Easy mornings start with easy meals—and this cheesy ham crustless quiche is a perfect example. Whether you’re making breakfast for the whole family or preparing something you can reheat throughout the week, this recipe delivers flavor, protein, and comfort all in one dish. With no crust to worry about, it’s low on fuss but big on satisfaction.
A crustless quiche is one of those brilliant dishes that sits somewhere between an omelet, a frittata, and a savory custard. It has all the creamy richness of a traditional quiche but without the extra step of rolling out dough. By skipping the crust, you save time while still ending up with a hearty, cheesy, and protein-packed meal that feels special but couldn’t be easier to make.
This version combines eggs, cheese, ham, onion, and a touch of sour cream for creaminess, making it flavorful, moist, and satisfying. It’s the type of dish that fits effortlessly into your weekly routine, yet still feels worthy of a brunch spread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this quiche, gather the following ingredients:
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk or half-and-half for added creaminess
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) sour cream (optional, but recommended for extra richness)
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (100 g) diced ham
- 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 g) diced onion
Each of these ingredients plays a specific role in both the texture and flavor of the dish. Eggs and milk form the base custard. The cheddar cheese brings melty texture and classic flavor. Parmesan adds depth and a slightly salty bite. Ham provides the savory protein punch, and onions bring a slight sweetness that balances everything out.
Preparation Instructions
This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal preparation. Here’s how to make it step-by-step.
1. Preheat your oven.
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm up while you prepare the quiche mixture.
2. Prepare your baking dish.
Lightly grease a 9-inch (23 cm) pie plate or any round baking dish with oil or butter. This prevents sticking and helps create a clean release when you slice and serve.
3. Saute the onions (optional but recommended).
Although you can use raw diced onions, sautéing them briefly in a pan over medium heat with a small amount of butter or oil helps bring out their natural sweetness and mellow their flavor. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until translucent. Set aside.
4. Mix the eggs, milk, and sour cream.
In a large mixing bowl, crack in the eggs. Whisk them thoroughly until fully beaten, then pour in the milk (or half-and-half) and the sour cream if using. Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.
5. Add the rest of the ingredients.
To the egg mixture, stir in the shredded cheddar, diced ham, grated Parmesan, and sautéed onions. Mix gently until everything is evenly distributed.
6. Pour into the prepared dish.
Transfer the entire mixture to the greased baking dish. Use a spatula to spread everything evenly so the ham and cheese are not clumped in one area.
7. Bake.
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is just set. You can check doneness by gently shaking the dish—it should jiggle slightly in the middle but not be watery.
8. Cool and serve.
Let the quiche cool for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This helps it firm up and makes serving easier.
Serving Suggestions
This crustless quiche makes an excellent centerpiece for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. It can be served warm, at room temperature, or even cold. Here are a few great pairing ideas:
- Toasted bread or croissants
- Fresh fruit or a fruit salad
- A green side salad with light vinaigrette
- Roasted potatoes or hash browns
- Hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream on top
It’s equally delicious as part of a Sunday family breakfast or a quick weekday lunch.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this quiche is how well it stores and reheats. That makes it ideal for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat slices in the microwave (about 1 minute) or in a toaster oven.
- For freezing, let the quiche cool completely, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
You can also prepare the mixture the night before and store it in the fridge, covered. In the morning, simply pour it into the baking dish and bake fresh.
Substitutions and Variations
This crustless quiche is easy to customize to your tastes or based on what’s in your fridge. Here are a few ways to change things up:
Cheese Options:
While cheddar and Parmesan are a classic combo, you can swap in mozzarella, Gruyère, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or feta depending on what flavor profile you want.
Meat Alternatives:
Instead of ham, try cooked bacon, sausage, shredded chicken, or turkey. You can also skip meat altogether for a vegetarian version.
Vegetables:
Add cooked spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for more nutrients and color. Just make sure any vegetables are pre-cooked to remove excess moisture, which can affect the quiche’s texture.
Dairy-Free Version:
Use a plant-based milk (such as oat or almond milk) and skip the sour cream and cheese, or substitute with dairy-free versions.
Spices and Herbs:
Enhance the flavor by adding black pepper, garlic powder, fresh parsley, chives, thyme, or paprika.
This adaptability makes it a great go-to recipe that can evolve with the seasons or your pantry.
Why Crustless?
Removing the crust simplifies the recipe and reduces prep time. It also makes the dish naturally gluten-free (if your ingredients are certified gluten-free) and lowers the carbohydrate content. For those watching their diet, dealing with allergies, or simply looking to save time, going crustless is a win-win.
Despite the absence of crust, the quiche retains structure and texture. The edges develop a golden, slightly crispy layer, while the inside stays moist and custardy.
Nutrition Profile
Although nutritional values will vary depending on substitutions and portions, a standard slice of this crustless quiche is high in protein and provides a good amount of calcium and vitamin D from the eggs and cheese. It’s a balanced option that can keep you full and energized without being heavy or overly indulgent.
Because of its protein-rich ingredients, it makes a great start to the day, especially for those who want to avoid sugary breakfasts. You can also cut it into small squares for a high-protein snack or appetizer.
Crowd-Friendly and Foolproof
If you’re hosting brunch or need to bring a dish to a potluck, this crustless quiche is an ideal choice. It transports easily, holds up well at room temperature, and satisfies a wide variety of dietary preferences. You can double the recipe and bake it in a larger dish or use muffin tins to create individual servings.
It’s also beginner-friendly. Unlike a classic quiche with crust, there’s no worry about soggy bottoms or dough shrinkage. Just mix, pour, and bake.
A Great Use for Leftovers
Got leftover ham from a holiday meal? This recipe is a perfect way to use it up. The same goes for leftover roasted vegetables, cheese ends, or that last bit of milk you need to finish. The forgiving nature of the recipe makes it ideal for reducing food waste and saving money while still eating well.
Final Thoughts
This easy and cheesy ham crustless quiche is more than just a recipe—it’s a solution for busy mornings, quick dinners, and everything in between. It offers the perfect blend of comfort, flavor, and nutrition without requiring complex steps or ingredients. Once you try it, you’ll likely find yourself making it over and over, switching up the fillings to match the seasons or your cravings.
From its golden top to its creamy center, every bite of this quiche is warm, welcoming, and packed with flavor. Keep it simple or make it your own with new twists. Either way, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.