The ham and asparagus quiche is a versatile dish that can be served any time of the day - be it breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The crisp crust, coupled with a savory filling of ham, asparagus, and cheese, creates a balance of textures and flavors that is truly enjoyable.
For this recipe, you might not find Gruyere cheese and asparagus spears readily available in your home. Gruyere cheese has a slightly salty and nutty flavor, which adds depth to the quiche. As for asparagus spears, they provide a dash of color and freshness. When shopping, choose asparagus that are firm, bright green, and with tightly closed buds.
Main Ingredients for Ham and Asparagus Quiche
Pie dough: The foundation of any quiche, it gives structure and crispness.
Extra virgin olive oil: Used for sautéing, it imparts a subtle flavor.
Shallots: They add a mild, sweet, and slightly sharp flavor.
Asparagus spears: It adds a unique texture and freshness.
Ham: Gives the quiche a meaty, salty, and savory taste.
Freshly ground pepper: An essential seasoning, enhancing the overall flavor.
Milk: It brings all the filling ingredients together, creating a creamy texture.
Heavy cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the filling.
Eggs: They bind the ingredients together and give the quiche its signature custardy texture.
Gruyere cheese: Known for its nutty, slightly sweet, and salty flavor, it adds depth to the quiche.
One reader, Emmott Hastings says:
This ham and asparagus quiche recipe is a game-changer! The combination of savory ham, tender asparagus, and creamy gruyere cheese is simply divine. The crust is perfectly flaky, and the filling is rich and flavorful. It's a hit every time I make it!
Essential Techniques for Making Ham and Asparagus Quiche
How to prepare the pie dough: Roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle on a lightly floured surface and fit it into a 10-by-1 ½-inch round tart pan. Then, transfer it to the freezer to chill for 30 minutes.
How to pre-bake the crust: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line the pastry with aluminum foil, pressing it into the corners and edges, then fill it to the top with baking weights such as sugar, dried beans, or rice. Bake for 45 minutes, then remove the pie weights and transfer the pre-baked crust to a wire rack to cool.
How to cook the asparagus and shallots: Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallots and cook for about 1 minute until translucent but not brown. Then, add the asparagus and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently until the asparagus is just cooked (al dente), slightly browned, and firm but not mushy.
How to assemble the quiche: Sprinkle half of the cheese evenly over the bottom of the crust. Spread the cooked asparagus and ham over the cheese and then top with the remaining cheese.
How to make the custard filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, and eggs. Season with freshly ground pepper. Pour the custard over the cheese and filling in the tart pan.
How to bake the quiche: Increase the oven temperature to 375 degrees F. Place the tart pan on a baking sheet to catch any run-off. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the quiche is just set in the center. Cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before slicing.
How To Make Ham and Asparagus Quiche
Perfect for any meal of the day, this ham and asparagus quiche is a savory dish with nutty and earthy notes from Gruyere cheese.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1recipe pie dough,enough for one bottom crust
- 2tbspextra virgin olive oil
- 2medium shallots,thinly sliced
- 10ozasparagus spears,cut on the diagonal into 1 inch long pieces
- ½lbham,cut into ¼ inch cubes
- freshly ground pepper
- ½cupmilk
- ½cupheavy cream
- 3large eggs
- 6ozGruyere cheese,(1½ cups), grated
Instructions
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On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough into a 12-inch circle. Fit into a 10-by-1 ½-inch round tart pan (with or without a removable bottom), pressing dough into corners. Transfer to freezer to chill for 30 minutes.
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line pastry with aluminum foil, pressing into the corners and edges. Fill to the top with baking weights — sugar, dried beans, or rice.
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Bake for 45 minutes. Lift sides of aluminum foil to remove pie weights from the tart pan. Move pre-baked crust to a wire rack to cool while making the filling.
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Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallots, and cook for about 1 minute, stirring, until translucent but not brown.
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Add asparagus. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently until asparagus is just cooked (al dente), slightly browned, firm, not mushy.
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Increase oven temperature to 375 degrees F. Place tart pan on a baking sheet to catch any run-off there might be (especially if using a pan with a removable bottom.)
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Sprinkle half the cheese evenly over the bottom of the crust. Spread asparagus and ham over the cheese and then top with remaining cheese.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, cream, and eggs. Season with fresh ground pepper. Pour over cheese.
