Ham and Cheese Quiche with Homemade Buttery Crust
There’s something special about a homemade quiche — flaky crust, rich and creamy filling, and endless possibilities for flavors.
This Ham and Cheese Quiche recipe is a timeless classic, perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even a cozy dinner.
With a buttery, made-from-scratch crust and a creamy filling packed with savory ham, melty cheese, and fresh herbs, this quiche is guaranteed to impress every time.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups (177g) unbleached all-purpose flour (scoop and level to measure)
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon (scant) salt
- 10 tablespoons (141g) unsalted butter, very cold, cut into small cubes
- 2–4 tablespoons ice water
For the Quiche Filling:
- 5 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1 1/4 cups chopped ham
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyere are perfect choices)
- 1/3 cup chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
How to Make the Crust:
1. Prepare the Dough
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
Add the cold butter cubes. Using a pastry cutter (or two forks), cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse meal — small, pea-sized clumps are perfect.
Slowly drizzle in ice water, one tablespoon at a time, tossing after each addition.
Add just enough water until the dough holds together when pressed — it should not be wet or sticky.
2. Form and Chill
Turn the dough out onto a clean work surface and gently press it together into a rough round disk, about 6 inches wide.
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. Roll and Shape
On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 13-inch round.
Carefully roll the dough around your rolling pin and transfer it to a 9–9.5-inch deep-dish pie pan.
Gently unroll the dough into the pan, shape it to fit, and trim any uneven edges, leaving about a 1-inch overhang.
Fold the overhang underneath itself and crimp or decorate the edges as desired.
4. Blind Bake
Freeze the prepared crust for 20 minutes or refrigerate for 1 hour.
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Line the crust with aluminum foil, pressing it against the sides and bottom, and fill with pie weights, dry beans, or sugar.
Place the crust on a baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and weights.
Pierce the bottom and sides of the crust with a fork, then return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes until the crust looks dry and just begins to lightly brown.
How to Make the Filling:
5. Prepare the Quiche Mixture
While the crust is baking, whisk the eggs in a large mixing bowl until blended.
Add the heavy cream, chopped ham, shredded cheese, green onions, and chopped parsley.
Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste and stir until everything is combined.
6. Assemble and Bake
Pour the filling into the warm pie crust.
Bake at 350°F (one rack below the center of the oven) for 45–55 minutes, or until the center of the quiche is just barely set.
If needed, tent the edges of the crust with a pie shield or a foil ring during the last 15 minutes to prevent over-browning.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let the quiche rest for about 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm, garnished with a little extra parsley if desired.
This quiche also tastes fantastic at room temperature or even chilled — making it perfect for meal prepping!
Tips for the Best Ham and Cheese Quiche:
- Use cold butter for the crust to ensure flakiness.
- Pre-bake the crust (blind baking) to prevent a soggy bottom.
- Customize the filling: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or swap ham for cooked bacon or turkey.
- Don’t overbake: The center should still have a slight jiggle when you remove it from the oven — it will set completely as it cools.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice, assuming 8 slices)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 kcal |
| Total Fat | 32 g |
| Saturated Fat | 17 g |
| Cholesterol | 195 mg |
| Sodium | 570 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 2 g |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Calcium | 18% DV |
| Iron | 10% DV |
(Nutrition estimates are based on the recipe ingredients and typical serving sizes.)
Why You’ll Love This Ham and Cheese Quiche:
- Buttery, flaky homemade crust.
- Rich, savory filling packed with flavor.
- Versatile — enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
- Great for meal prepping — make ahead and reheat beautifully.
This Ham and Cheese Quiche is the definition of comfort food done right — rich, satisfying, and filled with timeless flavors that never go out of style. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad or a bowl of fruit for a complete, elegant meal. Bon appétit!