Ultimate Ham, Cheddar, Gouda & Spinach Quiche: A Flavorful Delight for Any Meal

There’s something inherently comforting and versatile about a perfectly baked quiche. Whether you’re planning a lavish brunch, a simple weeknight dinner, or preparing a quick lunch, a quiche always fits the bill. This particular recipe takes a classic French-inspired dish and infuses it with a delightful combination of savory ham, rich cheddar, nutty Gouda, and vibrant spinach, all nestled in a flaky pie crust. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Quiche is more than just an egg pie; it’s a canvas for countless ingredient combinations, making it incredibly adaptable to what you have on hand or what your palate desires. Our Ham, Cheddar, Gouda & Spinach Quiche offers a tried-and-true pairing that balances hearty and wholesome elements. The saltiness of the ham, the sharp creaminess of cheddar, the mild sweetness of Gouda, and the earthy notes of spinach create a harmonious blend that is both satisfying and surprisingly light. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, ensuring even novice bakers can achieve a show-stopping result.

Why You’ll Love This Ham, Cheddar, Gouda & Spinach Quiche

This isn’t just another quiche recipe; it’s an experience. Here’s why this particular combination stands out:

• Perfect Flavor Balance: The robustness of ham meets the distinct profiles of two popular cheeses – sharp cheddar and semi-hard Gouda – complemented by the freshness of spinach. A touch of Parmesan adds an extra layer of umami.
• Versatile Meal Option: Enjoy it warm for breakfast, at room temperature for a picnic lunch, or as the centerpiece of a light dinner with a simple salad.
• Simple to Master: With clear, step-by-step instructions, even those new to baking can achieve a perfectly set, deliciously creamy quiche.
• Hearty and Wholesome: Packed with protein from eggs and ham, calcium from the cheeses, and essential nutrients from spinach, it’s a meal you can feel good about.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Quiche tastes fantastic the next day, making it an excellent option for meal prep or entertaining.

Ingredients for Your Delicious Ham, Cheddar, Gouda & Spinach Quiche

Gathering high-quality ingredients is the first step towards a truly exceptional quiche. While the specific measurements are provided, remember that the quality of your ham, cheeses, and even your pie crust can significantly impact the final flavor. Opt for good quality deli ham, freshly shredded cheeses, and a reliable pie crust for the best results.

• 1 (10 oz) package chopped frozen spinach, thawed
• 1 cup (114 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (60 grams) shredded Gouda cheese
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 unbaked pie shell (9-inch deep dish) – choose a good quality store-bought one or your favorite homemade recipe
• 1 cup (90 grams) diced ham – pre-cooked, such as deli ham or leftover holiday ham
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – freshly grated is always best
• ½ cup diced yellow onion
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml) evaporated milk – for a rich, creamy custard
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground, if possible

Ingredient Notes & Tips:

• Spinach: Using frozen spinach is convenient, but the key is thorough draining. If using fresh spinach, you’ll need about 10-12 ounces, quickly sautéed until wilted, then squeezed dry.
• Cheese: Shredding your own cheese from blocks often yields better melt and flavor than pre-shredded varieties, which sometimes contain anti-caking agents.
• Flour: Tossing the shredded cheeses with flour is a crucial step! It helps to prevent the cheese from sinking to the bottom of the quiche during baking, ensuring even distribution throughout the custard.
• Ham: Any pre-cooked ham will work. Leftover spiral ham or good quality deli ham cut into small dice are excellent choices.
• Evaporated Milk: This ingredient is a secret weapon for creamy quiches. Its higher concentration results in a richer, denser custard than regular milk, without adding the heavy fat of cream.
• Pie Shell: A deep dish pie shell is recommended to accommodate the generous filling. If using a regular pie shell, you might have a small amount of leftover filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Your Perfect Quiche

Follow these detailed steps to ensure your quiche comes out perfectly golden, creamy, and utterly delicious.

