This Easter Ham and Spinach Quiche is a tasty treat with a buttery crust, hearty ham, and fresh spinach, making it perfect for brunch or a cozy dinner. It’s easy to whip up and full of flavor!
I love how this dish turns leftovers into something special. Plus, it looks so pretty on the table, you’ll be tempted to snap a picture before digging in. 📸 Who can resist a slice of quiche?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crust: A pre-made crust saves time, but if you want to go homemade, you can use a simple dough made from flour, butter, salt, and ice water. For a healthier twist, try a whole wheat or gluten-free crust.
Ham: Leftover ham from your Easter feast is perfect! If you’re vegetarian, consider substituting with diced mushrooms or sautéed tofu for a protein boost.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is the star here, but you can also use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well, so it doesn’t add excess moisture to your quiche.
Cheese: I love Swiss cheese for its creamy melt, but Gruyère adds a delightful nuttiness. If you can’t find these, cheddar or mozzarella can work too! Just keep the flavors in mind.
Nutmeg: This adds a warm depth to the dish, but if you don’t have any, a pinch of cinnamon can be an interesting alternative. Just use sparingly!
How Do I Sauté Spinach Well?
Sautéing spinach is quick and simple, but it’s essential to do it right for the best flavor. Remember that spinach wilts down significantly, so you might think you have too much—trust me, it will shrink!
- Heat your skillet to medium and add butter or olive oil.
- If using, toss in your chopped onion first and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it’s soft and clear.
- Then, add the chopped spinach and cook until it’s wilted and bright green, usually around 3-5 minutes.
- Make sure most of the moisture evaporates, as wet spinach can make your quiche soggy.
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How to Make Easter Ham and Spinach Quiche
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Quiche:
- 1 pre-made pie crust (9-inch) or homemade pie crust
- 1 cup cooked Easter ham, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and roughly chopped
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup half-and-half or whole milk
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese or Gruyère cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil (for sautéing spinach)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious quiche takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 35-40 minutes to bake. After baking, let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. In total, you’re looking at roughly 1 hour, which is perfect for prepping a delightful Easter brunch or lunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pie Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is warming up, roll out your pie crust and gently press it into a 9-inch quiche or pie pan. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges for a nice finish. Set the crust aside for now.
2. Sauté the Spinach:
In a skillet, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. If you decided to use onion, add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until it looks translucent. Next, stir in the chopped spinach. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until it’s wilted and most of the moisture is gone. Once done, take the skillet off the heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Mix the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half (or milk), salt, pepper, and nutmeg if you’re using it. Then, add in the diced Easter ham, the sautéed spinach and onion, and the shredded Swiss cheese. If you like, you can toss in the Parmesan cheese as well. Stir everything together until evenly combined.
4. Combine and Bake:
Now pour the filling mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly. Pop the quiche into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the quiche is set and the top is lightly golden.
5. Cool and Serve:
After baking, carefully remove the quiche from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes to set. This will make it easier to slice. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and enjoy your tasty Easter Ham and Spinach Quiche!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Swiss and Gruyère cheese are preferred for their flavor and meltability, you can substitute with cheddar, mozzarella, or even feta for a different taste. Just keep the quantity the same for best results!
Can I Make This Quiche Vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the diced ham. You can add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for flavor and texture. Sauté them just like the spinach for even cooking.
How Can I Store Leftover Quiche?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or microwave slices for about 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Can I Freeze Quiche?
Yes! Unbaked quiche can be frozen for later use. Just assemble it in the pie crust, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed. Cooked quiche can also be frozen but is best eaten within 2 months for optimal taste.
