There’s something magical about a freshly baked quiche. The golden, flaky crust, the creamy, custard-like filling, and the burst of savory flavor in every bite make it one of the most comforting and versatile dishes in the world. And when that quiche combines smoky ham, sharp cheddar cheese, fresh eggs, and a buttery crust — you’ve got a dish that can easily steal the spotlight at breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.
This 5-Ingredient Ham and Cheddar Cheese Quiche is a perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. It’s a recipe you can whip up on a sleepy Sunday morning or serve at an elegant brunch with friends. The beauty lies in its minimal ingredient list — just five simple components, but endless possibilities for variations and personal touches.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or someone who rarely steps into the kitchen, this quiche is practically foolproof. The pre-made crust saves you time, while the filling comes together in minutes. And once it’s in the oven, all you need to do is wait for that irresistible aroma to fill your home.
Why You’ll Love This Quiche
This recipe isn’t just about ease — it’s about delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort. Here’s why it’s bound to become a regular in your kitchen:
- Quick Prep: Only about 10 minutes of hands-on work.
- Few Ingredients: You probably have most of them already.
- Versatile: Works for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even meal prep.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite cheeses, meats, or veggies.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Both kids and adults love it.
There’s also something timeless about the combination of ham and cheddar — smoky, salty, cheesy goodness wrapped in a tender egg filling.
What Is a Quiche?
For those who may not be familiar, quiche is a French dish that typically features a savory custard filling made from eggs and cream, baked inside a pastry crust. While it’s often associated with brunch, quiche is incredibly versatile — you can enjoy it warm, at room temperature, or even chilled.
The most famous version is Quiche Lorraine, traditionally made with bacon, cream, and Swiss cheese. Our ham and cheddar version swaps bacon for diced ham and uses cheddar for a bolder flavor. The result? A quiche that’s rich, satisfying, and just a touch heartier.
Only 5 Ingredients, Endless Flavor
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need:
- Pre-made pie crust – buttery, flaky, and time-saving.
- Cooked ham – diced for even distribution in every bite.
- Cheddar cheese – shredded for perfect melting.
- Eggs – the foundation of the custard filling.
- Heavy cream (or milk) – for richness and that silky-smooth texture.
Even with this short list, you get a dish that tastes like it took hours to make.
Choosing the Right Ham
Ham may seem like a simple ingredient, but your choice can dramatically change the flavor of your quiche.
- Leftover holiday ham – Adds a deep, smoky taste.
- Deli ham – Convenient and mild; perfect for kids.
- Honey ham – Slightly sweet for a more complex flavor.
- Smoked ham – Brings an extra layer of savory depth.
Pro Tip: If using ham with a lot of moisture, pat it dry with a paper towel before adding it to prevent the quiche from becoming watery.
Best Cheddar Cheese for Quiche
Cheddar isn’t just cheddar — there’s a whole spectrum of flavors:
- Sharp cheddar – Bold and tangy; stands out in the custard.
- Mild cheddar – Smooth and creamy; great for kids or milder palates.
- Aged cheddar – Rich and crumbly with a nutty undertone.
You can even mix cheddar with other cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for a unique twist.
Eggs: The Heart of the Quiche
Eggs are what give quiche its signature texture — soft yet firm enough to slice cleanly.
- Fresh, large eggs are ideal.
- The general ratio for quiche is 1 egg for every ½ cup of cream or milk.
- Whisk them thoroughly to ensure the filling bakes evenly without streaks of white or yellow.
Cream vs Milk: Which to Use?
The type of dairy you choose determines the richness of your quiche:
- Heavy cream – Yields a luxurious, velvety texture.
- Whole milk – Lighter but still creamy.
- Half-and-half – A perfect middle ground.
For a healthier option, you can use low-fat milk, though the texture will be slightly less rich.
Pie Crust Perfection
The crust is more than just a vessel — it’s the crunchy, buttery contrast to the soft filling.
- Store-bought crusts save time and are consistent.
- Homemade crusts allow you to control flavor and thickness.
- Blind baking (pre-baking) the crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling helps prevent sogginess.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Serves: 6–8
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream (or milk)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position the rack in the middle to ensure even baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
Place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish. If blind baking, line it with parchment paper and fill with pie weights, then bake for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and cream/milk until smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in the ham and cheddar cheese.
Step 4: Assemble the Quiche
Pour the filling into the crust, spreading it evenly.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set. A knife inserted in the middle should come out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the quiche cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling firm up.