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Transfer to oven, and bake for 30 to 35 minutes at 375 degrees F until just set in the center. Cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition
- Calories: 284.42kcal
- Fat: 21.47g
- Saturated Fat: 9.87g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.64g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.81g
- Carbohydrates: 7.91g
- Fiber: 1.81g
- Sugar: 3.19g
- Protein: 15.56g
- Cholesterol: 131.20mg
- Sodium: 531.81mg
- Calcium: 275.59mg
- Potassium: 285.42mg
- Iron: 1.74mg
- Vitamin A: 169.36µg
- Vitamin C: 4.41mg
Key Technique for Perfect Ham and Asparagus Quiche
When preparing the asparagus, ensure to trim off the tough, woody ends before cooking. These ends are usually not pleasant to eat and can affect the overall texture of your quiche. To do this, hold the asparagus spear at both ends and bend it gently until it snaps. It will naturally break where the tender part ends and the tough part begins. This simple technique will enhance the taste and texture of your ham and asparagus quiche.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Quiche
Prep ahead: Prepare the pie dough and chop the shallots, asparagus, and ham the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use store-bought pie dough: If you're short on time, using store-bought pie dough can significantly cut down on prep time without sacrificing flavor.
Pre-cook the asparagus: Pre-cook the asparagus a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, so it's ready to use when assembling the quiche.
Multi-task: While the pie crust is baking, prep the filling ingredients to make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Invest in pre-shredded cheese: Using pre-shredded cheese can save time on grating and cleanup, making the cooking process more efficient.
One-pan cooking: Use a skillet that can go from stovetop to oven to minimize the number of dishes and pans you need to clean up afterward.
Substitute Ingredients For Ham and Asparagus Quiche Recipe
ham - Substitute with smoked turkey: Smoked turkey has a similar smoky flavor and texture to ham, making it a great substitute in the quiche recipe.
asparagus - Substitute with broccolini: Broccolini has a similar texture and flavor profile to asparagus, and it will work well in the quiche recipe.
pie dough - Substitute with puff pastry: Puff pastry can be used as a delicious alternative to traditional pie dough, adding a flaky and buttery texture to the quiche.
shallots - Substitute with onions: Onions can be used as a substitute for shallots, providing a similar flavor profile to the quiche filling.
gruyere cheese - Substitute with swiss cheese: Swiss cheese has a similar nutty flavor and melting properties to gruyere, making it a suitable substitute in the quiche recipe.
heavy cream - Substitute with half and half: Half and half can be used as a lighter alternative to heavy cream, while still providing richness to the quiche filling.
eggs - Substitute with silken tofu: Silken tofu can be used as a vegan alternative to eggs, providing a similar binding and creamy texture in the quiche filling.
Presentation Ideas for Ham and Asparagus Quiche
Elevate the crust: Create a delicate and flaky pie crust using high-quality butter and a light hand in the mixing process. The crust should be perfectly golden and crisp, providing a delightful contrast to the creamy filling.
Artful asparagus arrangement: Arrange the asparagus spears in a visually appealing pattern on top of the quiche. Consider creating a geometric design or a spiral layout to showcase the vibrant green color and add an artistic touch to the dish.
Garnish with edible flowers: Add a touch of elegance by garnishing the quiche with delicate and colorful edible flowers, such as nasturtiums or pansies. These floral accents will not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide a subtle hint of floral notes.
Serve on fine porcelain: Present the ham and asparagus quiche on a beautiful, handcrafted porcelain plate. The choice of tableware should complement the sophistication of the dish and elevate the overall dining experience.
Accompany with a microgreen salad: Serve the quiche alongside a vibrant microgreen salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The freshness and crispness of the salad will balance the richness of the quiche and add a pop of color to the plate.
Drizzle with a balsamic reduction: Create an intricate drizzle pattern of balsamic reduction on the plate to add a touch of acidity and depth of flavor. The glossy swirls will enhance the visual appeal and provide a sophisticated finishing touch.
Sprinkle with edible gold leaf: For a luxurious touch, delicately sprinkle edible gold leaf over the quiche just before serving. The shimmering gold accents will elevate the presentation and convey a sense of opulence.
Essential Tools for Making Quiche
Rolling pin: A rolling pin is used to flatten and shape the pie dough into a 12-inch circle for the quiche crust.
Tart pan: A tart pan, preferably with a removable bottom, is used to bake the quiche and create the perfect shape for the dish.
Aluminum foil: Aluminum foil is used to line the pastry in the tart pan and to hold the baking weights in place during the pre-baking process.
Baking weights: Baking weights, such as sugar, dried beans, or rice, are used to weigh down the aluminum foil-lined pastry during the pre-baking process to prevent it from puffing up.
Skillet: A large nonstick skillet is used to sauté the shallots, asparagus, and ham for the quiche filling.
Whisk: A whisk is used to thoroughly combine the milk, cream, and eggs for the quiche filling, ensuring a smooth and even texture.
