Ham and Cheese Quiche (Make Ahead & Freezer Friendly!)
This simple Ham and Cheese Quiche can be made ahead of time and is totally freezer friendly! A hint of caramelized onions along with savory ham and two kinds of cheese makes this an unbeatable flavor combination!
In need of recipes for leftover ham? Try these next! Split Pea Soup | Ham and Bean Soup | Ham Casserole with Broccoli and Rice| Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
When it comes to versatile recipes, quiche is pretty much at the top of the list.
You can make it ahead of time, you can freeze it, and you can pretty much toss in whatever you have in the fridge. The list of cheeses, meats, and veggies that you can add is endless.
Alright, let’s get those quiche questions answered! …(Quiche Questions, say that then times fast!)
Filling Options for Quiche
There are hundreds of delicious ingredients that you can choose to add to quiche, here are some of my favorites:
Cheeses: Feta, Monterery Jack, Parmesan, Cheddar, Cheddar Jack, Pepper Jack, Swiss, Gruyere, Gorgonzola.
Meats: Sausage, Pepperoni, Ham, Bacon.
Veggies: Bell Peppers, Mushrooms, Spinach, Onions, Cherry Tomatoes, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Green Onions.
Making Quiche Ahead of Time
- To make quiche ahead of time, bake it as instructed and let it completely cool. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- To reheat, cover it with foil and bake at 325 degrees for about 15 minutes, until just heated through.
Blind Baking Pie Crust For Quiche
What Does it Mean to Blind Bake Pie Crust?
- Blind Baking a Pie Crust is when you bake it ahead of time before you add the filling to it and bake it some more.
- The point behind blind baking it is to obtain super crispy, firm crust, especially when adding a liquid filling to it.
- Should you decide to blind bake the crust first, check out these instructions on how to do it.
Do you have to Blind Bake Pie Crust for Quiche?
- I debated whether or not I wanted to blind bake my crust but ultimately decided that I wanted to keep this recipe quick and easy.
- I was definitely happy that I skipped this step as my crust was firm and crisp without it. I used Wewalka pie crust and was very happy with the results. (Not paid to say that.)
Using a Springform Pan
I decided to use a 9 inch springform pan so that I could unstrap the pan after the quiche cooled and remove the entire thing without risk of breaking it.
You can also use a regular 9 inch pie pan.
How to Make Crustless Quiche
- To make a crustless quiche, simply follow all directions as-is, and ignore the crust references. Nothing else needs to be changed.
- A springform pan or pie pan may also be used for crustless quiche.
Storing Leftovers
- Leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator and are best if eaten within 3-4 days.
- Quiche can be frozen for up to 3-4 months.
Reheating Frozen Quiche
- Let frozen quiche defrost in the fridge overnight if possible, then bake it, covered, at 325 degrees for 15 minutes or until warmed through.
- You may also reheat quiche from a frozen state. Cover it all with foil and bake it at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes.
Try These Next
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Ham and Cheese Quiche
Ingredients
- 1 frozen or refrigerated pie crust, skip if going crustless
- 1 small onion
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 cup ham, diced
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 4 eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- 1¼ cup half and half
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
Garnish Options
- Chopped Bacon, Green Onions, and/or Parsley
Instructions
- Check the instructions of your pie crust, frozen pie crust usually needs to sit out before being unrolled. If so, take it out of the freezer and let it sit as you prepare the next steps. It may also require pre-baking before the filling is added.
- Preheat oven to 350° F.
- Slice the onion into ½ inch strings, not too thin as they will reduce as they cook.
- Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium-low heat and add the onions.
- Cook for about 20-25 minutes, until they begin to turn brown and caramelize. Stir frequently as they cook.
- Add the diced ham and cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
- Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Add the eggs, egg yolk, and half to a large bowl and whisk vigorously for 1 minute.
- Spread the pie crust into a lightly greased 9-inch pie pan or springform pan.
- Distribute the ham/onions/spinach over the bottom of the crust. Top with half of the cheese.
- Pour the egg mixture on top. Leave a little bit of extra room as the eggs rise as they bake and you don’t want the filling to overflow.
- Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top begins to brown and the middle is set. If the crust begins to brown too much, a pie crust shield will prevent additional browning.
- Let it cool for 5-10 minutes prior to serving.
- Garnish with bacon, green onions, and/or parsley and serve!
It’s been a while since I’ve made this recipe but it’s an old favorite. I was surprised reading through it that the recipe calls for 4 eggs and a yolk when I distinctly remember it calling for more before. After reading through the comments 7 eggs are mentioned and I see 7 eggs in the ingredient photograph. Did the recipe get intentionally changed or was it a ghost of the internet? Sincerely, my onions are caramelizing.
Hey Bess! I reverted it back to how you’ve made it before. I’ve since modified the way that I make it slightly and I thought I’d reflect that here, but I didn’t mean to be confusing. Enjoy!
Oh no worries! I think a little Update blurb at the top would clear things right up. I made it how you had it before the revert tonight and it turned out excellent. My only change was that I made a double batch so instead of 2 extra yolks I just did 9 total eggs (one for dinner and one for the freezer) which is my favorite way to do life -plus no lonely pie crust floating around my fridge. Great recipe!
Note added!! I am so happy that you enjoyed it Bess, you’re the best! Thank you so much!
Hello, I want to make this recipe, but can I freeze it after baking
Hi Joan, yes, quiche freezes well! 🙂
I doubled the recipe and it looks delicious. I seasoned the egg mixture with Louisiana’s Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning. I grated fresh nutmeg to sauté with the ham, onion and spinach mixture. Smells delicious! I put some grated cheddar and Tony’s on the bottom of the crust then added the layers over it.
That seasoning sounds so interesting, you have me curious! I might have to make this asap, it’s been awhile. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment Suzanne!💗
Can this be made without spinach or would that upset the ingredient ratios too much?
Hi Wendy! You are good to skip the spinach!
Great! Thank you, Stephanie.
I took the ingredient ratios and cooking temp and time and my quiche turned out great! Always enjoy your recipes and knew I could trust the instructions for my own ingredient combo!
Used 1 cup of ground deer/pork breakfast sausage, 1 cup marble cheese, 1/2 cup Gruyère cheese, and 3 slices of bacon. It was perfect for the 7 eggs and 3/4 cup cream and the baking instructions!
Wow that sounds amazing Jessica! I love your ingredient combo, thanks so much for sharing!😃
If I was to make this and freeze, what would be the reheat instructions?
Hi Dana! You can reheat in a 350°F oven for about 25 minutes, or until heated through.
I made this dish as written for a brunch, all of the ladies loved it and wanted the recipe. The only change I would make would be to pre-bake the crust for 10 minutes or so – maybe more if making your own crust. I used a pre-made crust in a springform pan. It was so easy to make the quiche a couple of days ahead and just reheat. Thanks!
Hey Karen! Thank you so much for the review, I’m so happy that everyone loved it! Thank you for sharing your crust tip too! -Stephanie
I loved how easy this was to make! And the caramelized onions were a great addition.
This quiche was delicious and very easy to prepare. I used a springform pan and baked the crust for 5 minutes. Thank you Sara.
I am so happy to hear that you loved this quiche! I love this one too, quiche is the best! 🙂 Thank you so much for taking the time to leave this review! -Stephanie