This delightful Easter Ham and Spinach Quiche is perfect for brunch or a cozy dinner. It’s packed with savory ham, fresh spinach, and fluffy eggs, all baked in a crispy crust!
I love how colorful and tasty this quiche is! Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftovers from the holiday. Just pop it in the oven, and your kitchen will smell amazing! 🌸
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crust: You can use store-bought for convenience or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous. A whole wheat or gluten-free crust also works well, depending on dietary needs.
Ham: Diced cooked ham is traditional, but leftover holiday ham or even turkey works great. For a vegetarian option, consider using cooked mushrooms or a mix of different veggies!
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives the best flavor and texture, but you can use frozen spinach if that’s what you have. Just thaw and squeeze out any excess water before using it.
Cheese: While Swiss is great for its melting qualities, Gruyere adds a nutty twist. If you want a stronger flavor, try sharp cheddar or a dairy-free cheese for a vegan version.
Eggs: These are essential for binding the quiche. If you’re looking for a substitute, try flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) for a vegan version.
How Do I Blind Bake the Crust Properly?
Blind baking ensures your quiche crust stays crisp and doesn’t get soggy. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out your pie crust and fit it in your dish. Make sure to trim the edges.
- Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbles.
- Place parchment paper over the crust and fill it with pie weights or dried beans.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until it’s just starting to color.
- Remove from the oven, take out the weights and parchment, and set aside to cool.
This quick step makes a big difference in the final dish, helping your quiche to shine!
How to Make Easter Ham and Spinach Quiche
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Quiche:
- 1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (or Gruyere)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half or whole milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This wonderful Easter Ham and Spinach Quiche takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake. So, set aside about an hour in total to enjoy making this delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, turn on your oven and preheat it to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for your quiche when you’re done preparing it.
2. Prepare the Pie Crust:
Take your pie crust and roll it out if it’s not already. Fit the crust into a 9-inch pie or quiche dish. You can trim or crimp the edges to make it look nice. To avoid bubbling, prick the bottom lightly with a fork.
3. Blind Bake the Crust:
Place the crust in the oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes until it starts to brown just a bit. Keep an eye on it! When finished, remove it from the oven and set aside to cool.
4. Cook the Onions:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent, which should take around 3-4 minutes. This adds a lovely flavor to your quiche!
5. Add Spinach:
Next, toss in the chopped spinach into the skillet and cook until it’s wilted, about 2 minutes. Once done, take the skillet off the heat and let it cool slightly.
6. Whisk the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half (or milk), ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Mix until it’s all smoothly combined.
7. Combine the Filling:
Spread the cooked spinach and onions evenly over the cooled pie crust. Then layer on the diced ham.
8. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese over the ham and spinach layer, creating a nice cheesy foundation for your quiche!
9. Pour the Egg Mixture:
Gently pour the egg mixture over the fillings in the pie crust. Fill it to just below the edge, ensuring everything is well-covered.
10. Bake the Quiche:
Put your quiche in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the quiche is set and the top is golden with a slight jiggle in the center.
11. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, allow the quiche to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing it up and serving. Enjoy your delightful Easter Ham and Spinach Quiche with friends and family!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Swiss or Gruyere cheese gives a lovely flavor and texture, you can substitute with sharp cheddar for a bolder taste, or use a dairy-free cheese if you’re looking for a vegan option.
How Can I Store Leftover Quiche?
Store any leftover quiche in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or in the microwave for a quick option.
Can I Make This Quiche Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the quiche completely and refrigerate it before baking. Just let it come to room temperature before popping it in the oven. Alternatively, you can bake it and then reheat later, as mentioned above.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to get creative! You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, or even broccoli for extra nutrients and flavor. Just sauté them like you did with the onions and spinach before adding to the quiche.
