Mini Quiches with Ham and Cheese are the perfect bite-sized savory pastries — rich, creamy, and utterly satisfying. These little delights are made with a buttery crust (or even crustless, if you prefer), filled with a custardy egg mixture, diced ham, melted cheese, and a touch of herbs. They bake up golden and fluffy, delivering a delicious combination of salty ham, gooey cheese, and creamy eggs in every bite.

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, parties, or even a quick grab-and-go snack, these mini quiches are as versatile as they are tasty. You can serve them warm, at room temperature, or even chilled — they never disappoint.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it captures the essence of comfort and convenience in one small, flavorful package. The combination of ham and cheese is timeless — it’s salty, creamy, and deeply satisfying. But what makes this recipe truly special is how simple it is to prepare, yet it looks elegant enough to serve at any brunch buffet or holiday table.

Mini quiches are also wonderfully portable and freezer-friendly. You can bake them ahead of time, reheat when needed, and they’ll taste just as fresh.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it’s practical, delicious, and customizable. Whether you’re hosting guests or meal prepping for the week, mini quiches are your best friend. They’re high in protein, easy to portion, and perfect for using up leftover ham or cheese.

You can make dozens in one batch, mix and match fillings, and serve them for any occasion — from brunch parties to afternoon tea.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings and Nutritional Info

• Servings: 12 mini quiches
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 150 kcal

Course and Cuisine

• Course: Breakfast / Brunch / Appetizer
• Cuisine: French-Inspired / American

Ingredients

For the Quiche Base:

• 1 refrigerated pie crust (or homemade pastry dough)
• 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the muffin tin)

For the Filling:

• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
• ½ cup diced cooked ham
• ¾ cup shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped chives or parsley
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for a classic French quiche flavor)

Optional Add-ins:

• ¼ cup finely diced onions or bell peppers
• A handful of baby spinach, chopped

Cooking Directions (Overview)

1. Preheat the oven and prepare your muffin tin.
2. Roll out the pie crust and cut small rounds to fit into each muffin cup.
3. Whisk together the eggs, cream, and seasonings.
4. Add ham and cheese to the crusts, pour in the egg mixture, and bake until golden.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Muffin Pan

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin lightly with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Pastry Crust

1. Roll out the pie crust on a lightly floured surface.
2. Using a round cookie cutter (about 3 inches in diameter), cut out 12 circles.
3. Gently press each circle into the muffin cups to form mini crusts.
4. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.

Step 3: Make the Egg Filling

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream (or milk), salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
2. Stir in diced ham, shredded cheese, and herbs.
3. If desired, add any extra vegetables (like onions or spinach).

Step 4: Fill and Bake

1. Remove the chilled crusts from the fridge.
2. Spoon the ham and cheese filling evenly into each crust (about ¾ full).
3. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are puffed and lightly golden.
4. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing carefully.

How to Serve

Serve Mini Quiches with Ham and Cheese:

• Warm, with a side of mixed greens or fruit salad for breakfast or brunch
• At room temperature as part of a party platter or picnic spread
• With a small bowl of soup for a light lunch

They pair beautifully with coffee, orange juice, or sparkling wine for a brunch gathering.

Recipe Tips

• Use cold pastry dough for the crispiest crust.
• Don’t overfill the cups — the mixture expands as it bakes.
• If you’re using watery veggies (like spinach or bell peppers), sauté them first to remove excess moisture.
• Let quiches cool for a few minutes before removing from the tin to avoid breaking the crusts.
• You can skip the crust entirely for a low-carb, crustless version — just grease the muffin tin well.

Variations

• Crustless Mini Quiches: Omit the crust and pour the egg mixture directly into greased muffin cups.
• Vegetarian: Replace ham with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers.
• Cheese Lovers: Try Gruyère, mozzarella, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
• Mediterranean Style: Add feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped olives instead of ham and cheddar.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store cooled quiches in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap each quiche individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag.
• Reheating: Reheat from frozen in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 30–45 seconds.

Special Equipment Needed

• 12-cup muffin tin
• Rolling pin and round cutter (if using pastry crust)
• Whisk and mixing bowls
• Oven and cooling rack

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake them ahead and refrigerate or freeze them, then reheat when ready to serve.

Q2: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Absolutely — whole milk or half-and-half works perfectly. The texture will be a bit lighter.

Q3: Can I make these crustless?
Yes! Just grease the muffin tin well and pour the filling directly inside. They’ll hold their shape beautifully once baked.

Q4: Can I use other meats besides ham?
Of course! Try bacon bits, sausage crumbles, or even smoked salmon for variety.

Q5: How do I prevent soggy bottoms?
Pre-chill your crusts before filling, and avoid adding wet ingredients without cooking them first.

Conclusion

Mini Quiches with Ham and Cheese are a delicious, elegant, and fuss-free addition to any table. Their creamy, cheesy filling and flaky crust make them irresistible, while their small size makes them perfect for any occasion — from breakfast gatherings to festive parties.

They’re versatile, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable — truly one of those recipes that every home cook should know. Once you try these golden, savory bites, you’ll find yourself making them again and again.