There is something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy dish that feels both indulgent and light. The Crustless Ham and Cheese Quiche Recipe is exactly that kind of magic — it’s a silky, custardy delight packed with savory ham and melty cheese, all without the fuss of a crust. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a satisfying brunch, or an easy dinner, this quiche offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that makes every bite simply delightful. The ease of preparation and the creamy richness make it a true favorite to share around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet crucial for building the flavor, creaminess, and texture that make this quiche so special. Each component plays its part, from the fluffy eggs to the sharp cheese and tender ham.
- 5 large eggs: The backbone of the quiche, eggs provide structure and a smooth, custardy base.
- 1 cup cream: Adds richness and creaminess that keeps the quiche moist and luxurious; you can halve this if using milk.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Gives a subtle, savory zing that balances the richness.
- 100g diced ham: Adds a salty, smoky bite that pairs beautifully with the cheese.
- 1 cup shredded cheese: Use any cheese that melts well except mozzarella for the best texture.
- 1 green onion: Brings a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
How to Make Crustless Ham and Cheese Quiche Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare your pie dish by greasing a 22.5 cm / 9″ pan with butter or lightly spraying it with oil. This step ensures that the quiche won’t stick and makes cleaning up a breeze.
Step 2: Whisking the Custard
In a bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs, cream, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will create that silky custard texture that sets the foundation for your crustless quiche.
Step 3: Layering Ham, Cheese, and Onions
Scatter most of your diced ham, shredded cheese, and sliced green onion evenly over the base of the prepared pie dish. This layering helps distribute flavors evenly throughout the dish.
Step 4: Adding the Egg Mixture
Pour the egg and cream mixture gently over the ham and cheese layer. Then, sprinkle the remaining ham, cheese, and green onion on the top to create a golden, flavorful crust when baked.
Step 5: Baking to Perfection
Bake the quiche in your preheated oven for about 35 minutes. You’re looking for a golden top and a center that just barely wobbles when you jiggle the pan—this ensures the quiche is set but still retains that lovely custardy softness.
Step 6: Resting Time
Once baked, remove the quiche from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Watch it gently deflate as it cools slightly, which makes slicing easier and enhances the texture.
Step 7: Serving
Cut into wedges and serve warm. This quiche also shines stuffed into soft rolls or wrapped into burritos, even pan-fried afterward for a crispy twist.
How to Serve Crustless Ham and Cheese Quiche Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley, chives, or a dusting of paprika adds vibrant color and brightness on top, making each slice look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Pair this quiche with simple green salads, roasted vegetables, or even fresh fruit for a balanced meal filled with complementary textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch gatherings, serve the quiche as part of a build-your-own breakfast board with assorted breads, spreads, and fresh veggies. Alternatively, cut the quiche into bite-sized squares for easy party finger food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover quiche tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days, perfect for quick meals or snacks.
Freezing
This crustless quiche freezes beautifully. Slice it into portions and wrap each piece well in foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months for convenient ready-to-eat meals.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 175°C (350°F) oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through to maintain the delicate texture. Avoid microwaving as it can make the quiche rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! Cheeses that melt well like cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyere add wonderful flavor and texture. Avoid mozzarella as it tends to be stringy and doesn’t offer the best consistency in quiche.
Is it necessary to use cream, or can I substitute milk?
You can substitute milk for cream, but using milk will reduce the richness and make the quiche less custardy. If you do replace cream with milk, halve the quantity to maintain the right texture.
Can I add vegetables to the Crustless Ham and Cheese Quiche Recipe?
Yes, feel free to add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure any vegetables you add aren’t too watery to avoid sogginess.
How do I know when the quiche is done baking?
The quiche is done when the top is golden and the center jiggles slightly but is not liquid. Overcooking will make the texture dry and lose that silky custardy quality.
Can I make this quiche gluten-free?
Since this recipe is already crustless, it is naturally gluten-free as long as all your ingredients (especially processed ham and cheese) are verified gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
There’s a special joy in making and sharing the Crustless Ham and Cheese Quiche Recipe. It is quick, satisfying, and versatile enough to suit any meal or occasion. Once you try this creamy, cheesy masterpiece, it’ll surely become a beloved staple in your kitchen. So grab your eggs and ham, and dive into this delicious quick fix to brighten up your day!
Print
Crustless Ham and Cheese Quiche Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 – 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Crustless Quiche – Ham and Cheese is a simple, savory dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light meal. Featuring a creamy custard base enriched with diced ham, melty cheese, and fresh green onions, this quiche is baked to a golden perfection without the need for a crust, making it a lighter but equally delicious alternative to traditional quiche.
Ingredients
Egg Mixture
- 5 large eggs (approx. 50-55g / 2oz each)
- 1 cup heavy cream or thickened cream (halve if substituting milk)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Fillings
- 100g (3.5 oz) ham, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (any cheese that melts well except mozzarella)
- 1 green onion, sliced
Other
- Butter or cooking spray for greasing the pie dish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C if using a fan-forced oven. Grease a 22.5cm (9-inch) pie dish lightly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Egg Base: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper until fully combined and smooth to form the custard base.
- Add Fillings to Dish: Scatter most of the diced ham, shredded cheese, and sliced green onion evenly over the bottom of the prepared pie dish.
- Pour Egg Mixture: Carefully pour the egg and cream mixture over the ham, cheese, and onions in the dish. Top off with the remaining ham, cheese, and green onion for a layered look and extra flavor on top.
- Bake the Quiche: Place in the oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes. The quiche is done when the top is golden and the center just barely wobbles when you gently shake the dish. Avoid overbaking to maintain a creamy, custardy texture.
- Rest and Set: Remove the quiche from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes; during this time, it will deflate slightly and set perfectly for slicing.
- Serve: Slice and serve warm alongside a simple side salad. Alternatively, you can stuff it into soft rolls or wrap pieces into burritos for a convenient meal option, optionally pan-frying afterward to add a crispy finish.
Notes
- Note 1: Heavy cream can be halved in quantity if substituted with milk, but cream provides a richer texture.
- Note 2: Adjust salt to taste, especially if your cheese or ham is already salty.
- Note 3: Use cheeses that melt well such as cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère to ensure a creamy filling; avoid mozzarella as it doesn’t melt as well in quiche.
- Note 4: Greasing the pie dish thoroughly helps prevent sticking and makes removal easier.