1. Prepare Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (176 degrees C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking from the moment your quiche goes in. While the oven preheats, you can prepare your ingredients.
2. Drain the Spinach Thoroughly: The most critical step for a non-watery quiche! Take your thawed chopped frozen spinach and place it in a fine-mesh sieve. Press down firmly with the back of a spoon or a spatula to remove as much liquid as possible. For even better results, transfer the spinach to a few layers of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel and squeeze it dry until absolutely no moisture remains. Set aside this very dry spinach.
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese and shredded Gouda cheese. Add the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and toss until the cheeses are lightly coated. This flour coating helps the cheese distribute evenly throughout the quiche and prevents it from sinking to the bottom.
4. Layer the Crust: Take your unbaked 9-inch deep dish pie shell. Sprinkle a generous tablespoon (or two) of the cheese-flour mixture evenly over the bottom of the pie crust. This initial layer of cheese acts as a barrier, helping to prevent a soggy bottom crust, a common quiche pitfall.
5. Add Your Fillings: Spread the diced ham evenly over the initial cheese layer in the pie shell. Next, spread the thoroughly drained and dried spinach over the ham. Follow this by sprinkling the ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the spinach, and finally, scatter the diced onion evenly over the Parmesan. These layers build the beautiful texture and flavor profile of your quiche.
6. Whisk the Custard: In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk the 3 large eggs until they are well beaten and slightly frothy. Stir in the 1 cup of evaporated milk and the ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Then, gently fold in the remaining shredded cheese/flour mixture from step 3. Make sure all ingredients are well combined.
7. Combine and Pour: Carefully pour the egg and milk mixture into the prepared pie shell, over the layered ingredients. Pour gradually, allowing the liquid to seep down and around the spinach and other fillings. Fill the pie shell close to the rim, but leave a small margin to prevent overflow during baking.
8. Bake to Perfection: Place the pie shell with the quiche filling onto a baking sheet. This provides stability and catches any potential spills, making cleanup easier. Bake in your preheated oven for 50 minutes, or until the center is set. To check for doneness, gently shake the quiche; the center should jiggle only slightly, or a knife inserted near the center should come out clean. The top should be beautifully golden brown.
9. Rest Before Serving: Once baked, carefully remove the quiche from the oven. Let it stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period is crucial as it allows the custard to fully set, making for cleaner slices and a better overall texture.

Tips for the Best Quiche Every Time

Achieving quiche perfection is easy with a few insider tips:

• Prevent a Soggy Bottom: Beyond the initial cheese layer, you can also blind bake your pie crust for 10-15 minutes before adding the filling. This helps to crisp up the crust and further prevent sogginess.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can lead to a dry, rubbery quiche. Watch for the center to be mostly set with a slight jiggle, rather than completely firm.
• Room Temperature Eggs: Using room temperature eggs allows them to blend more smoothly with the other ingredients, creating a more uniform and creamy custard.
• Cover if Browning Too Fast: If your quiche crust or top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
• Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to adjust the proportions or types of cheese, ham, and vegetables to suit your preference. Just remember not to overload the quiche, or it may not set properly.

Variations to Explore

This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Here are some ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:

• Vegetable Power: Add other vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, broccoli florets, or sun-dried tomatoes. Ensure they are cooked and thoroughly drained before adding.
• Protein Swap: Replace ham with crumbled cooked bacon, cooked sausage, smoked salmon, or shredded chicken.
• Cheese Adventure: Experiment with different cheese combinations. Swiss, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, Feta, or goat cheese can all bring unique flavors.
• Crustless Quiche: For a gluten-free or low-carb option, simply omit the pie crust and bake the filling in a greased pie plate. Increase the baking time slightly if needed.
• Herbal Notes: Incorporate fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme into your egg mixture for an aromatic boost.

Serving Suggestions

A quiche is a complete meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides:

• Fresh Green Salad: A light vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the quiche perfectly.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of berries, melon, and grapes adds a refreshing contrast.
• Crusty Bread: Ideal for soaking up any delicious juices.
• Light Soup: A clear broth or a creamy tomato soup makes a lovely pairing for a more substantial meal.

Storage and Reheating

Quiche is fantastic for meal prep! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can either:

• Oven: For best results, reheat slices in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps keep the crust crispy.
• Microwave: For a quicker option, individual slices can be microwaved for 1-2 minutes, though the crust may soften.

You can also freeze baked quiche! Wrap individual slices or the whole quiche tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Quiche

Here are answers to some common questions about making this delightful Ham, Cheddar, Gouda & Spinach Quiche:

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Absolutely! You’ll need about 10-12 ounces of fresh spinach. Wash it thoroughly, then quickly sauté it in a pan until wilted. Drain it very well and squeeze out all excess moisture before adding it to the quiche.

My quiche turned out watery. What went wrong?

The most common culprit for a watery quiche is insufficient draining of the spinach (or other high-moisture vegetables). Ensure your spinach is squeezed absolutely dry. Also, avoid overloading the quiche with too many wet ingredients.

Can I make this quiche ahead of time?

Yes, quiche is an excellent make-ahead dish! You can bake it completely, let it cool, and then store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat as directed above. You can also prepare and assemble the quiche (without baking) and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking.

What’s the difference between evaporated milk and regular milk in quiche?

Evaporated milk is cow’s milk from which about 60% of the water has been removed. This concentration results in a thicker, creamier custard with a richer mouthfeel compared to using regular milk. It provides a luxurious texture without adding the extra fat of heavy cream.

How do I know when my quiche is perfectly cooked?

Look for a golden-brown top. The edges should be set, and when you gently jiggle the pie plate, the center should have only a slight, subtle wobble, similar to a very firm custard. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean. Avoid overbaking, which can make the custard tough.

This Ham, Cheddar, Gouda & Spinach Quiche is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to enjoy a classic, comforting dish that can adapt to almost any occasion. With its rich flavors, creamy texture, and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Enjoy every delicious bite!