The Western Omelet Quiche is a delightful twist on traditional quiche, combining the flavors of a classic Western omelet with a creamy custard. This dish is perfect for breakfast or brunch, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or leisurely family meals. With its hearty ingredients and rich taste, this quiche stands out as both comforting and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this quiche in no time.
- Flavorful Combination: The mix of smoky ham, fresh vegetables, and melty cheese creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Versatile Meal Option: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner, this dish adapts to any occasion.
- Make Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it in advance and reheat it for a quick meal during busy days.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap out veggies or meats based on your preferences for endless variations.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into cooking your Western Omelet Quiche, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Pie Dish
- Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Baking Sheet
Importance of Each Tool
- Pie Dish: A deep dish allows for plenty of filling and ensures even cooking throughout.
- Skillet: Great for sautéing vegetables quickly while enhancing their flavors before adding them to the quiche.
- Mixing Bowl: A must-have for combining all your ingredients efficiently without spills.
- Whisk: Ensures that eggs and cream are blended perfectly, creating a fluffy texture.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 9 inch deep dish pie shell
For the Filling
- 4 green onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/3 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/3 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 4 oz smoked ham (chopped and divided)
- 1 1/2 cup colby jack or cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 6 large eggs
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp ground mustard
How to Make Western Omelet Quiche
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Using a fork, prick the bottom of the frozen pie shell several times. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced green onion, chopped green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Layer Ham and Cheese
Place half of the chopped ham into the bottom of the par-baked pie shell. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on top.
Step 4: Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, eggs, garlic salt, black pepper, onion powder, and ground mustard until fully combined. Stir in the sautéed vegetables.
Step 5: Assemble the Quiche
Pour half of the custard mixture over the first layer of ham and cheese. Repeat with another layer of ham, cheese, and pour over remaining custard.
Step 6: Bake
Carefully place the assembled quiche onto a baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes at 375°F.
Step 7: Lower Temperature & Continue Baking
After 10 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F. Continue baking for an additional 30-40 minutes until set.
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Once baked through, remove from oven and let rest on a cooling rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious Western Omelet Quiche!
How to Serve Western Omelet Quiche
Serving your Western Omelet Quiche can elevate the dining experience, making it perfect for brunch or a light dinner. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your meal.
Pair with Fresh Salads
- Garden Salad: A simple mix of greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes dressed with vinaigrette.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and parmesan cheese tossed in Caesar dressing for a classic touch.
Add Some Fruit
- Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado adds richness and balances the savory quiche.
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries or blueberries provide a refreshing sweetness alongside the hearty dish.
Include Tasty Condiments
- Hot Sauce: A dash of your favorite hot sauce can add a kick to each slice.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream complements the flavors and adds a creamy texture.
Serve with Beverages
- Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea pairs nicely for breakfast or brunch.
- Sparkling Water: Refreshing sparkling water can cleanse the palate between bites.
How to Perfect Western Omelet Quiche
To achieve the best results with your Western Omelet Quiche, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure that your quiche turns out perfectly every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh eggs and vegetables will enhance the flavor and texture of your quiche.
- Pre-bake the Crust: Lightly baking the crust before adding fillings helps prevent sogginess.
- Mix Thoroughly: Ensure that eggs and cream are whisked well to create a smooth custard base.
- Layer Wisely: Alternate layers of filling for even distribution of flavors throughout the quiche.
- Check for Doneness: The quiche should be set in the center; a slight jiggle is okay but avoid it being runny.
- Allow to Rest: Letting the quiche cool for 20 minutes makes cutting easier and improves flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Western Omelet Quiche
Pairing side dishes with your Western Omelet Quiche can create a more satisfying meal. Consider these delicious options that complement its flavors.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs bring a hearty element to your meal.
- Grilled Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears lightly grilled add freshness and crunch.
- Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits provides a sweet contrast to the savory quiche.
- Bacon or Sausage Links: Crispy bacon or savory sausage links are classic breakfast additions that pair well.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layers of yogurt, granola, and fruit offer a light yet satisfying side option.
- Spinach Salad: Fresh spinach topped with nuts and cheese creates a nutritious companion dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can make your Western Omelet Quiche even more delicious. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
Ignoring the crust: A soggy or overcooked crust can ruin your quiche. Make sure to pre-bake the pie shell for a few minutes to avoid this issue.
Overcrowding with fillings: Adding too many fillings can lead to uneven cooking. Stick to the recommended amounts in the recipe for balanced flavor and texture.
Skipping the resting time: Cutting into your quiche too soon can cause it to fall apart. Allow it to cool for at least 20 minutes before serving for better slicing.
Inaccurate oven temperature: Oven temperatures can vary, leading to undercooked or burnt quiche. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
Not whisking thoroughly: Failing to mix the eggs and cream properly can result in lumps. Whisk until fully combined for a smooth custard base.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Western Omelet Quiche in an airtight container.
- Keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Western Omelet Quiche
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating Western Omelet Quiche
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for about 20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat slices on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until heated evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making a Western Omelet Quiche:
Can I customize my Western Omelet Quiche?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or proteins, like spinach or turkey sausage, to make it your own.
How do I know when my quiche is done?
The quiche is ready when it is set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center. It will firm up as it cools.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the quiche a day in advance and store it in the fridge before baking. Just follow reheating instructions when ready to serve.
What should I serve with my Western Omelet Quiche?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad, fruit, or breakfast potatoes for a complete meal.
How do I store leftovers of Western Omelet Quiche?
Store any leftovers covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze them for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
The Western Omelet Quiche is not only delicious but also versatile, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. You can easily customize it with different vegetables and meats, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!
Western Omelet Quiche
Western Omelet Quiche is a delightful, savory dish that brings together the comforting flavors of a classic Western omelet and a rich, creamy custard. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner, this quiche is loaded with smoky ham, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese. Its versatility allows for endless variations based on personal preferences, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or family meals. Easy to prepare ahead of time, you can serve it hot or reheat leftovers for a quick meal. Enjoy the satisfying combination of flavors in every slice!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 9-inch deep dish pie shell
- 4 green onions (thinly sliced)
- 1/3 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/3 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 4 oz smoked ham (chopped)
- 1 1/2 cups colby jack or cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 6 large eggs
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp ground mustard
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and prick the bottom of the pie shell with a fork. Bake for about 5 minutes.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté green onions and bell peppers until softened.
- Layer half of the chopped ham and half of the cheese in the pre-baked pie shell.
- In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, eggs, garlic salt, black pepper, onion powder, and ground mustard. Stir in sautéed vegetables.
- Pour half of the custard mixture over the layers in the pie shell; repeat with remaining ham, cheese, and custard.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes; then lower temperature to 350°F and bake for another 30-40 minutes until set.
- Allow to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (120g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
