Love a cozy, cheesy bite? This Ina Garten Ham and Cheese Quiche recipe is your new go-to. It’s creamy, fluffy and packed with smoky ham.
Perfect for brunch or dinner. Learn how to make Ina Garten Ham and Cheese Quiche with easy steps. Grab the ingredients for Ina Garten Ham and Cheese Quiche today!
My Story With This Comforting Ham and Cheese Quiche
I first tried ham and cheese quiche at a family brunch years ago. My aunt swore by Ina Garten’s style—simple yet fancy. One rainy Sunday, I baked my first one.
The kitchen smelled like heaven. My kids devoured it. Now, it’s our weekend ritual. This dish hugs you like a warm blanket. What’s your quiche memory?
Equipment List
- 9-inch pie dish or tart pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Skillet for ham
- Oven mitts
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fork for crimping dough
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Ham and Cheese Quiche
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Course: Breakfast or Brunch
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
Ingredients for Ina Garten Ham and Cheese Quiche
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup diced cooked ham (smoky flavor shines)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (tiny pinch for warmth)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for sautéing)
Instructions for Ina Garten Ham and Cheese Quiche
1. Preheat and Prep Crust
Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Fit pie crust into dish. Crimp edges. Poke bottom with fork.
2. Sauté the Ham and Onion
Melt butter in skillet over medium heat. Add diced ham and onion. Cook 4-5 minutes until soft and golden.
3. Scatter Fillings in Crust
Sprinkle ham-onion mix evenly in crust. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Whisk the Custard Filling
In a bowl, whisk eggs, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Pour slowly over fillings.
5. Bake to Golden Perfection
Place on baking sheet. Bake 35-40 minutes until puffed and set. Center should not jiggle much.
6. Cool and Serve
Let rest 10 minutes. Slice warm. Enjoy the melty goodness!
Cooking Tips and Simple Recipe Variations
- Use room-temp eggs for smooth custard.
- Blind-bake crust 10 mins with weights to avoid sogginess.
- Swap ham for bacon or turkey for variety.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for veggie boost.
- Gruyere cheese amps up nutty flavor.
- Make mini quiches in muffin tins for parties.
Little History Behind This Comfort Food
Quiche hails from France’s Lorraine region. Quiche Lorraine started with bacon and cream in the 16th century. Ham and cheese versions bloomed in America mid-1900s.
Ina Garten made it brunch star with her easy Barefoot Contessa twists. It’s evolved into cozy home food worldwide.
What to Serve With This Dish
Pair with fresh fruit salad for balance. Add a green salad with vinaigrette. Roasted potatoes crisp it up. Mimosas or coffee complete brunch. Try blueberry muffins on side.
Occasion or Event Ideas
Perfect for Mother’s Day brunches. Great for baby showers. Host Easter gatherings. Weeknight family dinners work too. Potlucks love sliceable quiche.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in airtight container. Fridge up to 3 days.
- Freeze baked quiche up to 2 months. Wrap tightly.
- Reheat in 350°F oven 15-20 mins. Avoid microwave sogginess.
- Thaw frozen in fridge overnight before reheating.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 14g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Carbs | 12g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Sodium | 650mg |
Is This Dish Good for You?
This ham and cheese quiche brings protein from eggs and ham. Cheese adds calcium for bones. Veggies like onion give vitamins. It’s balanced but rich in fats from cream.
Enjoy in moderation. Use low-fat dairy for lighter version. Pairs well with salads for full meal.
Ina Garten Ham and Cheese Quiche Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup diced cooked ham smoky flavor shines
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream or half-and-half for lighter
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg tiny pinch for warmth
- 1 tablespoon butter for sautéing
Instructions
1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup diced cooked ham (smoky flavor shines)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 large eggs
1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon nutmeg (tiny pinch for warmth)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for sautéing)
Preheat and Prep Crust
- Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Fit pie crust into dish. Crimp edges. Poke bottom with fork.
Sauté the Ham and Onion
- Melt butter in skillet over medium heat. Add diced ham and onion. Cook 4-5 minutes until soft and golden.
Scatter Fillings in Crust
- Sprinkle ham-onion mix evenly in crust. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Whisk the Custard Filling
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Pour slowly over fillings.
Bake to Golden Perfection
- Place on baking sheet. Bake 35-40 minutes until puffed and set. Center should not jiggle much.
Cool and Serve
- Let rest 10 minutes. Slice warm. Enjoy the melty goodness!
Notes
- Use room-temp eggs for smooth custard.
- Blind-bake crust 10 mins with weights to avoid sogginess.
- Swap ham for bacon or turkey for variety.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for veggie boost.
- Gruyere cheese amps up nutty flavor.
- Make mini quiches in muffin tins for parties.
Read more:Scachatta Pizza Recipe
FAQs about Ina Garten Ham and Cheese Quiche
Can I make Ina Garten Ham and Cheese Quiche ahead?
Yes! Bake it a day early. Cool fully, then fridge. Reheat gently. Flavors deepen overnight.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
Use half-and-half or milk plus 2 tbsp butter. Custard sets fine but lighter texture.
How to make Ina Garten Ham and Cheese Quiche crustless?
Grease pie dish. Pour filling direct. Bake same time. Keto-friendly option.
Is nutmeg key in this recipe?
It adds cozy warmth without overpowering. Skip if you dislike, but try tiny pinch.
Can I use fresh ham?
Cook diced fresh ham first until no pink. Smoky cooked ham best for flavor punch.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—your Ina Garten Ham and Cheese Quiche recipe ready to bake. It’s simple joy in every slice. Whip it up this weekend.
Share with loved ones. What’s your twist? Drop a comment below!
Hi! I’m Livy Lane, the creator of LivyCooks.com. I share easy, delicious recipes anyone can make at home. Let’s cook, taste and enjoy every bite together!