These Mini Quiches with Ham and Swiss are a delightful, bite-sized treat perfect for brunch, breakfast, or even as appetizers. With half the pastry of traditional quiches, they offer a light, crispy base packed with savory flavors. Topped with colorful cherry tomatoes, they’re both delicious and visually appealing. Plus, they take just 20 minutes of prep and 40 minutes of cook time!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs
• ½ cup ham steak, diced
• ½ cup green onions, sliced
• 6 cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
• 5 oz. fresh spinach
• 1 cup Swiss cheese, grated
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 sheet puff pastry
• 1 tsp. butter (or cooking spray for greasing)
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• ½ tsp. Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Thinly slice green onions, dice ham steak, and slice cherry tomatoes in half.
3. Grate Swiss cheese and sauté spinach in olive oil until wilted, then chop it into small pieces.
4. Roll out puff pastry and cut into 3-inch disks or squares.
5. Grease a cupcake tin with butter or cooking spray and press pastry pieces into the bottoms and halfway up the sides.
6. Bake for 5 minutes, remove from oven, and press pastry down gently with a spoon. Bake for another 3 minutes.
7. In a mixing bowl, beat eggs and combine with green onions, ham, cheese, spinach, heavy cream, milk, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
8. Using a slotted spoon, evenly distribute the solid ingredients into the cupcake tin, then pour the egg mixture on top.
9. Place a sliced cherry tomato in the center of each cup and bake for 30 minutes.
10. Let cool slightly before removing from the tin. Serve warm.

Nutrients (Per Quiche)

• Calories: 252 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 108mg
• Sodium: 324mg
• Potassium: 207mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Vitamin A: 1562 IU
• Vitamin C: 9mg
• Calcium: 134mg
• Iron: 2mg

These mini quiches can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheated at 400°F for 10 minutes. Perfect for meal prep or a delicious grab-and-go breakfast!

Why Mini Quiches?

Mini quiches have gained popularity because of their convenience, versatility, and portion control. Unlike full-sized quiches that require slicing and serving, these bite-sized versions are easy to grab and enjoy without the need for utensils. This makes them an excellent choice for buffet-style brunches, parties, and meal prepping.

Additionally, mini quiches can be customized to suit various dietary preferences. Whether you prefer vegetarian options, different cheeses, or alternative proteins like bacon or turkey, this recipe serves as a great base for experimentation.

The Perfect Combination of Flavors

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors:

• Ham: Provides a smoky and slightly salty taste that pairs beautifully with eggs and cheese.
• Swiss Cheese: Offers a nutty, creamy texture that melts smoothly into the quiche filling.
• Spinach: Adds a subtle earthy flavor while enhancing the nutritional value of the quiches.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Brings a slight acidity and sweetness that balances out the richness of the eggs and cheese.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that enhances the overall taste without being overpowering.

The use of heavy cream and whole milk ensures that the egg mixture is creamy and rich, resulting in a soft, custard-like texture in every bite.

The Role of Puff Pastry

Traditional quiche recipes use a pie crust that can sometimes feel dense and heavy. By using puff pastry, these mini quiches achieve a light and flaky texture that doesn’t overpower the filling. The pastry crisps up beautifully in the oven, creating a satisfying contrast to the creamy egg mixture inside.

Additionally, pre-baking the puff pastry for a few minutes ensures that the crust remains crisp and doesn’t become soggy when the egg mixture is added. This extra step makes a significant difference in the final texture.

Health Benefits of Mini Quiches

While quiches are often considered an indulgence, these Mini Quiches with Ham and Swiss offer a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins. Some of their key nutritional benefits include:

• High in Protein: The combination of eggs, ham, and cheese provides a protein-rich meal that helps keep you full for longer.
• Rich in Vitamins: Spinach and cherry tomatoes contribute vitamins A, C, and K, which support immune health, skin health, and overall well-being.
• Healthy Fats: The inclusion of eggs and cheese offers essential fats that support brain function and energy levels.

For those looking for a lower-carb alternative, the puff pastry can be swapped out for a keto-friendly crust or even omitted entirely, creating crustless mini quiches that are equally delicious.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These mini quiches are delicious on their own but can also be paired with a variety of side dishes and beverages for a complete meal:

• Brunch Spread: Serve alongside fresh fruit, a light salad, or roasted potatoes for a well-rounded brunch.
• Dipping Sauces: A dollop of sour cream, a drizzle of hot sauce, or a side of Dijon mustard can enhance the flavors even further.
• Beverage Pairings: Enjoy with freshly brewed coffee, a mimosa, or a refreshing iced tea.

Because they are easy to transport, these quiches also make a great option for potlucks, lunchboxes, or road trips. Simply store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for several days.

Storage and Reheating Tips

One of the best aspects of mini quiches is their ability to be made ahead and stored for later consumption.

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: These quiches can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply let them cool completely, place them in a freezer-safe container, and thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a 400°F oven for 10 minutes or in the microwave for 30-60 seconds. For the crispiest results, the oven is the best option.

Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about mini quiches is their endless customization possibilities. If you want to experiment with flavors, try these variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ham with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
• Cheese Swap: Instead of Swiss cheese, try cheddar, feta, or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Protein Alternatives: Substitute ham with crispy bacon, turkey, or even smoked salmon for a unique twist.
• Crust Alternatives: Use phyllo dough, a low-carb almond flour crust, or even hash brown cups as a base.

Conclusion

These Mini Quiches with Ham and Swiss are the perfect blend of convenience, flavor, and elegance. Whether you’re serving them for a weekend brunch, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a tasty appetizer, they offer a delicious solution that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.

With a flaky puff pastry crust, a rich and creamy egg filling, and the perfect combination of ham, cheese, and veggies, these mini quiches are guaranteed to impress. Plus, their versatility allows you to customize them to your liking, making them a go-to recipe for any occasion.

So next time you’re looking for a quick and delicious dish that everyone will love, give these mini quiches a try—you won’t be disappointed!