This Easter Ham and Spinach Quiche is a tasty way to celebrate! With crispy crust, creamy eggs, sweet ham, and fresh spinach, it’s a treat for everyone at the table.
You can serve it warm or at room temperature. I love having leftovers for breakfast—perfect for a quick meal while still in my pajamas! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crust: A pre-made crust saves time, but you can also make your own if you prefer. Use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist or almond flour for a gluten-free option.
Ham: Leftover Easter ham brings great flavor! If not available, diced turkey or smoked sausage can work as tasty substitutes.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is ideal, but if it’s out of season, frozen spinach (thawed and drained) will also do the trick. Kale or Swiss chard can be nice alternatives too.
Cheese: I enjoy a mix of cheddar and Swiss for the creamy flavor. Feel free to swap in mozzarella or go dairy-free with cashew cheese for a vegan option!
Nutmeg: This spice enhances the spinach nicely, but it’s optional if you’re not a fan. You can skip it or try a pinch of dried oregano instead for a different flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Spinach and Onions?
Getting the spinach and onions right is key to flavor in this quiche. Here’s how to do it efficiently:
- If using onions, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Sauté until the onions are soft (3-5 minutes). Let them cool slightly.
- For spinach, you can steam it quickly in a pot or sauté in the same skillet. Just wilt it until it’s bright green; don’t overcook!
- Always drain excess moisture from both ingredients to avoid a soggy quiche.
This preparation helps build layers of flavor that make your quiche delicious!
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 (preferably leftover Easter ham)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or a blend)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil (if using onion)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional, complements spinach)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful quiche will take about 15 minutes for prep and approximately 35-45 minutes to bake, giving you a total of around 1 hour to have your delicious Easter Ham and Spinach Quiche ready to serve. Plus, a little cool time allows the flavors to settle in just right!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your quiche will cook evenly and nicely as it bakes.
2. Prepare the Pie Crust:
Take the pre-made pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch quiche or pie dish. Make sure it’s pressed evenly into the dish. If there’s any excess dough, just trim it off. Don’t forget to use a fork to prick the bottom of the crust a few times, which will help prevent it from becoming soggy while baking.
3. Sauté the Onion (If Using):
If you’ve decided to include onion for extra flavor, heat some butter or olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté it until it’s soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Once done, set it aside to cool slightly.
4. Cook the Spinach:
Now, lightly steam or quickly sauté the chopped spinach until it’s just wilted. Ensure you drain any excess moisture and then set it aside as well.
5. Mix the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the eggs, milk or half-and-half, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if you’re using it). Whisk everything together until fully combined—that fluffiness is essential for a great quiche!
6. Fill the Crust:
Spread the diced ham, cooked spinach, and sautéed onions (if you used them) evenly over the pie crust. This creates a lovely base for the quiche.
7. Add Cheese:
Next, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the fillings. This makes everything melt together beautifully during baking!
8. Pour the Egg Mixture:
Carefully pour the egg mixture over the fillings in the crust. Take your time to avoid overflowing; it’s okay if it comes close, but we prefer to keep it in the dish!
9. Optional Topping:
If you want an extra cheesy crust, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking. This adds a savory touch!
10. Bake the Quiche:
Put the quiche in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. To check if it’s done, insert a knife into the center; it should come out clean!
11. Cool and Slice:
Once you take it out of the oven, let the quiche cool for about 5-10 minutes. This helps it firm up a bit more, making slicing easier.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the quiche into wedges and serve warm, or let it cool to room temperature. It’s a delicious treat for your Easter gathering—enjoy every bite!
Can I Use a Different Pie Crust?
Absolutely! While a pre-made pie crust is convenient, you can use a homemade crust for a personal touch. For a gluten-free option, try a crust made from almond flour or a cauliflower crust.
What Can I Substitute for Ham?
If you don’t have ham, you can use cooked turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian option. Just make sure whatever substitute you choose is already cooked.
Can I Make This Quiche Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the quiche in advance! Assemble it the night before, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to bake it in the morning for a fresh, warm dish!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed throughout, or use the microwave for a quick option.