Ham and Cheese Crustless Quiche: A Simple, Satisfying Breakfast

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Introduction

This crustless quiche offers all the flavor of traditional quiche without the fuss of making pastry. Combining savory ham, nutty Swiss cheese, and a creamy egg custard, it’s an elegant yet easy dish perfect for busy mornings or leisurely brunches. The absence of a crust makes it naturally lower in carbs while highlighting the rich, custardy texture of the eggs.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick preparation – Ready in under 10 minutes of active time
  • Versatile – Works for breakfast, brunch, or light dinner
  • Meal-prep friendly – Reheats beautifully
  • Customizable – Easily adapt with different cheeses or vegetables

Ingredients

Main Components

  • ¾ cup (about 4 oz) diced ham (preferably Black Forest or smoked)
  • 1 cup (4 oz) shredded Swiss cheese (Gruyère works well too)

Custard Base

  • 5 large eggs
  • ¾ cup half-and-half (or equal parts milk & cream)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ⅛ tsp nutmeg (optional but recommended)

Garnish

  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • Extra cheese for topping (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparation (5 minutes)

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
  2. Grease a 9-inch pie dish or quiche pan
  3. Evenly distribute ham and cheese in prepared dish

2. Make the Custard (3 minutes)

  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs until uniform
  2. Add half-and-half, mustard, garlic powder, pepper, and nutmeg
  3. Whisk vigorously until completely smooth

3. Baking (30-35 minutes)

  1. Pour custard over ham and cheese
  2. Bake on center rack for 30-35 minutes
  • Edges should be golden
  • Center should jiggle slightly when shaken
  1. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing

4. Finishing Touches

  1. Sprinkle with fresh parsley
  2. Serve warm or at room temperature

Expert Tips

For Perfect Texture

  • Use room temperature ingredients for even cooking
  • Don’t overbake – residual heat will finish setting the center
  • Let rest before cutting to allow custard to firm up

Flavor Enhancements

  • Add ¼ cup caramelized onions with the ham
  • Mix in 1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (thyme or chives)
  • Top with a sprinkle of paprika before baking

Serving Suggestions

For Breakfast

  • With fresh fruit and toasted sourdough
  • Alongside breakfast potatoes

For Brunch

  • As part of a buffet with salads and pastries
  • Paired with mimosas or Bloody Marys

For Dinner

  • With a simple green salad
  • Accompanied by roasted vegetables

Storage & Reheating

Refrigeration

  • Keeps covered for 3-4 days
  • Flavors improve after 24 hours

Freezing

  • Wrap individual portions tightly
  • Freeze for up to 2 months
  • Thaw overnight in refrigerator

Reheating

  • Microwave: 30-60 seconds at 50% power
  • Oven: 10 minutes at 325°F (165°C)

Nutritional Information

Per serving (makes 6):

  • Calories: 210
  • Protein: 15g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Option

  • Replace ham with sautéed mushrooms and spinach
  • Use vegetarian bacon if desired

Cheese Alternatives

  • Cheddar for sharper flavor
  • Feta for tanginess
  • Smoked Gouda for depth

Low-Carb/Keto

  • Use heavy cream instead of half-and-half
  • Add extra egg yolk for richness

Conclusion

This crustless ham and cheese quiche exemplifies how simple ingredients can transform into something special. The Dijon mustard and garlic powder elevate the flavors beyond basic egg bake, while the Swiss cheese melts into creamy pockets of richness. Perfect for when you want something more substantial than scrambled eggs but less work than traditional quiche, it’s a recipe that will become a staple in your breakfast rotation. The make-ahead convenience and elegant presentation make it equally suitable for weekday meals and weekend entertaining. Once you master this basic formula, you’ll find endless ways to adapt it with different meats, cheeses, and seasonings to keep your mornings interesting.

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