Imagine biting into a perfectly portioned, savory delight – a mini quiche cup bursting with the smoky goodness of ham and the creamy richness of cheese. These little wonders are surprisingly easy to make and are perfect for brunch, appetizers, or even a quick and satisfying snack. This guide will walk you through every step, ensuring your mini quiche cups are a guaranteed hit.
Ingredients & Preparation
Essential Ingredients
- Refrigerated Pie Crust: One 14.1-ounce package (or homemade equivalent) provides the perfect flaky base. Pre-made crusts offer convenience, but homemade adds a special touch.
- Eggs: 4 large eggs are the binding agent and provide the quiche’s structure. Use fresh, high-quality eggs for the best flavor.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup of heavy cream creates a rich and decadent custard. For a lighter option, you can substitute with half-and-half, but the texture will be less creamy.
- Cooked Ham: 4 ounces of diced cooked ham adds a savory, smoky flavor. Consider using different types of ham, like Black Forest or honey-baked, for variations.
- Shredded Cheese: 1 cup of shredded cheese, such as cheddar, Gruyere, or Swiss, provides a cheesy, melty goodness. A combination of cheeses can also be used for a more complex flavor profile.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Seasoning is crucial to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients. A pinch of nutmeg can also add a warm, subtle spice.
- Optional Garnishes: Fresh chives, parsley, or a sprinkle of paprika for visual appeal.
Kitchen Tools & Equipment
- Muffin Tin: A 12-cup muffin tin is essential for creating the individual quiche cups.
- Rolling Pin: For slightly thinning the pie crust, if needed.
- Cookie Cutters or Knife: To cut out circles of dough to fit the muffin tin.
- Mixing Bowls: For whisking the eggs and combining the ingredients.
- Whisk: To thoroughly blend the egg mixture.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
Preparation Steps
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and a golden-brown crust.
- Prepare the Pie Crust: On a lightly floured surface, unroll the pie crust. If desired, gently roll it out to slightly thin it. Use a cookie cutter or knife to cut out circles slightly larger than the diameter of your muffin tin cups.
- Line the Muffin Tin: Gently press each circle of dough into the muffin tin cups, ensuring it fits snugly against the bottom and sides. Prick the bottom of each crust with a fork to prevent puffing.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, and pepper until well combined. Add the diced ham and shredded cheese to the egg mixture and stir to distribute evenly.
Cooking Instructions
Step-by-Step Process
- Fill the Crusts: Carefully pour the ham and cheese mixture into each prepared pie crust, filling them almost to the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. A slight jiggle in the center is okay; it will firm up as it cools.
- Cool: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the mini quiche cups cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Techniques
- Blind Baking (Optional): For an extra crispy crust, you can blind bake the crusts before adding the filling. Line the crusts with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper and bake for another 5 minutes before adding the filling.
- Even Filling Distribution: Ensure the ham and cheese are evenly distributed in the egg mixture to prevent some quiche cups from having more filling than others.
Quality Indicators
- Crust: The crust should be golden brown and flaky, not soggy.
- Filling: The filling should be set and firm, not runny. A slight jiggle in the center when gently shaken is acceptable, as it will continue to set as it cools.
- Color: The top of the quiche cups should be lightly golden brown.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal | 11% |
| Total Fat | 15g | 19% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 120mg | 40% |
| Sodium | 300mg | 13% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 10g | 4% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Total Sugars | 2g | – |
| Protein | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin C | 0mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 80mg | 8% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
*Based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Serving & Variations
Best Serving Methods
Serve the mini quiche cups warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own or as part of a brunch spread. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley for added visual appeal.
Flavor Variations
- Vegetarian: Substitute the ham with sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Bacon and Cheddar: Replace the ham with cooked bacon and use cheddar cheese.
- Spinach and Feta: Add sautéed spinach and crumbled feta cheese.
- Lorraine: Use bacon or pancetta and Gruyere cheese.
Pairing Suggestions
These mini quiche cups pair well with a fresh green salad, fruit salad, or a side of roasted vegetables. A light vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the quiche.
Pro Tip
For perfectly even cooking, rotate the muffin tin halfway through the baking time. This ensures that all the quiche cups bake at the same rate and prevents any from becoming overcooked or undercooked.
FAQ
How long does it take to prepare Mini quiche cups with ham and cheese?
Preparation takes approximately 20 minutes, and cooking takes 20-25 minutes. The total time is around 40-45 minutes.
Can I make Mini quiche cups with ham and cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
What are the best substitutes for key ingredients?
- Heavy Cream: Half-and-half or milk can be used, but the texture will be less creamy.
- Ham: Bacon, sausage, or cooked chicken can be substituted.
- Cheese: Any cheese that melts well can be used, such as cheddar, Gruyere, Swiss, or mozzarella.
Conclusion
These mini quiche cups with ham and cheese are a delightful and versatile treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their flaky crust and savory filling, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating these delicious little masterpieces. Happy baking!
Mini Quiche Cups with Ham and Cheese
Equipment
- 12-cup muffin tin
- mixing bowl
- whisk
- measuring cup
- oven mitts
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk or half-and-half
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup diced ham
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or nonstick spray (for greasing muffin tin)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with olive oil or nonstick spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Divide the diced ham, shredded cheese, and green onions evenly among the muffin cups.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly into each cup, filling about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, until the centers are set and the tops are lightly golden.
- Cool slightly before removing from pan. Serve warm or at room temperature.