Experience the culinary marvel that is the Impossible Quiche—a dish so effortlessly brilliant, it feels like magic. Forget the hassle of preparing pie dough; this Ham & Cheese Impossible Quiche magically forms its own delicious, golden crust right in your pie dish. Packed with savory ham, rich cheese, and a hint of onion, this recipe delivers a perfect, satisfying breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner that will leave everyone impressed. It’s called impossible because, truly, it shouldn’t be this easy and delicious, yet it absolutely is!
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Imagine a rich, creamy, and wonderfully cheesy quiche, generously filled with savory ham and delicately balanced with a touch of sweet onion. We’ve taken the beloved flavors of a classic quiche Lorraine and reimagined them in the most astonishingly simple way possible: the impossible quiche method! The secret star of this incredibly easy recipe is Bisquick baking mix, a pantry staple that has been simplifying home cooking for generations. Impossible quiche recipes have a rich history, dating back to the earliest days of Bisquick’s introduction, often featured directly on their boxes as a testament to its versatile and foolproof nature. This innovative approach allows you to achieve that desired crusty bottom without any of the traditional fuss, transforming a seemingly complex dish into an effortless culinary delight.
Why You’ll Adore This Easy Ham & Cheese Impossible Quiche
- Effortless Crust: Say goodbye to the time-consuming process of making or buying a pie crust! This recipe masterfully forms its own savory, golden crust as it bakes, truly earning its “impossible” title. It’s perfect for novice bakers and seasoned cooks alike who appreciate convenience without compromising on flavor or texture.
- Simple One-Bowl Preparation: Almost everything comes together in a single bowl, making cleanup an absolute breeze. This streamlines your cooking process, allowing you to whip up a gourmet-tasting dish with minimal fuss and maximum enjoyment.
- Flavor-Packed & Satisfying: Bursting with a hearty blend of diced ham, melty cheese, and aromatic onion, this quiche is a symphony of savory flavors. It’s robust enough to be a standalone meal, yet elegant enough for any special occasion or brunch spread.
- Foolproof Results Every Time: The unique self-crusting mechanism of this recipe ensures consistent results. You’ll achieve a perfectly set, tender custard with a delightful crusty base, creating a truly remarkable dish with minimal effort.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch, a quick weeknight dinner, or need a dish to feed a crowd, this impossible quiche fits the bill. It’s incredibly versatile and always a crowd-pleaser.
Unlocking the “Impossible” Magic Behind Bisquick
The concept of “impossible” or self-crusting pies has fascinated home cooks for decades, and it all hinges on the ingenious properties of Bisquick. Unlike traditional quiches that require a separate pastry crust, this recipe skips that step entirely. Here’s how the magic unfolds: you combine the Bisquick baking mix directly into your rich egg custard. As the quiche bakes, the heavier flour and leavening agents in the Bisquick settle to the bottom of the pie dish, even amidst the chunks of ham and cheese. This separation creates a distinct, golden-brown crust at the base, while the lighter egg mixture remains suspended above, baking into a tender, savory custard. It’s a marvel of simple kitchen chemistry!
This clever technique makes the Impossible Quiche a game-changer for anyone who finds pie dough intimidating or simply wants a quicker, less fussy way to enjoy a delicious quiche. There’s no need for rolling pins, chilling dough, or blind baking; just mix, pour, and bake. The result is consistently delightful: a perfectly set quiche with a satisfyingly firm, yet tender crust that beautifully complements the creamy filling. It’s not magic in the mystical sense, but rather a brilliant culinary shortcut that delivers incredible taste and texture with minimal effort, making it a fantastic recipe for busy mornings, relaxed brunches, or even a light and elegant dinner.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Impossible Quiche
Creating this irresistible Ham & Cheese Impossible Quiche requires just a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in its incredible flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need to gather, along with some tips for best results and possible variations:
- Ham: The star of our savory filling! I recommend using a good quality, fully cooked ham. This could be a thick slice from the deli, leftover spiral-cut ham from a holiday meal, or even diced ham steak. The key is to cut it into small, even pieces so it distributes well throughout the quiche and provides a burst of flavor in every bite. Avoid overly salty ham if possible, or adjust your added salt accordingly.
- Swiss Cheese: Traditionally, Swiss cheese offers a wonderful nutty and slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with ham. For the best melting and flavor, I highly recommend buying a block of Swiss cheese and shredding it yourself. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect their melt. If Swiss isn’t your favorite, feel free to substitute with Jarlsberg, Gruyere, sharp cheddar, or even a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
- Onion: A small amount of finely chopped onion adds a crucial layer of aromatic depth to the quiche. Yellow or white onions work perfectly here. For a milder flavor, you can briefly sauté the onion before adding it to the mix, or even use green onions for a fresher, lighter touch. The food processor makes quick work of chopping the onion evenly.
- Milk: This forms the base of our creamy custard. Any type of milk you have on hand will work, from whole milk to 2%. Whole milk will yield a richer, more luxurious quiche, while lower-fat options will still be delicious but slightly lighter in texture.
