There are some recipes I make because they’re impressive, and then there are recipes I make because they’re easy, dependable, and absolutely delicious. This Ham and Cheese Crustless Quiche belongs firmly in the second category. It is creamy, savory, cheesy, and filled with small pieces of ham, while skipping the hassle of making a crust. As the original recipe puts it, “Just whisk everything together, pour it into a baking dish, and let the oven do the work.”
A crustless quiche has all the familiar flavors of traditional quiche without the pastry. Eggs, milk, cream, ham, and cheese are baked directly in a greased dish, creating a soft center with lightly golden edges. The recipe is also useful when you have leftover ham and works well for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. You can easily change the cheese or add vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, or peppers, as long as watery vegetables are cooked and drained first.
For the basic recipe, you’ll need 8 large eggs, 1 cup milk, ½ cup heavy cream, 1½ cups diced cooked ham, 1½ cups shredded cheddar, ½ cup mozzarella, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Fresh parsley or green onions can be added if desired. Almost any cooked ham works, including leftover baked ham or deli ham. If the ham is already salty, reduce the added salt.
To make it, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch baking dish. Whisk the eggs, milk, and cream until smooth, then mix in the seasonings, ham, and cheese. Pour everything into the dish and bake for about 35–45 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set with a slight jiggle. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. “Don’t overbake it,” because too much time in the oven can make the eggs rubbery.
This quiche is also convenient for meal preparation. Once cooled, it can be covered and refrigerated for 3–4 days, while individual slices can be frozen for up to 2–3 months for best quality. Serve it warm with fresh fruit, a green salad, or roasted vegetables. With minimal preparation and no pastry to make, it’s a simple, filling meal that can easily be adapted to whatever ingredients you already have.
