baking the crust will help keep it flaky and prevent it from getting soggy, so make sure to follow that step carefully.
- Check the quiche around the 35-minute mark. It’s done when it shakes slightly but isn’t liquidy. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean to ensure it’s properly set.
- Let the quiche rest before slicing. This helps the filling firm up and makes serving easier!
How to Make Easter Ham and Spinach Quiche
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Quiche:
- 1 pre-made pie crust (9-inch)
- 1 cup cooked Easter ham, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (or Gruyère)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup half-and-half or whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for richer custard)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil (for sautéing spinach)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion or shallots (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Easter Ham and Spinach Quiche will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 45 minutes to bake. You’ll want to allow about 10-15 minutes for it to rest after baking so that the custard can set perfectly. Altogether, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the perfect temperature to get that lovely golden crust on your quiche.
2. Prepare the Pie Crust:
Next, fit the pre-made pie crust into a 9-inch quiche or pie dish. Make sure to crimp the edges nicely! Use a fork to prick the bottom lightly, which helps it bake evenly.
3. Pre-Bake the Crust:
Now it’s time to partially bake the crust. Place it in the oven for about 8-10 minutes, just until it’s set but not browned. Once done, remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly.
4. Sauté the Spinach and Onions:
In a skillet, heat your butter or olive oil over medium heat. If you’re using onions or shallots, add them now and sauté until they’re translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Once cooked, remove from heat and drain any excess liquid, letting it cool slightly.
5. Mix the Egg Filling:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half (and cream if you’re using it), nutmeg, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined. This creates a creamy custard that will hold all your delicious fillings together.
6. Assemble the Quiche:
Start by spreading the diced Easter ham evenly over your prepared pie crust. Next, layer the wilted spinach (and onions if you used them) evenly over the ham. Finally, sprinkle your shredded Swiss cheese on top of the spinach and ham.
7. Pour the Egg Mixture:
Carefully pour the egg mixture over all the ingredients in the crust, filling close to the top without overflowing. This will bind everything together, creating a wonderful quiche.
8. Bake the Quiche:
Place your assembled quiche in the oven and bake for 35-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the filling is set and the top is beautifully golden brown. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
9. Rest and Serve:
Once baked, let the quiche rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This step is essential as it allows the custard to set completely, ensuring clean slices when you serve it.
Enjoy your Easter Ham and Spinach Quiche warm or at room temperature—perfect for any gathering!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese or Gruyère is ideal, you can substitute it with cheddar, mozzarella, or even a dairy-free cheese alternative if you prefer. Just remember that the flavor will vary with the cheese choice!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual slices until heated through.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just make sure to sauté them first to remove excess moisture before adding to the quiche.
Is This Quiche Freezable?
Yes, you can freeze the quiche! Just make sure it’s fully cooled before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake from frozen in the oven until heated through.