Introduction
Imagine a sunlit morning with the scent of freshly baked pastry wafting through your kitchen, mingling lovingly with the earthy aroma of sautéed asparagus and the savory hint of ham. This is the comforting scene that brings my family together around the table, sharing stories and laughter as we savor each bite. It’s times like these that memories are made, and I can’t think of a more perfect way to gather loved ones than with my Easy Ham and Asparagus Quiche with Sharp Cheddar. This recipe is not just a simple dinner; it’s a celebration of flavor and a reminder that home-cooked meals, crafted with love, can warm any heart.
Why Make This Recipe
When I think about why I adore this Easy Ham and Asparagus Quiche with Sharp Cheddar, several delightful reasons come to mind:
- Quick Prep: With minimal effort, you’ll have this comforting recipe in the oven in no time.
- Cozy Flavors: The blend of sharp cheddar cheese and tender asparagus wrapped in flaky crust evokes the warmth of family gatherings.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner, this quiche is sure to impress everyone.
- Versatile Ingredients: Use what you have on hand—this quiche happily accommodates various meats, cheeses, and veggies!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this culinary masterpiece, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 premade pie crust: Store-bought works perfectly for a quick meal, but you can also make your own if you’re feeling adventurous.
- 1 cup diced cooked ham: A delicious way to use leftovers; turkey ham is a great substitute for a lighter dish.
- 1 cup fresh asparagus, chopped: Look for vibrant green asparagus to add color and freshness.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: This is the star of the show, but feel free to experiment with other cheese varieties such as Gruyère or Monterey Jack.
- 4 large eggs: These rich beauties will bind all the flavors together and create a light, fluffy texture.
- 1 cup milk: Whole milk adds creaminess, but you can use a lower-fat option if desired.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate the dish.
- Optional herbs (like thyme or chives): Fresh herbs add a lovely touch of nature’s flavors—feel free to play around!
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: About 50 minutes
This recipe is a quick win for any busy home chef, making it an easy meal option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
How to Make Easy Ham and Asparagus Quiche with Sharp Cheddar
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm up—a cozy kitchen makes everything better!
- Prepare the Crust: Place the premade pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish, crimping the edges for an inviting appearance.
- Sauté Asparagus: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped asparagus in a splash of olive oil for about 3-4 minutes until tender but still bright green. Remember, you want that crunch!
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until frothy—the colors and textures will make you eager to pour it in!
- Combine Ingredients: Add the diced ham, sautéed asparagus, and cheddar cheese to the egg mixture, gently folding everything together. Watch as the colors blend beautifully!
- Pour into the Crust: Carefully pour the filling into your pie crust, letting it fill up to the top with that cheesy goodness.
- Bake: Place the quiche in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. Ah, those aromas will send everyone your way!
- Cool and Slice: Let the quiche cool for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy the anticipation as you prepare your plates!
Tips and Creative Variations
- Add Spinach: For an extra nutritional boost, add a handful of fresh spinach to the filling.
- Make It Spicy: Toss in some chopped jalapeños for a kick.
- Herbs Galore: Fresh parsley, dill, or even a sprinkle of nutmeg can enhance flavors.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the ham and add more veggies, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, for a delightful meat-free dish.
Serving Ideas
Want to enhance your quiche experience? Serve it alongside a vibrant mixed greens salad tossed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. For a delightful brunch, pair your dish with a chilled glass of mimosa or a frosty lemonade. Picture your loved ones sitting at the table, sharing stories as the sun sets, and moments like these become cherished memories.
Storing and Reheating
This quiche makes fabulous leftovers! Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop individual slices in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds, or warm them up in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Pro Tips for Success
- Blind Bake: If you want a crispier crust, consider blind baking the crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
- Egg Substitutes: For a lighter quiche, replace two eggs with a cup of egg whites.
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the filling the night before to save time in the morning.
- Fresh Cheese: Grating cheese fresh from the block enhances flavor and texture compared to pre-shredded varieties.
FAQs
- Can I freeze this recipe? Yes! Bake the quiche, let it cool, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- What’s the best substitute for ham? Cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms can add a delicious flavor while offering variety.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to switch it up based on your preferences and what you have on hand.
Conclusion
Every time I make Easy Ham and Asparagus Quiche with Sharp Cheddar, I’m reminded that cooking is about more than just sustenance; it’s about love, family, and laughter shared around the table. This dish, filled with familiar flavors and cozy comforts, is worth every minute spent in the kitchen. So, gather your loved ones, create this joyful quiche, and savor those moments together—they are what life is all about. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share this delightful recipe with others!
Contents
Easy Ham and Asparagus Quiche with Sharp Cheddar
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 premade pie crust 1 premade pie crust Store-bought works perfectly, but homemade is an option.
- 1 cup 1 cup diced cooked ham A delicious way to use leftovers; turkey ham can be substituted.
- 1 cup 1 cup fresh asparagus, chopped Use vibrant green asparagus for color and freshness.
- 1 cup 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese Feel free to experiment with cheese varieties like Gruyère or Monterey Jack.
- 4 large 4 large eggs These will bind the ingredients together.
- 1 cup 1 cup milk Whole milk adds creaminess; lower-fat is also an option.
- Salt and pepper to taste Essential seasonings.
- Optional herbs (like thyme or chives) Fresh herbs can enhance flavors.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Crust: Place the premade pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges.
- Sauté Asparagus: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped asparagus in a splash of olive oil for about 3-4 minutes until tender but still bright green.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until frothy.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the diced ham, sautéed asparagus, and cheddar cheese to the egg mixture.
- Pour into the Crust: Carefully pour the filling into your pie crust.
- Bake: Place the quiche in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Slice: Let the quiche cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Notes
Written by khadija — founder of Dailypan, sharing easy, cozy homemade recipes for every occasion.