Ham and Asparagus Quiche
By Paula Carney
A quiche is a delicious savory tart, rich in flavor with a crust made of your favorite baking flour, eggs and cheese. Let’s face it, a quiche is one of the most versatile dishes you can make. The combinations are only limited by your imagination. One of my favorite versions is this Ham and Asparagus Quiche recipe. It is a perfect meal for any time of day, and perfect for special occasions.
How to Choose Quality Ingredients for a Delicious Quiche
The quality of the ingredients is the most important part of making a delicious quiche. It is important to choose the freshest ingredients that you can find. This also applies to the kind of cheese you choose. You will want to use a good quality, aged cheese that is flavorful, such as swiss or cheddar.
As far as the ham, look for one that has not been processed with nitrates. This will provide you with a healthier and more authentic flavor. If ham is not your preference, substitute with diced cooked bacon, or even diced cooked chicken for a delicious alternative.
When selecting asparagus, it is important to look for stalks that are a bright green color and have firm spears. If the stalks are wilted or the tips are wilted, try to find another bunch of asparagus.
How to Prep the Ingredients for the Quiche Recipe
Once you have gathered all the ingredients, prepping the ingredients is the next step. The asparagus should be washed and trimmed of the woody ends. Then cut them into small pieces, about one inch in length.
The ham needs to be cooked and diced into small cubes, about half the size of the asparagus pieces. Allow the cooked ham and asparagus to cool slightly before assembling the quiche.
When assembling the quiche, it is important to line the tart with parchment paper and grease the sides with butter or cooking spray. This step will help ensure that the quiche does not stick to the sides.
Ingredients for Delicious Ham and Asparagus Quiche Recipe
- 1 premade pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup grated cheese (your choice of swiss or cheddar)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
- 1/2 cup diced cooked asparagus
Instructions for Delicious Ham and Asparagus Quiche Recipe
- Bake your premade pie crust, set aside and allow it to cool.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika until well blended.
- Stir in the grated cheese, diced ham, and diced asparagus, and pour into the cooled tart.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the center is barely set.
- Allow the quiche to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before cutting and serving.
Additional Tips for Making a Delicious Quiche
There are a few additional tips that can help you in making a delicious quiche.
First, you can substitue the ham and asparagus with other ingredients such as cooked bacon, spinach, or tomatoes. Also, you can omit the heavy cream and use a combination of milk and cream cheese. This will still provide you with a rich and creamy texture.
To make your quiche a bit more special, you can add in some cooked shrimp or crabmeat, or mix in some roasted red pepper pieces. These ingredients all taste great in a quiche and can take the dish up to the next level.
Finally, quiche tastes even better served warm. If you are not planning on served your quiche immediately, put it in the refrigerator and re-heat in the oven when ready to serve.
Homemade quiche is a great way to enjoy a savory dish for any occasion. This Ham and Asparagus Quiche is flavorful and truly delicious. With a few simple adjustments, you can transform any quiche into a side or main dish.
Both delicious and satisfying, a quiche provides excellent nutrition and so much versatility. You can whip up this Ham and Asparagus Quiche in no time and have a satisfying meal in no time. Quiche is the perfect dish to use in meal-preps or for entertaining. Enjoy!
