This delicious and easy ham and cheese quiche is packed with protein and flavor. It’s the perfect make-ahead breakfast, brunch, or simple dinner recipe your family will love!
I created this ham and cheese quiche recipe because I had some leftover ham that needed to be used up, and I’m always looking for ways to make high-protein, nourishing meals for my family. I love that this quiche is packed with protein, thanks to the eggs, cottage cheese, and ham, and it’s incredibly versatile — perfect for breakfast, lunch, or even a simple dinner. My whole family loves it, and it’s one of those recipes that feels special enough for a holiday brunch but easy enough for a busy weekday!
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- High-protein and filling with the most nourishing ingredients.
- Quick homemade crust or you could even make this a crustless quiche and it would still be delicious.
- A great option for meal prep or to make early in the day for a busy weekday night.
- A family-friendly option and easy to customize with whatever meats and cheeses your family enjoys.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Eggs – The base of the quiche, full of protein and healthy fats.
- Cottage cheese – Adds creaminess and extra protein without making it heavy.
- Heavy cream or milk – Makes the filling rich and silky.
- Chopped ham – A hearty, savory protein that pairs perfectly with eggs and cheese.
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or a mix) – Melts into gooey, cheesy goodness throughout the quiche.
- Parmesan cheese – Adds a punch of salty, nutty flavor.
- Salt and pepper – Simple seasonings to bring everything together.
- Garlic powder and onion powder – Boosts flavor without extra chopping.
- Paprika (optional) – Adds a little color and subtle smoky flavor.
- Homemade or store-bought pie crust – A buttery base that holds all the goodness together. (Make crustless if you prefer)
How to Make Ham and Cheese Quiche
1. Prepare the crust:
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish. Take a fork and poke holes all over the bottom of the crust. Bake for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
2. Mix the eggs:
In a blender or large bowl, mix together the eggs, cottage cheese, and heavy cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until smooth.
3. Add the fillings:
Mix the chopped ham, shredded cheese, and parmesan cheese together and spread evenly over the crust.
4. Pour the eggs:
Carefully pour the egg mixture over the ham and cheese. Gently stir with a fork to spread everything out.
5. Bake:
Bake the quiche at 375°F for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife comes out clean.
6. Slice and Enjoy
Let the quiche cool 5-10 minutes before slicing and enjoying!
Tips for the Best Quiche
- Blend everything together in the blender for a creamy, smooth filling.
- Use quality cheese for maximum flavor.
- Make sure not to over bake your quiche. Check for a slight jiggle in the center. It will firm up as it cools.
- Make it your own by adding sautéed mushrooms, peppers, or switching up your meats or cheeses.
How to Store and Reheat Quiche
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Warm in the oven at 300°F until heated through or you can microwave to warm. This quiche can be wrapped individual slices and freeze for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Yes! A prepared pie crust works perfectly and saves time. You can bake it for a few minutes if you like a crispier base, but it’s not required.
Can I make this quiche crustless?
Absolutely. Just grease your pie dish well and pour the filling right in. Bake as directed.
Can I substitute the cottage cheese?
If you don’t have cottage cheese or just don’t like it, you can use ricotta cheese or simply add a little extra shredded cheese instead.
Can I make this quiche ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake it the night before and reheat slices in the oven or microwave. It also freezes well.
More Breakfast Recipes You’ll Love
- Fluffy High-Protein Scrambled Eggs
- Easy Dutch Baby Pancake
- Fluffy Sourdough Pancakes
- Best Banana Bread
If you enjoyed this recipe, I’d be so grateful if you could take a moment to leave a 5-star rating below! Be sure to tag me @simplychelseahome on Instagram so I can see your delicious results!
Easy Ham and Cheese Quiche
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Place the prepared pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish. For a crispier crust, bake it for 8–10 minutes before adding the filling.
- In a blender or large bowl, mix together the eggs, cottage cheese, heavy cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Mix the chopped ham, shredded cheese, and parmesan cheese together and spread evenly over the crust.
- Pour the egg mixture over the fillings. Gently stir with a fork to distribute everything.
- Bake the quiche for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted comes out clean.
- Let cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- To make it crustless, simply grease your pie dish well and skip the crust.
- Blend in the blender if you prefer a smoother filling.
- You can swap in cooked bacon, sausage, or veggies based on what you have on hand.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze slices for easy meals later.
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