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This ham and cheese quiche cooked in the slow cooker seriously changed how I start my mornings when things get hectic or when family comes over. I just throw a bunch of easy stuff in the crockpot either before bed or at sunrise, then wake up to a gooey, cozy, filling breakfast already waiting for me.
On a gray Saturday, I made this because I had leftover ham and eggs sitting around. My kids polished it off and asked for more. It quickly became something we make again and again.
Tasty Ingredients
- Fresh parsley: Makes every bite extra bright just before serving.
- Spinach or bell peppers: Throw in some greens or a chopped pepper for color and extra nutrition.
- Dried thyme: Gives a nice herbal twist if you’ve got it.
- Salt: Each bite pops with a pinch of sea salt or kosher salt.
- Black pepper: Adds just enough spice without stealing the spotlight.
- Garlic powder: A sprinkle kicks up the flavor ever so slightly.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth—pick a firm one with shiny skin.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Every piece gets melted and gooey. Grate it fresh for best results.
- Cooked ham: Packs in protein and salty goodness. Get some without a bunch of weird stuff.
- Milk: Whole milk or half and half makes it rich and creamy.
- Eggs: Fluffs everything up and holds it all together. Fresh large eggs are best here.
Simple Steps
- Top It Off:
- When it’s done, sprinkle with parsley and serve warm—slice straight from the slow cooker or put it on a platter.
- Let It Cook:
- Pop the lid on your crockpot. Set to low for about 4-5 hours or crank it to high for 2-3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready if the middle is set and puffed, and a knife poked in the center comes out clean.
- Fill It Up:
- Fold in ham, cheese, onions, and any spinach or peppers you’re using. Mix so every bite gets a bit of everything.
- Mix It Up:
- Crack eggs in a big bowl. Add milk, salt, pepper, a shake of garlic powder, and thyme if you want. Whisk like crazy until smooth and bubbly.
- Cook the Onions:
- If you want things sweeter, saute the chopped onion in butter or oil over medium heat until they’re soft and smell amazing. Let them cool for a bit.
- Slick the Pot:
- Rub butter or spray inside your slow cooker to stop anything sticking and make cleaning up a breeze.
- Pour and Smooth:
- Tip your mixture into the greased pot. Spread into an even layer so it cooks right.
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Ham wins for me every time because it reminds me of happy Easter breakfasts with family. At our house, the bits with the cheesy crust on the edges disappear quick. Everyone looks forward to those crispy bites!
How to Store
Wait till leftovers are cool, then seal them up in a container. They’ll keep in the fridge for about four days. Pop pieces in the microwave or low oven to warm gently—no rubbery eggs here. For longer storage, slice it up, stack with parchment in between, and freeze. Super handy.
Swap Outs
Use bacon, sausage, or turkey chunks instead of ham if you want. Switch cheddar for Monterey Jack, Swiss, or Gruyère depending on what’s in your cheese drawer. Leaving out the meat? Toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli for a veggie boost.
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Ways to Serve
Dish it up with sliced fruit or a big leafy salad for something light. Throw in roasted spuds or toast for a more filling spread. A spoonful of salsa or a bit of sour cream makes it extra tasty.
Cultural Background
Quiche comes from France, but this slow cooker version skips the crust and feels a lot more chill, kind of like the way Americans share food at potlucks. It’s all about making breakfast easy and bringing folks together, just without the hassle of traditional pastry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → Can I use other types of cheese?
Totally! Try Swiss, Gruyère, or any cheese you like to switch up the taste.
- → Should onions be sautéed beforehand?
Cooking onions first will make them sweeter and softer, but if you’re in a hurry, just toss them in raw.
- → How can I prevent the quiche from sticking?
Slather the inside of your crockpot with lots of butter or give it a solid spray with non-stick stuff to make getting it out way easier.
- → Can I add extra vegetables?
Of course! Toss in bell peppers, spinach, or anything you’ve got on hand with the rest of the ingredients for extra veggies and color.
- → How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Pop any cooled pieces into a sealed container in your fridge for up to four days. When you want more, just warm it in your oven or microwave.
- → Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
For a meat-free version, skip the ham and load up on more veggies or use something like veggie sausage.