- Heavy Cream: For that extra touch of indulgence, heavy cream is essential. It contributes to the quiche’s incredibly rich, velvety texture and luxurious mouthfeel. While this isn’t a diet dish, the cream truly elevates it, providing a depth of flavor that can’t be replicated.
- Eggs: The binding agent for our quiche! Fresh, large eggs are best. They create the custardy structure that holds all the delicious fillings together. Ensure they are well whisked to integrate properly with the dairy and Bisquick.
- Bisquick Baking Mix: The magic ingredient! Bisquick is what makes this quiche “impossible” by forming its own crust. Don’t substitute it with plain flour, as its specific blend of flour, leavening, and shortening is critical for the self-crusting effect.
- Salt: A pinch of salt is necessary to enhance and balance the flavors of all the ingredients. Taste your ham first, and if it’s quite salty, you might want to slightly reduce the added salt.
Essential Equipment You’ll Need
While this recipe is incredibly simple, having the right tools can make the process even smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need in your kitchen:
- A Pie Dish: A standard 9-inch pie dish (glass or ceramic) is perfect for this recipe. Ensure it’s deep enough to hold all the delicious filling.
- Nonstick Cooking Spray: Absolutely essential for preventing the quiche from sticking and ensuring that the self-formed crust lifts out easily.
- A Food Processor: This is my “cheffy trick” for making this dish even quicker and easier. A food processor finely chops the ham, cheese, and onion in mere seconds, ensuring even distribution and saving you precious prep time. If you don’t have one, a sharp knife and a cutting board will work just fine – just be sure to chop everything finely and uniformly.
- Large Mixing Bowl: For whisking together the egg and dairy mixture.
- Whisk: To thoroughly combine the eggs, milk, cream, and Bisquick, ensuring no lumps remain in your custard.
- Baking Sheet: A rimmed baking sheet is highly recommended to place your pie dish on before baking. This makes it easier to transport the quiche to and from the oven, and it will catch any potential spillover, keeping your oven clean.
Crafting the Best Ham & Cheese Impossible Quiche: A Step-by-Step Guide
This impossible quiche recipe truly lives up to its name for ease and simplicity. My top “cheffy trick” to make this dish even more straightforward is to leverage the power of your food processor. When I used to make dozens of quiches at a time, the food processor was invaluable for quickly preparing the filling, ensuring everything was uniformly chopped and ready to go. Follow these steps for a perfect, golden quiche every time:
- Prepare Your Oven and Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking and crust formation. While the oven preheats, generously spray a 9-inch pie dish with nonstick cooking spray. Don’t skimp on this step, as it’s crucial for the quiche to release easily after baking.
- Chop the Onion: Add your half onion, roughly chopped, to a food processor. Pulse it a few times until it’s finely chopped but not pureed. This ensures a delicate flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients. If you don’t have a food processor, finely dice the onion by hand.
- Process Ham and Cheese: Cut the ham and Swiss cheese into smaller, manageable chunks. Add these to the food processor with the chopped onion. Pulse again until the ham and cheese are coarsely chopped and well combined with the onion. Aim for a texture where the pieces are small enough to distribute throughout the custard but still noticeable.
- Fill the Pie Dish: Carefully transfer the ham, cheese, and onion mixture into the prepared pie dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom, filling the dish about two-thirds of the way. This leaves ample space for the custard. For easier handling and to catch any potential drips, place the filled pie dish onto a rimmed baking sheet before moving on.
- Prepare the Custard Base: In a large mixing bowl, crack the four eggs. Using a whisk, beat the eggs until they are light and frothy. This incorporates air, which contributes to a fluffy texture. Next, add the milk and heavy cream to the whisked eggs and continue to whisk until all liquids are thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Incorporate the Bisquick: Now, add the Bisquick baking mix to your egg-milk-cream custard. Whisk vigorously until the Bisquick is fully incorporated and there are absolutely no lumps. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thickened. This is the crucial step where the “impossible” crust magic begins!
- Season the Custard: Add a pinch of salt to the custard mixture and whisk it in. Remember to consider the saltiness of your ham when adding salt here.
- Combine and Pour: Slowly and carefully pour the custard and Bisquick mixture over the top of the ham and cheese filling in the pie dish. Pour until the dish is almost full, leaving a small amount of space at the top to prevent overflow during baking. Ensure the liquid evenly covers the solid ingredients.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the baking sheet with the quiche to your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 50-60 minutes. The quiche is ready when the center has puffed up, the top is beautifully golden-brown, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The center should be set and not overly jiggly.
- Rest, Slice, and Enjoy!: Once baked, remove the quiche from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the custard to fully set, making for cleaner slices. Then, cut into wedges and serve warm!
Chef Jenn’s Expert Tips for the Best Impossible Quiche
To ensure your Ham & Cheese Impossible Quiche turns out perfectly every time, here are a few extra pointers and tricks from my kitchen:
- Use a Rimmed Baking Sheet: Always bake your quiche on a baking sheet with rimmed sides. This not only makes it easier to transfer the hot dish in and out of the oven but also serves as a safety net to catch any potential spillover, keeping your oven sparkling clean.
