This is one of those reliable, comforting recipes that works for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner. Buttery crust, creamy egg filling, savory ham, melty cheese, and tender veggies — simple ingredients, big payoff.
Quick Description
A rich yet fluffy baked quiche loaded with diced ham, cheddar and Swiss cheese, onions, and green peppers, all baked into a flaky pie crust. It slices beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 6–8 slices
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 40–45 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour
Ingredients List
Crust
- 1 9-inch unbaked pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Filling
- 1 cup diced ham
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- ½ cup green bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
Custard Base
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole milk preferred for creaminess)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges if desired.
2. Prepare the Fillings
Dice the ham, onion, and green pepper into small, even pieces.
Shred both cheeses and set aside.
3. Assemble the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Diced ham
- Cheddar cheese
- Swiss cheese
- Onion
- Green pepper
Spread this mixture evenly into the unbaked pie crust.
4. Make the Egg Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- Eggs
- Milk
- Salt
- Black pepper
Whisk until smooth and fully blended.
5. Pour & Set
Carefully pour the egg mixture over the filling in the crust.
Lightly tap the pan on the counter to remove air bubbles.
6. Bake
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until:
- The center is set
- The top is lightly golden
- A knife inserted in the center comes out clean
7. Rest & Slice
Let the quiche rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set perfectly.
Nutrition (Approximate per slice)
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: ~18g
- Fat: ~22g
- Carbs: ~14g
Why This Recipe Works
- Creamy without being heavy
- Balanced savory flavors
- Perfect make-ahead dish
- Customizable with what you have
Additional Notes
- Whole milk gives the best texture, but 2% works
- Dice fillings small for even bites
- Letting it rest prevents a watery center
Dietary Info
- High-Protein: ✅
- Gluten-Free: ❌ (use GF crust if needed)
- Low-Carb Option: Crustless version works great
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide (Quick View)
- Preheat oven
- Fill crust with ham, veggies, cheese
- Whisk eggs + milk
- Pour into crust
- Bake until set
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Easy Swaps
- Ham: Bacon, sausage, turkey
- Cheese: Gruyère, mozzarella, Colby Jack
- Veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini
Crustless Version
Skip the crust and grease the pie dish well. Bake 5–10 minutes longer.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a fresh green salad
- Pair with fruit or roasted potatoes
- Great for brunch spreads
