Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this amazing dish I recently whipped up in the kitchen: Hash Brown Crust Quiche with Ham and Sharp Cheddar! It’s like a little slice of heaven wrapped in crispy, crunchy goodness. You know, there are some recipes that just stick with you through the years, and this one is definitely at the top of my list.
I remember the first time I made this quiche for a lazy Sunday brunch with friends. We had just finished a long week, and I wanted to treat everyone to something comforting and filling. The combination of savory ham, sharp cheddar, and crispy hash browns won over everyone’s hearts—and their stomachs! Plus, it’s super simple to make. So, let’s dive into how to create this delightful dish because I know you’re going to love it just as much as I do!
What’s in Hash Brown Crust Quiche with Ham and Sharp Cheddar?
Frozen Hash Browns: The star of the show! These crispy little potatoes form the base of our quiche, creating a deliciously crunchy crust that’s hard to resist. I typically use a brand with minimal ingredients—just potatoes, please!
Unsalted Butter: This helps bind the hash browns while adding a lovely buttery flavor. Trust me, don’t skip this step!
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that really heighten the flavors of the dish. A little pinch can make a world of difference!
Diced Ham: I love using leftover ham from a holiday feast, but pre-cooked deli ham works great too. This adds a savory, hearty bite.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The sharper, the better! Nothing beats that rich, tangy flavor melting into the quiche. My personal favorite brand is sharp, but feel free to experiment with your preferred brand.
Green Onions: A splash of freshness to balance out the richness of the dish. Plus, they just look pretty!
Milk: This creates a creamy texture in the filling. Whole milk is my go-to, but you can use whichever kind you prefer.
Large Eggs: These are key to binding everything together—plus, they add that fluffy, custardy goodness.
Paprika: This one’s optional, but I like to add it for a little extra warmth and color!
Is Hash Brown Crust Quiche with Ham and Sharp Cheddar Good for You?
This quiche is packed with flavor, but let’s be real—it’s not a salad! However, it does have some great nutrition benefits. The combination of protein from the eggs and ham will keep you feeling full and satisfied. The sharp cheddar not only adds calcium but also has a strong flavor, so a little goes a long way.
On the downside, it’s a higher-calorie dish due to the cheese and butter. If you’re watching your waistline, you could lighten it up by using less cheese or opting for a lower-fat milk. But honestly? Sometimes you just have to indulge and enjoy the deliciousness!
Ingredients:
– 4 cups frozen hash browns, thawed
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup diced ham
– 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
– 1 cup milk
– 4 large eggs
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
– Additional salt and pepper, to taste
This recipe serves about 6 hungry brunchers, or you can enjoy leftovers for a couple of days (if it lasts that long in your house)!
How to Make Hash Brown Crust Quiche with Ham and Sharp Cheddar?
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a pie dish or quiche pan with cooking spray or butter.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, melted butter, salt, and black pepper. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pie dish to form a crust.
3. Bake the hash brown crust in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
4. While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs until well combined. Add paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Once the crust is done, remove it from the oven and reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C).
6. Evenly spread the diced ham, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions over the hash brown crust.
7. Pour the egg mixture over the ham and cheese layer, ensuring it reaches the edges of the crust.
8. Bake the quiche for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted comes out clean.
9. Let the quiche cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Brunch Bliss and Serving Suggestions!
Serve this scrumptious quiche with a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad for balance. It’s fantastic warm but also holds up beautifully if you want to make it ahead—perfect for meal prep! You could even throw in some veggies like spinach or bell peppers for a twist, depending on what you have on hand.
So, there you have it! I can’t wait for you to try this Hash Brown Crust Quiche with Ham and Sharp Cheddar. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Give it a whirl and be sure to let me know how it turns out—your taste buds are in for a treat! Happy cooking!
