Ina Garten’s Flavorful Ham & Cheese Quiche Recipe Magic

Ham and cheese quiche transforms ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering culinary symphony that sparks joy at any meal.

This French-inspired delicacy weaves together creamy eggs, crisp pastry, and savory proteins in a delectable dance of flavors.

Imagine cutting through a golden-brown crust to reveal a silky, cheese-laden interior that beckons with irresistible charm.

Professional and amateur cooks alike treasure this dish for its remarkable versatility and crowd-pleasing magic.

Every bite delivers a perfect harmony of textures that comfort and excite the senses.

From leisurely weekend brunches to elegant dinner parties, this quiche elevates the dining experience with its sophisticated simplicity.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 392 kcal

Servings: 5

All the Ingredients for Ina Garten’s Ham and Cheese Quiche

• All-Purpose Flour: Choose unbleached flour for richer flavor and better texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Select high-quality, cold butter for flakiest pastry results.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt to enhance overall crust taste.

• Large Eggs: Pick fresh, room temperature eggs for smooth custard texture.
• Heavy Cream: Select organic cream for luxurious, rich quiche consistency.
• Half-and-Half: Alternative option for lighter cream texture.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper provides more intense flavor.
• Salt: Kosher salt recommended for balanced seasoning.

• Diced Ham: Choose high-quality, lean ham with minimal moisture.
• Swiss Cheese, Gruyère Cheese: Select aged cheeses for deeper, nutty flavor profile.
• Optional Alternatives: Gouda or Emmental cheese work wonderfully.

Equipment Needed for Ina’s Savory Quiche

• 9-inch pie plate: Essential for forming and baking the quiche crust.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out the pie dough smoothly and evenly.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking eggs and creating the creamy filling.
• Whisk: Blends eggs and cream into a silky, smooth mixture.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking during blind baking and helps create a crisp crust.
• Pie weights or dried beans: Keeps the crust flat and prevents bubbling during initial baking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Cutting board: Great for dicing ham and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Helps chop ingredients precisely.
• Cheese grater: Shreds cheese quickly and evenly.
• Oven mitts: Protects hands when handling hot bakeware.
• Cooling rack: Allows quiche to rest and set after baking.

Step-by-Step: Ina Garten’s Ham and Cheese Quiche

• Craft the Perfect Crust

Softly roll out pie dough to drape into a 9-inch pie plate. Tenderly nudge the dough into every curve, tucking excess edges underneath. Create a fancy border, then chill the crust in the freezer for half an hour to firm up.

• Prepare for Baking

Warm the oven to 350°F. Shield the chilled crust with parchment paper, filling it with ceramic weights or dried beans. Slide the crust onto the lower oven rack and bake for 20 minutes to build a sturdy foundation.

• Transform the Crust

Carefully remove the weights and paper. Return the crust to the oven for another 10-15 minutes until it achieves a delicate golden hue. Let it cool slightly and breathe.

• Whip Up the Creamy Base

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk eggs with cream until they dance together smoothly. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, creating a silky liquid that promises deliciousness.

• Layer Flavor Builders

Sprinkle Swiss cheese across the bottom of the crust. Scatter diced ham generously, then crown with another layer of cheese. This creates a flavor landscape that will make taste buds dance.

• Pour and Bake

Gently cascade the egg mixture over the cheese and ham, making sure every nook is filled but not overflowing. Slide into the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. The edges should stand firm while the center maintains a subtle wobble.

• Rest and Serve

Allow the quiche to settle for 20 minutes after baking. This magical resting period helps the quiche set perfectly, ensuring clean, beautiful slices that will impress everyone at the table.

Pro Tips to Perfect Ina’s Ham and Cheese Quiche

Expert Quiche Tips and Twists

Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, tangy goat cheese, or smoky provolone to transform the quiche’s flavor profile instantly.

Roast vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach before adding them to increase depth and prevent excess moisture from making the crust soggy.

Prepare the entire quiche up to two days in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently at 325°F for 15-20 minutes before serving to maintain its delicate texture.

Replace ham with crispy bacon, diced chicken, smoked salmon, or keep it vegetarian by adding caramelized onions and mushrooms for incredible taste variations.

Serving the Ham and Cheese Quiche Ina Style

• Serve with Fresh Greens: Pair the quiche with a crisp, light salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy texture of the dish.
• Brunch Beverage Pairing: Complement the quiche with a mimosa or fresh-squeezed orange juice for a delightful morning meal that feels elegant and relaxed.
• Presentation Perfection: Slice the quiche carefully and plate it on a white ceramic dish to showcase its golden crust and vibrant cheese and ham layers.
• Side Dish Delight: Add a small portion of roasted cherry tomatoes or fresh fruit to bring color and a refreshing contrast to the savory quiche.

Refrigeration and Reheating Tips for Ina’s Quiche

• Preserve and Enjoy: Quiche Storage Strategies
• Refrigerate Promptly: Cover the quiche with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep it sealed to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap the cooled quiche tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Pro tip: Slice before freezing for easier individual servings.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to keep the crust crispy and prevent soggy texture.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the quiche ahead of time and store in portion-sized containers. Perfect for quick breakfasts or grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

Heavenly Ina Garten Ham And Cheese Quiche Recipe

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• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s ham and cheese quiche combines creamy custard with savory ingredients in a flaky pastry crust. Rich flavors and classic French techniques make this quiche a delightful centerpiece you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ½ tbsps diced cooked ham
• 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded sharp cheddar or Swiss cheese
• 3 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) whole milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• ½ (14.1 oz / 400 g) package of refrigerated or frozen pie dough, thawed if frozen (or use homemade)

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Roll pie dough to fit a 9-inch pie plate, pressing gently into the pan and creating crimped edges. Freeze the crust for 30 minutes to ensure firmness.
2. Initial Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line the chilled crust with parchment paper and fill with ceramic weights. Bake in the lower oven third for 20 minutes to set the foundation.
3. Crust Finishing: Remove weights and parchment, then return to oven for 10-15 minutes until achieving a golden-brown complexion. Allow to cool momentarily.
4. Egg Mixture Creation: Whisk eggs, dairy, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl until smooth and aerated, creating a silky custard base.
5. Layering Flavors: Spread half the cheese across the cooled crust, distribute ham evenly, then top with remaining cheese to create a flavorful foundation.
6. Custard Incorporation: Carefully pour the whisked egg mixture over the ham and cheese, ensuring complete and uniform coverage without overflowing.
7. Final Baking and Resting: Bake for 30-40 minutes until edges are set and center has a slight wobble. Rest the quiche for 20 minutes before serving to allow perfect texture and structural stability.

Notes

• Precision Chilling: Freeze the pie crust for exactly 30 minutes to prevent shrinkage and maintain crisp edges during baking.
• Blind Baking Technique: Use ceramic weights or dried beans to prevent crust bubbling, ensuring a perfectly smooth and crisp base.
• Egg Mixture Mastery: Whisk eggs thoroughly until frothy and light, creating a silky smooth custard that guarantees a luxurious texture.
• Resting is Critical: Allow the quiche to rest for at least 20 minutes after baking, which helps set the filling and makes slicing clean and effortless.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 392
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 773 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 186 mg