Ina Garten Ham and Cheese Quiche Recipe

Ina Garten Ham and Cheese Quiche Recipe

This Ina Garten Ham and Cheese Quiche Recipe is a creamy and savory recipe, which is made with a flaky, buttery crust and a rich Gruyère cheese filling. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 1 hour and 45 minutes (including chilling time).

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Ina Garten Ham and Cheese Quiche Recipe Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, diced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 6–8 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 cup diced ham
  • 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
  • ½ cup grated Cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Ina Garten Ham and Cheese Quiche Recipe

How To Make Ina Garten Ham and Cheese Quiche

  1. Make the Crust: In a food processor, pulse the flour, salt, and cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, pulsing until the dough just comes together. Form it into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Blind Bake the Crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the chilled dough out and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Line the crust with parchment paper, fill with pie weights or dried beans, and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the weights and parchment and bake for another 5 minutes until lightly golden.
  3. Prepare the Custard: While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg in a large bowl until smooth.
  4. Assemble the Quiche: Scatter the diced ham and both grated cheeses evenly over the bottom of the pre-baked crust.
  5. Bake the Quiche: Carefully pour the egg custard mixture over the ham and cheese. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is just set (it should have a slight wobble) and the top is golden brown.
  6. Rest and Serve: Let the quiche cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the custard to set fully. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm or at room temperature.
Ina Garten Ham and Cheese Quiche Recipe

Recipe Tips

  • How to get a flaky crust? The secret to a tender, flaky crust is using very cold butter and ice water. This prevents the butter from melting into the flour and instead creates steam pockets during baking, which results in flaky layers.
  • How do I prevent a soggy bottom? Blind baking the crust is the most important step. This pre-baking creates a firm, sealed base that won’t absorb the liquid custard, ensuring a crisp bottom every time.
  • How do I know when the quiche is done? The quiche is ready when the edges are set and the center still has a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean.
  • Can I use a store-bought crust? Absolutely. To save time, a store-bought pie crust is a great option. Just be sure to follow the package directions for blind baking before you add the filling.

What To Serve With Ham and Cheese Quiche

This rich and savory quiche is a meal in itself but pairs beautifully with fresh, light sides.

  • A simple mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette
  • Roasted asparagus or cherry tomatoes
  • A fresh fruit salad
  • A glass of crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc
Ina Garten Ham and Cheese Quiche Recipe

How To Store Ham and Cheese Quiche

  • Refrigerate: Cover the quiche tightly or store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: You can freeze the baked and cooled quiche, either whole or in individual slices. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheat: For the best texture, reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Ham and Cheese Quiche Nutrition Facts

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
  • Calories: ~750 kcal
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fat: 55g
  • Saturated Fat: 35g

Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I make quiche ahead of time?

Yes, quiche is a perfect make-ahead dish. You can bake it completely, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. It’s delicious served chilled, at room temperature, or gently reheated.

What type of cheese works best in quiche?

Gruyère is a classic choice for its nutty, creamy flavor that melts beautifully. The addition of sharp cheddar adds a nice tang. Swiss cheese is another great option.

Can I add vegetables to this quiche?

Of course. Sautéed spinach (squeezed very dry), mushrooms, or caramelized onions would be delicious additions. Just be sure to cook them first to remove excess moisture before adding them to the crust.

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Ina Garten Ham and Cheese Quiche Recipe

Recipe by SarahCourse: BreakfastCuisine: French-AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

750

kcal

A classic and elegant savory pie with a flaky, buttery crust, filled with a rich custard, diced ham, and a blend of Gruyère and cheddar cheese.

Ingredients

  • Crust: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup cold butter, 1 tsp salt, 6-8 tbsp ice water.

  • Filling: 4 large eggs, 1 ½ cups heavy cream, ½ cup whole milk, 1 cup diced ham, 1 cup grated Gruyère, ½ cup grated cheddar, salt, pepper, nutmeg.

Directions

  • Make the crust dough in a food processor and chill for at least 30 minutes.
  • Roll out the dough, fit into a 9-inch pie pan, and blind bake at 375°F for 20 minutes total.
  • Whisk together eggs, cream, milk, and seasonings to create the custard.
  • Scatter the ham and cheeses over the bottom of the pre-baked crust.
  • Pour the custard mixture over the top.
  • Bake for 35–40 minutes until the center is just set.
  • Let the quiche cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Using very cold butter and ice water is essential for a flaky pie crust.
  • Blind baking the crust is the most important step to prevent a soggy bottom.
  • Do not overbake the quiche; the center should still have a slight wobble when you remove it from the oven.
  • The quiche can be made a day in advance and is delicious served warm, at room temperature, or even cold.

Sarra

I’m Sarra Jhonson, the cook behind Tasty Treats Daily. In my tiny apartment kitchen, I try all kinds of recipes—weeknight dinners, baked treats, and quick sides—then refine them until they’re reliable. I write clear, step-by-step instructions in plain language, and I share what worked, what didn’t, and the tips that make it easier at home.