There are few things quite as comforting as the sight of a freshly baked quiche being pulled out of the oven. Golden and slightly puffed, with a buttery crust and an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen, it’s one of those dishes that feels like home. For me, a Ham and Cheese Quiche topped with a sprinkle of fresh chives is the very definition of simple luxury – the kind of food that works just as well for a lazy Sunday brunch as it does for a light weekday supper.
Quiche is such a forgiving and adaptable dish. At its heart, it’s a savoury custard baked into pastry, but it has an amazing way of taking on whatever you add to it. Ham and cheese are a classic pairing – salty, savoury ham balanced by the creamy richness of melted cheese – and when baked together in a quiche, they turn into something truly comforting. The chives, scattered over the top just before serving, add that finishing touch: a pop of colour and a delicate oniony sharpness that cuts through the richness beautifully.
What I love about quiche is how it fits into the rhythm of everyday cooking. It’s one of those dishes that doesn’t demand constant attention, yet feels like you’ve really made something special. You can prepare it in advance, serve it warm or at room temperature, and even enjoy leftovers the next day – it almost tastes better after a night in the fridge as the flavours settle together. That makes it a real gem for entertaining or family meals, because you don’t need to be chained to the stove when guests arrive.
The combination of ham and cheese is also wonderfully versatile. You can use anything from a smoky, robust ham to delicate wafer-thin slices, and the choice of cheese opens up a whole world of possibilities. A sharp cheddar gives you bold, tangy flavour; Gruyère brings a nutty sophistication; or you might mix two types of cheese for an extra layer of richness. Whichever way you go, the balance between creamy custard, savoury ham, and gooey cheese makes every bite deeply satisfying.
The chives shouldn’t be overlooked either. They may seem like a simple garnish, but their gentle onion-like flavour adds brightness and freshness, transforming the quiche from something heavy to something more elegant and refined. I like to scatter them generously, so every forkful gets a little burst of that freshness.
Another delightful thing about quiche is how it can be served. A slice on its own is delicious, but pairing it with a few simple sides really makes the meal shine. It can be as casual or as dressed-up as you like – that’s the beauty of it.
What to Serve with Ham and Cheese Quiche
If you’re wondering what to serve alongside this comforting dish, here are some ideas:
- Mixed green salad – something light with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Roasted cherry tomatoes – sweet, juicy, and full of flavour.
- Steamed asparagus or tenderstem broccoli – adds a touch of elegance and freshness.
- Buttery new potatoes – for a heartier meal.
- Fresh baguette or crusty bread – perfect for mopping up the last bits on your plate.
- Pickles or chutney – a tangy contrast to the creamy quiche.
- Glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon – to complete the experience.
The beauty of Ham and Cheese Quiche is that it never feels out of place. It works for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. It’s equally welcome at a picnic blanket in the park, on a buffet table at a party, or in the centre of the family dinner table. It’s unfussy, yet it has an air of elegance about it that makes you feel like you’ve made something really special.
At the end of the day, this dish is about comfort and connection. It’s about the pleasure of cooking something simple but delicious, sharing it with loved ones, and enjoying the little moments that make meals memorable. That’s what makes Ham and Cheese Quiche with chives such a timeless classic – and why it will always have a place in my kitchen.
Ham and Cheese Quiche
Ingredients
- 250 g shortcrust pastry ready-made or homemade, if preferred)
- 150 g ham cooked diced or sliced
- 125 g Cheddar grated or Gruyere, or a mix)
- 3 large eggs free range
- 200 ml double cream
- 100 ml whole milk
- 1 tbsp fresh chives chopped plus extra for garnish
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1 knob unsalted butter oil for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F / Gas Mark 4.
- Lightly grease a 23 cm (9-inch) tart or quiche tin with butter or oil.1 knob unsalted butter
- Roll out the pastry to fit the tin, pressing it into the edges. Trim any excess.250 g shortcrust pastry
- Prick the base with a fork, line with baking paper, and fill with baking beans or rice.
- Blind bake for 15 minutes, remove the paper and beans, then bake for another 5 minutes until lightly golden.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, milk, chopped chives, salt, and black pepper.3 large eggs, 200 ml double cream, 100 ml whole milk, 1 tbsp fresh chives, salt, black pepper
- Scatter the diced ham and half of the grated cheese into the bowl and gentle stir to combine.150 g ham, 125 g Cheddar
- Pour the mixture into the pastry case,
- Sprinkle the remaining half of the cheese over the top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the quiche is set in the middle and lightly golden on top.
- Allow the Ham and Cheese Quiche to cool slightly before removing from the tin. Garnish with extra fresh chives before serving.
16 comments
I love simple recipes that always work. This is one of them.
The pastry came out beautifully crisp, and the filling was light and creamy. A real success in my kitchen.
What I love is how versatile this quiche is. I had leftovers cold the next day, and it tasted just as good.
Lovely balance of flavours – creamy custard, savoury ham, and the cheese just melts beautifully.
I was surprised at how simple this was to make.
This is my new go-to dish for lunch gatherings.
Definitely making this again.
I served this quiche warm at a picnic, and it was an absolute hit.
The ham and cheese combination is so comforting, and the fresh chives really brighten up every bite.
I made this quiche for a Sunday brunch, and it disappeared within minutes.
I made this with smoked ham, and it added a wonderful depth of flavour
I used Gruyère cheese, and it gave the quiche a wonderful nutty flavour.
I served this with a green salad and roasted tomatoes, and it was the perfect light dinner.
The texture was spot on – silky smooth inside with a golden crust on top. It held together nicely when sliced too.
Easy to make, yet it looks and tastes so impressive.
The chives add such a nice freshness – it stops the dish from feeling heavy.