- Avoid Overfilling: Resist the urge to overfill your pie dish. Leave about a quarter-inch of space from the top rim after pouring the custard. This allows the quiche to puff up slightly during baking without overflowing.
- How to Confirm Doneness: Knowing when your quiche is perfectly cooked is key. A finished quiche will have a beautiful golden-brown top, appear uniformly puffed, and the center will be set – it shouldn’t be too jiggly when gently shaken. For absolute certainty, insert a thin knife or a wooden toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your quiche is ready.
- Cheese Personalization: While Swiss cheese is a traditional choice that offers a lovely nutty flavor, don’t be afraid to experiment! Jarlsberg, Gouda, sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of your favorite cheeses can be used to customize the flavor to your liking. Just ensure they are good melting cheeses.
- Ingredient Prep is Key: Finely dicing your ham, cheese, and onion ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the quiche, providing a burst of flavor in every bite and allowing the crust to form properly. Using a food processor makes this step incredibly quick and easy.
- Don’t Rush the Rest: Allowing the quiche to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking is crucial. This helps the custard fully set, preventing it from collapsing and making it much easier to slice into neat, beautiful wedges.
- Serving Temperature: While delicious hot out of the oven, quiche is also fantastic served warm or even at room temperature, making it an excellent make-ahead option for gatherings.
- Customization Options: Feel free to add other ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, fresh spinach (sautéed and squeezed dry), or even a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley to the ham and cheese mixture for extra flavor and texture.
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Making it a Memorable Meal
This Ham & Cheese Impossible Quiche is hearty and flavorful enough to stand alone as a complete meal, offering a satisfying blend of protein and dairy. However, to elevate your dining experience or create a more elaborate spread, consider these delightful pairings:
- Classic Brunch Companions: Pair it with warm, fluffy muffins (blueberry or corn), crispy smoked back bacon, or savory sausage rolls for a quintessential brunch.
- Fresh and Light Additions: A vibrant fresh fruit salad adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the quiche. Consider berries, melon, or citrus segments. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is also an excellent choice, offering freshness and cutting through the richness.
- Baked Goods: Alongside muffins, croissants, scones, or other simple pastries can round out a breakfast or brunch beautifully.
- Beverage Pairings: Serve with freshly brewed coffee, a mimosa for a festive touch, or even a glass of sparkling cider.
- For a Heartier Dinner: If serving for dinner, a side of roasted asparagus or a light soup would complement it wonderfully without making the meal too heavy.
Storage and Reheating Tips
One of the many benefits of this impossible quiche is how well it stores, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers for days to come. Properly stored, it maintains its delicious flavor and texture.
- Refrigeration: Any leftover Ham & Cheese Impossible Quiche should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for 3-4 days. Allow the quiche to cool completely before covering and refrigerating to prevent condensation, which can make it soggy.
- Freezing Instructions: For longer storage, impossible quiche freezes beautifully. You can freeze the entire quiche or individual slices.
- To Freeze Whole: Once completely cooled, wrap the entire quiche tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- To Freeze Slices: Individually wrap cooled slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. This allows you to thaw and reheat just the amount you need.
- Reheating:
- From Refrigerated: For best results, reheat slices in an oven or toaster oven at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes, though the crust may not be as crisp.
- From Frozen: For a whole quiche, unwrap and bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 30-45 minutes, or until hot in the center. For individual frozen slices, remove foil and plastic wrap, then reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or microwave for 2-3 minutes.
Step-By-Step Visual Process
Ham & Cheese Impossible Quiche
Equipment
- 1 pie dish
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Food processor
Ingredients
- nonstick cooking spray
- 8 ounces ham
- 4 ounces swiss cheese
- 1/2 onion
- 4 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup Bisquick baking mix
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400-F and spray a pie dish with cooking spray.
- Add the onion to a food processor and pulse it a few times to chop it up.
- Cut the ham and cheese into smaller chunks and add them to the food processor, and pulse until it is coarsely chopped.
- Transfer the ham, cheese, and onion mixture to the prepared pie dish and fill about 2/3 of the dish. Move the filled pie dish to a baking sheet for easy transportation to the oven.
- Whip the eggs with a whisk in a large bowl. Add the milk and cream until well combined.
- Add the Bisquick baking mix to the egg-milk custard and whisk it in until there are no lumps.
- Add a pinch of salt and mix it in.
- Slowly pour the custard and Bisquick mixture over the top of the ham and cheese. Fill the dish until it is almost full.
- Bake the impossible quiche for 50-60 minutes or until the center has puffed up and is set in the middle.
- Slice and enjoy!
Notes
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- Bake the quiche on a baking sheet with rimmed sides to catch any spillover.
- Don’t overfill your pie dish.
- How to tell when your quiche is cooked? Cooked quiche will be golden-brown on top, uniformly puffy, and will be set – not too jiggly – in the center. You can always poke it with a toothpick to see if the egg is set.
- Don’t care for Swiss cheese? You can use Jarlsberg, gouda, cheddar…whatever you like!
Nutrition
A Note on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.
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