This Easter Ham and Spinach Quiche is a fluffy and tasty dish that brings together savory ham and fresh spinach, all wrapped in a golden crust. Perfect for brunch or any spring gathering!
What’s better than pie for breakfast? I love how easy this quiche is to whip up, and it always makes my kitchen smell amazing. It’s a win-win for family gatherings! 🐰🥚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crust: A pre-made crust saves time, but if you prefer homemade, use a simple butter and flour recipe. Gluten-free options like almond or coconut flour crusts work well, too!
Eggs: Six large eggs provide the base. For a lighter option, you could use egg whites or a combination of eggs and egg substitutes if you’re watching cholesterol.
Milk/Half-and-Half: Whole milk gives richness, but you could use low-fat milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk. Just keep in mind that non-dairy options might alter the flavor slightly.
Ham: Any cooked ham works, including leftover holiday ham. If you’re vegetarian, consider using sautéed mushrooms or smoky tofu for that savory flavor.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is best for this dish, but you can substitute it with kale or Swiss chard. Just remember to remove thick stems before cooking.
Cheeses: I love Swiss or Gruyère for their nutty flavor, but feel free to mix in mozzarella or feta for different tastes. Cheddar adds a nice sharpness as well.
How Do I Blind Bake the Pie Crust Correctly?
Blind baking the crust is key to a crisp quiche base. Here’s how to do it properly:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare the pie crust in your dish.
- Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans to prevent bubbling.
- Bake for about 8-10 minutes until it’s just set, but not browned. This keeps the crust from becoming soggy.
- Remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before adding the filling. This little step makes a big difference in texture!
How to Make Easter Ham and Spinach Quiche
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Quiche:
- 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade, about 9-inch)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 1 1/2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (or Gruyère)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for added flavor)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion or shallots
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional, for a subtle warm flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Total time: Approximately 1 hour. You’ll spend about 15 minutes preparing the ingredients and putting everything together, plus 35-45 minutes baking the quiche and an extra 10 minutes for cooling. Perfect for Easter brunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pie Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pre-made pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish. If you like, you can crimp the edges for a nice look. Use a fork to prick the bottom lightly—it helps prevent bubbling.
2. Blind Bake the Crust:
Blind bake the crust in your preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes. You want it to be slightly set but not browned. Once done, take it out of the oven and set it aside to cool a bit.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a skillet, heat up the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Then, toss in the spinach and cook until it’s wilted, about another 2-3 minutes. Afterward, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or half-and-half), salt, black pepper, and nutmeg, if using. This is the base of your quiche!
5. Combine the Filling:
Next, stir in the diced ham, the sautéed spinach mixture, and both types of cheese. Mix everything until it’s all well combined.
6. Fill the Crust:
Pour the filling into your partially baked pie crust, spreading it out evenly to distribute the ingredients.
7. Bake the Quiche:
Place the quiche in the oven and bake for 35-45 minutes. It’s done when the filling is set and the top is golden brown. To check if it’s ready, insert a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
8. Cool and Serve:
When it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. You can serve it warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for your Easter brunch or any meal.
Enjoy your delicious Easter Ham and Spinach Quiche!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Swiss or Gruyère provides a lovely flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, feta, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just remember to adjust the amount according to your taste preferences!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Spinach?
No worries! You can use frozen spinach instead. Just make sure to thaw it thoroughly and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to your filling. This prevents the quiche from becoming watery.
Can I Make This Quiche in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the quiche a day ahead! Assemble it but don’t bake it right away. Cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover quiche in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave it for a quicker option.