Delicious Ham Cheese Quiche

This timeless holiday quiche is my favorite dish to prepare ahead for brunch. It's loaded with warm, savory tastes that everyone enjoys. The buttery crust and creamy filling with cheesy goodness and ham always catch people's attention. Whether you enjoy it hot or at room temp, it makes hosting for the holidays a breeze.

I first whipped up this quiche for a neighbor's Christmas potluck, and everyone wanted to know how to make it. Now it’s a beloved family tradition, especially with leftovers eagerly saved for the next day.

Ingredients

• Pre-rolled shortcrust pastry: Gives you a buttery crust without the hassle of making dough from scratch. Look for all-butter ones in the fridge section.
• Large free-range eggs: Make your filling super rich and help it set perfectly. Go for eggs with vibrant golden yolks for better taste and color.
• Single cream: Creates a gorgeous creamy texture. Stick to regular cream for the best results, not low fat.
• Cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp and tangy flavor to balance the cream. Use mature cheddar and grate it yourself for optimal meltiness.
• Cooked higher welfare ham: Contributes savory holiday flair and a wonderful texture. Opt for thick-cut ham and shred it into bite-sized pieces.
• Stilton: Gives the quiche that classic blue cheese burst and creamy bites. Go for creamy stilton from your local cheese shop.
• Fresh sage: Brings herby warmth and cuts through richness. Choose bright, fresh leaves without any wilting.

Instructions

Chill and Prepare the Pastry:

Start by rolling out the pastry and pressing it firmly into your tart tin, making sure to get it into the corners. Use a fork to prick the base all over. Pop the tin in the freezer for an hour. This chill helps keep the crust from puffing or shrinking during baking.

Blind Baking:

Once the pastry has chilled, take it out of the freezer. Cover it with parchment paper and fill to the brim with baking beans or uncooked rice to weigh it down. Bake in a preheated oven at moderate heat for 15 minutes, just until the edges set. Remove the paper and beans, then bake for another five minutes until the bottom is completely dry. This extra time avoids a soggy crust.

Prepare the Filling:

In a big bowl, whisk the eggs and cream until they’re fully mixed. Grate the cheddar directly into the bowl to avoid it sticking to your hands. Add in the shredded ham. Crumble the stilton gently for that cheesy goodness. Snip sage leaves with kitchen scissors right into the bowl so the herby oils mix in. Toss in a bit of black pepper, then stir everything together with a big fork until evenly mixed.

Fill and Bake:

Carefully pour the filling into your warm pastry shell, making sure not to go over the edge. Use a fork to distribute the cheese and ham evenly. Return it to the oven and bake until the top is golden and slightly puffed, and a knife inserted in the middle comes out mostly clean, about 25 minutes. Keep an eye on it and cover with foil if it’s browning too fast. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing so it’s easier to serve.

I really enjoy the savory flavor of stilton in this dish, but sometimes I switch it out for caramelized shallots if I’m catering to someone who prefers milder cheese. The smell of fresh sage always reminds me of Christmas at my grandma's, and it brings the whole family into the kitchen as it bakes.

Storage Tips

Let the baked quiche cool down completely before covering it with foil and putting it in the fridge. It stays fresh for about three days. To reheat, gently warm up slices in a toaster oven or a covered pan over low heat. If you want to freeze it, cut it into portions, wrap them tightly in cling film and foil, then freeze for up to a month.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you have cooked bacon or roasted turkey instead of ham, feel free to use that. Any strong cheese like Gruyère or even feta can work in place of stilton. You can use half and half if you can’t find single cream, but skip the ultra low-fat stuff since the custard won’t set right.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices with a fresh green salad or a scoop of cranberry sauce for a festive touch. For an even more festive look, top with extra sage leaves or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley right before serving. Small wedges also make a great nibble for cocktail hour.

Cultural and Historical Context

Quiche comes from France but has become a favorite on British holiday tables as a main dish great for gatherings. Stilton cheese is a traditional British blue cheese that’s often enjoyed at Christmas. The combination of ham and buttery crust ties back to classic English cuisine.

Seasonal Adaptations

For a veggie option, switch out the meat for cooked broccoli florets or sautéed mushrooms. Add a dash of nutmeg to the custard for extra winter cozy vibes. You can also replace sage with thyme or rosemary if you like using your favorite garden herbs.

Success Stories

A bunch of friends have made this quiche a highlight of their Boxing Day brunch. Last year, my niece helped with every part of the process and was so proud to see everyone coming back for seconds. The dish can adapt to so many flavors and always impresses!

Freezer Meal Conversion

Cook the quiche entirely and let it cool down. Slice it into wedges and wrap each piece tightly for freezing. Defrost them overnight in the fridge and warm them up gently in a low oven. It’s perfect for busy holiday mornings or surprise visitors.

This Christmas quiche is a beloved addition to the holiday table, made with minimal effort. Serve it proudly and savor every rich, savory bite.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use a different cheese instead of stilton?

Sure, feel free to swap stilton for another blue cheese or go all Cheddar for something milder. Pick what you like best or what you have on hand.

→ Is it possible to prepare the quiche in advance?

You bet! You can bake it a day before and keep it covered in the fridge. Serve it cold or reheat it gently in the oven until it's warmed through.

→ What kind of ham works best?

Using cooked high-quality ham or leftover festive ham can add amazing flavor. But you can also use regular sliced ham or even smoked ham for something richer.

→ How do I keep the pastry crisp?

Blind baking the pastry with baking beans or rice before adding the filling stops it from getting soggy and makes sure it stays flaky.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, let the quiche cool off completely, then wrap pieces well and freeze them for up to a month. Just thaw and warm in the oven before serving.