This Easter Ham and Spinach Quiche is a tasty way to celebrate! With a flaky crust, savory ham, and fresh spinach, it’s perfect for brunch or any meal.
You can easily whip this up and enjoy the delicious smell filling your kitchen. I love serving it warm with a little salad on the side for a lovely meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crust: A pre-made pie crust saves time, but if you prefer homemade, it adds a personal touch. You can also use puff pastry for a flaky alternative.
Ham: Diced ham gives a nice flavor. Feel free to use leftover holiday ham, or substitute turkey, cooked bacon, or even roasted veggies for a vegetarian option.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is the best choice, as it cooks down nicely. If you can’t find it, try frozen spinach that’s thawed and well-drained.
Cheese: Cheddar is delicious, but Swiss or Gruyère brings a unique twist. Use whatever cheese you love or have on hand!
Eggs: The eggs give the quiche structure. You can swap in egg substitutes for a lower cholesterol option, but the texture might be different.
Half-and-Half: This makes the quiche creamy, but if you want a lighter version, you can use low-fat milk or cream. For a dairy-free option, almond or oat milk can work, though the texture may vary slightly.
How Do You Blind Bake a Pie Crust?
Blind baking prevents your crust from getting soggy once you add the filling. It’s simple! Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the crust into your pie dish and trim any excess. Prick the bottom with a fork.
- Cover the crust with parchment paper or foil, and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. This keeps the crust from puffing up.
- Bake for about 10 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment. Bake for another 5 minutes until just set, but don’t let it brown.
This step ensures a crispy crust and a perfect base for your delicious filling! Take your time and keep an eye on it for the best results.
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 ham, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves (washed and roughly chopped)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your choice, such as Swiss or Gruyère)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup half-and-half or whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for added warmth)
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil (for sautéing spinach)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion or shallots (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful quiche requires about 20 minutes for preparation and 40-50 minutes for baking. In total, you’re looking at just over an hour before it’s ready to serve. You’ll spend some time prepping the ingredients and blind baking the crust, then it’s just a matter of mixing and baking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for baking the quiche evenly.
2. Prepare the Pie Crust:
Roll out the pre-made pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish. Press it firmly against the sides and bottom and trim any excess crust. Prick the bottom with a fork a few times to prevent bubbling during baking.
3. Blind Bake the Crust:
Cover the crust with parchment paper or foil, and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for about 10 minutes, then carefully remove the weights and parchment. Bake for an additional 5 minutes until the crust is just set but not browned. Then, take it out of the oven and set aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
While your crust is baking, heat the butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. If you’re using onion or shallots, add them now and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Cook the Spinach:
Add the chopped spinach leaves to the skillet and cook until they’re wilted and most moisture has evaporated, about 3-5 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
6. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half (or milk), salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Mix until everything is well blended.
7. Mix the Filling:
Stir in the diced ham, cooked spinach and onions, and shredded cheese into the egg mixture, making sure everything is evenly coated.
8. Fill the Crust:
Pour the filling evenly into the pre-baked pie crust. Spread it out gently for an even bake.
9. Bake the Quiche:
Place the quiche in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. It’s done when it’s set and the top is golden brown. Check with a knife; if it comes out clean, you’re good to go!
10. Cool and Slice:
Remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This will help it hold its shape when you serve it.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
This savory Easter ham and spinach quiche can be served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for a holiday brunch or any gathering. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to substitute with Swiss, Gruyère, mozzarella, or any cheese you prefer. Each will provide a different flavor profile for your quiche!
Can I Make This Quiche Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the quiche up to the baking step. Assemble it completely, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold out of the fridge.
Can I Freeze Leftover Quiche?
Definitely! Allow the quiche to cool completely, then wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
What Should I Serve with This Quiche?
This quiche pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with fruits for a refreshing contrast. It’s great for brunch, lunch, or dinner!
