How to Create Savory Mini Quiches with Ham and Cheese

Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy mini quiche filled with delicious ham and gooey cheese early in the morning or as a comforting snack during the day. Creating these savory delights at home is easier than you might think. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as party appetizers, these mini quiches with ham and cheese are about to become your go-to recipe whenever you yearn for something tasty and fulfilling. Let’s dive into the simple steps to make these scrumptious little treats.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Before you start, let’s gather the ingredients. This recipe is straightforward, requiring items you likely already have in your kitchen.

1 pre-made pie crust (because we’re keeping it simple)
4 large eggs
1 cup of heavy cream or whole milk
1 cup of diced ham (feel free to use leftovers)
1 cup of shredded cheese (Cheddar or Swiss works great)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chives or green onions for garnish

Equipment:

A muffin tin, for that perfect mini size
A rolling pin (if rolling out the dough slightly)
A circular cookie cutter or a large glass
Mixing bowl
Whisk

Let’s Make Mini Quiches:

Step 1: Preparing the Pie Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), so it’s ready to go when your quiches are prepped. Take the pre-made pie crust out of the fridge, and roll it slightly on a flat surface to even it out. Using your cookie cutter or the rim of a glass, cut out circles a bit larger than the muffin tin compartments to ensure they will fit nicely as cups. Gently press these crust circles into the muffin tin, molding them to the shape. Prick the bottoms with a fork to prevent puffing up during baking.

Step 2: Mixing the Filling

In a mixing bowl, crack the eggs and add the heavy cream (or milk). Whisk them together until well combined. This is your base. Next, stir in the diced ham and shredded cheese, sprinkling a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Remember, the ham and cheese already bring saltiness, so be mindful of how much additional salt you add.

Step 3: Assembling Your Mini Quiches

Carefully pour or spoon the filling into each pie crust in the muffin tin. Fill them just below the rim to prevent overflowing as they cook. This step is where you can get the kids involved, as it’s pretty fun and mess-free!

Step 4: Baking Time

Pop your muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for the crusts to turn a beautiful golden brown, and the quiche filling to set and slightly puff up. An inserted toothpick should come out clean when they’re done.

Step 5: Serving

Once baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Use a butter knife or spatula to gently lift them out of the tin. Serve warm, garnished with chives or green onions for an extra touch of flavor and color.

Variations and Tips:

Vegetable Addition: Feel free to incorporate some vegetables into the mix, like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers, for an extra nutritional punch.
Mini Quiche Crustless Version: For a low-carb option, simply skip the pie crust. Ensure you grease the muffin tin well, and then pour the egg mixture directly in. The baking time may slightly decrease, so keep an eye on them.
Storage: These mini quiches store wonderfully. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven.

The Perfect Bite

Mini quiches are the perfect, bite-sized appetizers that won’t disappoint. Whether it’s for a quick breakfast on a lazy Sunday morning, a portable snack, or an easy yet impressive item for your next party, these ham and cheese mini quiches strike just the right balance of fancy and comforting. By following these simple steps, you’ll serve up a small bite with big flavor. Enjoy the process and the delightful outcome!