This Easter Ham and Spinach Quiche is a tasty treat packed with flavors! It features a crispy crust filled with creamy eggs, savory ham, and fresh spinach.
Perfect for brunch or any gathering, it looks as good as it tastes. Trust me, your family will love it! I mean, who can resist a slice of quiche? 😄
I enjoy serving this with a side salad for a light meal. It’s easy to whip up, and leftovers are just as delicious the next day—if there are any left!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crust: A pre-made pie crust is quick and convenient. If you want a homemade option, you can make a simple crust using flour, butter, and water. Alternatively, use puff pastry for a flakier texture!
Cooked Ham: Leftover holiday ham is perfect for this dish. If you’re vegetarian, swap ham with cooked mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even diced tofu for a different twist.
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives a lovely color and taste. You can use frozen spinach, just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar adds a rich flavor, but feel free to use mozzarella, Gruyère, or even feta for a unique flavor. A cheese blend can also work well!
Milk or Half-and-Half: Whole milk keeps it rich, but you can opt for low-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk if needed.
How Do I Properly Sauté Spinach?
Sautéing spinach is key to adding flavor and reducing moisture. Start with medium heat and be sure to keep an eye on it.
- Heat olive oil or butter until melted. Add onions if using, cooking until soft.
- Add fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir often until the leaves are wilted, usually about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it cool before adding to the quiche.
This step helps ensure your quiche isn’t soggy and allows the spinach’s flavor to shine through. Enjoy your delicious quiche!
How to Make Easter Ham and Spinach Quiche
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Quiche:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
- 1 cup cooked Easter ham, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups whole milk or half-and-half
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for sautéing spinach)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious quiche should take about 15-20 minutes to prep and about 35-45 minutes to bake. You’ll have a total of around 1 hour or so until you can enjoy this delightful dish! Perfect for a festive brunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Now, take your unbaked pie crust and place it gently into a 9-inch pie plate or quiche dish. Press it down firmly into the edges so it’s nice and snug. Don’t forget to prick the bottom with a fork a few times; this will help prevent any bubbling when it bakes.
2. Sauté the Spinach and Onion:
Next, grab a skillet and heat up some olive oil or butter over medium heat. If you’re using onion, add it to the skillet and let it sauté until it’s nice and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, toss in the fresh spinach leaves and cook them until they’re wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and set it aside to cool a bit.
3. Whisk Together the Egg Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or half-and-half, salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg until it’s all well combined. This will be the creamy filling for your quiche!
4. Assemble Your Quiche:
Now it’s time to layer everything in the pie crust. Start by spreading the diced ham evenly over the bottom of the crust. Next, evenly distribute the sautéed spinach and onion mixture over the ham. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the layers for that yummy cheesy goodness.
5. Pour in the Egg Mixture:
Carefully pour the egg mixture over the fillings in the pie crust. Make sure it reaches all the nooks and crannies, covering everything nicely.
6. Bake and Cool:
Pop the quiche into the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the quiche is set (no more jiggling) and the top has that lovely golden hue. Test it by inserting a knife in the center; it should come out clean!
7. Slice and Enjoy:
Once baked, carefully remove the quiche from the oven. Let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before slicing it into wedges. Serve warm and enjoy this delightful dish with family and friends!
This quiche is a fantastic dish for Easter brunch or any breakfast occasion, blending savory ham, fresh spinach, and creamy eggs in a flaky crust. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use a Store-Bought Pie Crust?
Absolutely! A store-bought pie crust is a great time-saver. Just make sure it’s unbaked and ready to fill as per the instructions.
Can I Make This Quiche Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the entire quiche the day before. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh on the day you want to serve it for the best texture.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Spinach?
No worries! You can use frozen spinach instead. Just be sure to thaw it and drain off any excess water, so it doesn’t make your quiche soggy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover quiche in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual slices in the microwave or warm them in the oven until heated through.
