Western Omelet Quiche

If you love the flavors of a classic western omelet but want something a little more comforting and filling, this Western Omelet Quiche is the perfect dish for you. The combination of green onions, bell peppers, smoked ham, and cheese in a creamy custard filling, all baked in a flaky pie shell, makes for a savory quiche that’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or even dinner. With a rich and flavorful filling, this quiche is sure to impress your guests or satisfy your family on a busy weeknight.

Not only does it capture the essence of a traditional western omelet, but it’s also incredibly versatile, allowing you to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences. You can easily customize the vegetables or swap out the ham for bacon or sausage. This quiche is hearty enough to serve as a main dish or can be enjoyed as part of a brunch spread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Savory and Satisfying

The combination of smoky ham, bell peppers, and creamy cheese creates a hearty and flavorful dish that will keep you full and satisfied.

2. Perfect for Brunch or Dinner

This quiche is ideal for a special brunch or a quick and easy dinner. It’s also great for meal prepping ahead of time for busy mornings.

3. Versatile Ingredients

You can easily customize the filling with your favorite vegetables, meats, or cheeses. This recipe is also adaptable to suit dietary preferences.

4. Easy to Make

With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this quiche comes together easily and requires minimal effort for a big payoff.

5. Make Ahead Friendly

This quiche can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. It’s perfect for preparing in advance for busy mornings or upcoming gatherings.

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 and divided)
• 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

Variations

• Swap the Meat: Instead of smoked ham, try using cooked bacon, sausage, or even turkey for a different flavor.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the filling for extra veggies and nutrition.
• Cheese Options: While colby jack and cheddar are traditional, you can use mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for a twist on flavor.
• Gluten-Free Crust: If you need a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free pie crust or make a crustless quiche for a lower-carb version.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Shell

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie shell in a 9-inch pie dish and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Ham

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the green onions, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Add the smoked ham to the pan and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring to combine. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Egg Filling

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, garlic salt, black pepper, onion powder, and ground mustard until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Layer the Quiche

Spread the sautéed vegetables and ham mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared pie shell. Sprinkle 1 cup of cheese on top of the vegetable mixture. Pour the egg mixture over the top, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Quiche

Place the quiche in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the quiche is set in the middle and the top is golden brown. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the quiche to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to slice.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Pre-bake the Crust: To prevent a soggy bottom, you can pre-bake the pie crust for 5-7 minutes before adding the filling. This is especially important if you’re using a homemade or frozen crust.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your eggs and cream to come to room temperature before mixing to help the custard fill evenly.
• Check for Doneness: If the quiche is browning too quickly on top, cover it loosely with foil and continue baking until it’s fully cooked.
• Let it Rest: Allow the quiche to rest for 10 minutes before serving so it can set up properly, making it easier to slice.

How to Serve

Serve your Western Omelet Quiche warm, sliced into wedges. It pairs perfectly with a side salad, fresh fruit, or roasted potatoes for a complete meal. This quiche can be enjoyed for brunch, lunch, or dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven until warm.

Freezing

To freeze the quiche, allow it to cool completely and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake the frozen quiche at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Reheating

Reheat leftover quiche in the microwave for 30-45 seconds per slice, or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make this quiche without a pie crust?

Yes, you can make this a crustless quiche by simply greasing the pie dish and pouring the filling directly into the dish.

2. Can I make this quiche ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this quiche ahead of time. Just bake it, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. You can reheat it when ready to serve.

3. Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables, but make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the quiche to avoid excess moisture.

4. Can I add more cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more cheese to the quiche, or use different types of cheese for a unique flavor profile.

5. Can I use different meats instead of ham?

Yes, you can substitute the smoked ham with bacon, sausage, or turkey for a different flavor.

6. How can I make the quiche spicier?

Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the vegetable mixture for a spicy kick.

7. Can I use a different type of pie crust?

Yes, you can use any type of pie crust you prefer, whether store-bought, homemade, or gluten-free.

8. Can I freeze this quiche?

Yes, you can freeze the quiche after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months.

9. What’s the best way to store leftover quiche?

Store leftover quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

10. How do I prevent a soggy crust?

To prevent a soggy crust, you can pre-bake the crust for a few minutes before adding the filling. Additionally, make sure the filling isn’t too watery.

Conclusion

This Western Omelet Quiche is a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for any meal of the day. With its savory combination of smoked ham, bell peppers, green onions, and creamy cheese, it’s sure to satisfy your hunger and impress your guests. Whether you’re making it for a special brunch or a busy weeknight, this quiche is a keeper.

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