Baking sheet: A baking sheet is used to place the tart pan on during baking to catch any potential run-off from the quiche.
Wire rack: A wire rack is used to cool the pre-baked quiche crust and the fully baked quiche before slicing and serving.
Storing and Freezing Ham and Asparagus Quiche
- Let the quiche cool completely to room temperature before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, wrap the cooled quiche tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the quiche:
- Wrap the cooled quiche tightly with plastic wrap, then cover with a layer of aluminum foil. This double layer will help prevent freezer burn.
- Label the wrapped quiche with the date and contents.
- Place the wrapped quiche in the freezer, where it will keep for up to 2 months.
- To reheat a refrigerated quiche, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the quiche on a baking sheet and loosely cover with foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- If reheating a frozen quiche, do not thaw it first. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the frozen quiche on a baking sheet, and loosely cover with foil. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking to crisp up the crust, if desired.
- Individual slices of quiche can also be reheated in the microwave. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. The crust won't be as crisp as when reheated in the oven, but it's a quick option for a single serving.
How To Reheat Leftover Quiche
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover quiche on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. This method helps to retain moisture and prevent the quiche from drying out. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to crisp up the crust.
For a quicker option, you can reheat individual slices of quiche in the microwave. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed to your liking. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the eggs to become rubbery.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your quiche slices. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the quiche slices in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crispy.
For a stovetop method, place a slice of quiche in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the quiche is warmed through and the bottom is slightly crispy. This method works well for maintaining the texture of the crust.
If you want to reheat the entire quiche and have a bit more time, you can use the oven method but lower the temperature to 325°F (165°C). Cover the quiche with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through. This slower, lower-temperature method helps to evenly heat the filling without overbaking the eggs or crust.
Interesting Fact About Ham and Asparagus Quiche
Quiche Lorraine is a classic French dish that originated in the region of Lorraine. It traditionally includes bacon or lardons, eggs, and cream, and is a popular dish for brunch or lunch.
Is Making Quiche at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this ham and asparagus quiche recipe largely depends on the availability and prices of the ingredients in your area. Asparagus and ham can be moderately priced, while the remaining ingredients are commonly found in most households. The versatility of this dish makes it a worthwhile investment, as it can serve as a hearty breakfast, lunch, or dinner option. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20-$25, making it a reasonable choice for a homemade meal. Overall Verdict: 8/10
Is This Quiche Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The ham and asparagus quiche recipe is a delicious combination of flavors, but it may not be the healthiest option due to several factors:
- The pie dough is likely high in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates, which can contribute to heart disease and weight gain.
- The recipe calls for heavy cream and a significant amount of cheese, both of which are high in saturated fats and calories.
- Ham is often high in sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure and other health issues when consumed in excess.
However, the recipe does include some healthy ingredients, such as asparagus, which is a nutrient-dense vegetable rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The eggs provide a good source of protein and essential nutrients like choline and vitamin D.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use a whole wheat or almond flour crust to increase the fiber content and reduce the amount of refined carbohydrates.
- Replace the heavy cream with a lower-fat alternative, such as evaporated skim milk or Greek yogurt, to reduce the saturated fat content.
- Opt for a lower-sodium ham or replace it with a leaner protein source, such as turkey or chicken breast.
- Increase the amount of asparagus or add other vegetables, such as spinach or bell peppers, to boost the nutrient content and fiber.
- Use a reduced-fat cheese or decrease the amount of cheese used to lower the overall calorie and saturated fat content.
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious quiche that still delivers on flavor. Remember, enjoying foods like quiche in moderation and pairing them with a variety of nutrient-dense ingredients can help you maintain a healthy and satisfying diet.
Editor's Opinion on This Quiche Recipe
The ham and asparagus quiche recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of asparagus and ham adds a savory depth to the quiche, while the gruyere cheese provides a rich and creamy element. The pre-baked crust ensures a perfectly crisp base, and the addition of shallots adds a subtle sweetness. The cooking instructions are clear and easy to follow, resulting in a beautifully set and flavorful quiche. This recipe is a wonderful choice for a brunch or light dinner, and the balance of ingredients makes for a delicious and satisfying dish.
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Why trust this Ham and Asparagus Quiche Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of ham, asparagus, and gruyere cheese, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The careful preparation of the pie dough and the precise cooking instructions ensure a perfect, flaky crust and a creamy, flavorful filling. The use of fresh ingredients and the detailed step-by-step process reflect the expertise and passion of the chef, instilling confidence in the outcome. Trust in the quality of this recipe to deliver a delectable quiche that will impress and satisfy your culinary desires.
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