Ham and Cheese Quiche

Ham and Cheese Quiche is a springtime favorite with a delightful filling in a flaky crust. It's an excellent choice for brunch.

Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Pastry

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon chilled solid vegetable shortening
• 2 tablespoons cold water

Filling

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 cups (16 ounces) shredded Swiss cheese
• 1 cup chopped cooked ham
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup Half-and-Half
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• Pinch of ground nutmeg

Instructions

Pastry

1. In a medium bowl, mix together flour and salt. Using a pastry blender or 2 knives, cut shortening into flour mixture until coarse crumbs form.
2. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, tossing with a fork, until a dough forms. Shape dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
3. On a floured surface, using a floured rolling pin, roll dough into a 10-inch circle. Fit into a 9-inch quiche or pie pan. Trim edges.

Filling

1. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 6 to 8 minutes.
2. Remove from heat; cool.
3. Heat oven to 375 degrees F.
4. Sprinkle 3/4 cup of cheese over crust. Top with onion, then ham. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
5. Whisk together eggs, egg yolks, Half-and-Half, cream, salt, cayenne and nutmeg. Pour egg mixture over ham and cheese.
6. Bake quiche until golden and custard is set, 35 to 45 minutes.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Attribution

Photo credit: (c) Can Stock Photo / Azurita