This Easter Ham and Spinach Quiche is a tasty treat that’s perfect for brunch! With a flaky crust, cheesy goodness, and bits of ham and fresh spinach, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Making this quiche is a breeze! I love whipping it up the night before, so all I need to do is pop it in the oven the next morning. Breakfast just got a whole lot easier and yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crust: You can use a homemade pie crust for a personal touch or store-bought for convenience. If you’re gluten-free, check out gluten-free crusts at the store or make a crust using almond flour or crushed nuts.
Ham: Diced cooked ham is traditional here, but feel free to swap with turkey, chicken, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Don’t forget leftovers from a holiday meal can work great!
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives this quiche a lovely flavor, but you can replace it with kale or Swiss chard. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and squeeze out the excess water to avoid a soggy quiche.
Cheese: I love Gruyere for its rich flavor but any cheese like Swiss or cheddar works well too. If dairy-free, try a nut-based cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How Do You Get Perfectly Cooked Spinach for Quiche?
Cooking spinach properly is key to preventing a watery quiche. When sautéing, remember to use medium heat and keep it to just 2-3 minutes until wilted. This will help lock in flavor without releasing too much moisture.
- Heat your oil or butter in a skillet, then add chopped onion if you choose.
- After onions are translucent, toss in the spinach, cooking just until it wilts.
- Drain any water that accumulates before adding it to the quiche.
How to Make Easter Ham and Spinach Quiche
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Quiche:
- 1 pie crust (9-inch), homemade or store-bought
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Gruyere, Swiss, or cheddar)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half or whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 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 will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 35-45 minutes to bake. Total time, including cooling, is approximately 1 hour. Perfect for a cozy brunch or holiday meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, roll out your pie crust and carefully fit it into a 9-inch pie dish or quiche pan. Make sure to trim any excess edges. Pop the crust in the fridge to chill while you get the filling ready—it’ll help keep it crisp!
2. Sautéing the Spinach:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. If you’re using onion, add it now and sauté until it becomes translucent. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Next, toss in the fresh spinach and cook just until it wilts. This should only take another 2-3 minutes. Once wilted, remove the skillet from the heat and let the spinach cool for a moment. Don’t forget to drain any leftover liquid to keep your quiche from getting soggy!
3. Whisking the Egg Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half (or your milk choice), salt, pepper, and nutmeg until everything is combined nicely. This will be the creamy custard that holds everything together!
4. Layering the Filling:
Now it’s time to assemble your quiche! First, sprinkle the diced ham evenly over the bottom of your chilled pie crust. Then, layer the sautéed spinach over the ham, followed by the shredded cheese. This will create a lovely combination of flavors!
5. Adding the Egg Mixture:
Pour the egg mixture gently over all the layers in the quiche. Take your time to make sure it evenly covers everything, so you get a delicious bite in every slice!
6. Baking the Quiche:
Carefully place your filled quiche into the preheated oven. Bake it for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. You can check its doneness by inserting a knife into the center: it should come out clean. If the edges start to brown too quickly, you can cover them with foil.
7. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, remove the quiche from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps it firm up a bit, making it easier to slice. You can enjoy your quiche warm or at room temperature—it’s delicious either way!
This Easter Ham and Spinach Quiche is perfect for celebrating with friends and family, providing a savory mix of flavors that everyone will love!
Can I Use a Different Meat Instead of Ham?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ham with cooked turkey, chicken, or even crumbled sausage. If you want a vegetarian option, consider using sautéed mushrooms or a combination of your favorite vegetables.
What Can I Use Instead of Half-and-Half?
If you don’t have half-and-half on hand, you can use whole milk, or a mix of heavy cream and water. For a lighter version, almond milk or oat milk can also be good alternatives, but keep in mind it may slightly change the flavor and texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices in 30-second intervals.
Can I Make This Quiche Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the quiche a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the fridge.