Ever wake up craving a hot, hearty breakfast but dread the thought of standing over the stove? You’re not alone. I’m Patricia, and my mission at Patricia Universe is to share easy recipes that bring joy back to your kitchen without the stress. This Crockpot Ham and Cheese Breakfast Quiche is the ultimate answer to those busy mornings. It’s one of the simplest easy recipes I know, transforming a few basic ingredients into a complete, delicious meal while you sleep or start your day.
Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Why This Quiche is a Game-Changer
- My Secret for the Perfect Set
- Beyond Breakfast: A Versatile Meal Solution
- Customizing Your Simple Quiche
- The Best Make-Ahead Breakfast Plan
- Why Crockpots are Breakfast Heroes
- Full Recipe: Easy Crockpot Ham and Cheese Breakfast Quiche
- Notes & Tips for Success
Key Takeaways
- Effortless Prep: This recipe requires less than 15 minutes of hands-on work.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Cook once and enjoy a protein-packed breakfast all week.
- Foolproof Cooking: The slow cooker ensures a creamy, perfectly set quiche without babysitting.
- Endlessly Customizable: Easily swap in your favorite cheeses, vegetables, or proteins.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal for weekend brunch with family or holiday mornings.
Why This Quiche is a Game-Changer
Let’s be real: mornings are chaotic. Between getting ready and out the door, a nutritious breakfast often falls by the wayside. That’s where this simple quiche comes in. It embodies the true spirit of simple meal prep. You spend a few minutes the night before layering ingredients, and your slow cooker does the rest. Waking up to the aroma of baked eggs, ham, and cheese is a luxury everyone deserves. It’s a practical solution that feels indulgent.
My Secret for the Perfect Set
The key to a great quiche, whether baked or slow-cooked, is the custard ratio. For this simple breakfast recipe, the combination of whole milk and a touch of heavy cream creates a rich, creamy texture that sets beautifully without becoming dry or rubbery. Cooking on LOW is non-negotiable. It gently coagulates the proteins in the eggs, resulting in a silky-smooth filling every single time. Trust the process and resist the urge to peek too often!
Beyond Breakfast: A Versatile Meal Solution
Don’t let the name fool you. This quiche isn’t just for the AM. It’s a brilliant easy dinner recipe on those nights when you just can’t. Serve it with a simple side salad for a light yet satisfying meal. It’s also a lifesaver for potlucks and brunch gatherings—just set it up before your guests arrive, and it stays warm for hours. The beauty of easy recipes like this is their flexibility to fit any part of your day.
Customizing Your Simple Quiche
This recipe is a fantastic template. Got leftover roasted vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli? Throw them in. Prefer spinach and feta? Go for it. For a quick and easy dinner twist, try cooked and crumbled sausage or bacon instead of ham. Going crustless? Simply skip the pie crust for a gluten-free, lower-carb option—it works perfectly and might become your new favorite simple meal hack.
The Best Make-Ahead Breakfast Plan
This is where the quiche truly shines for meal prep. After cooking and cooling, slice it into portions and store them in airtight containers. They’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. In the morning, grab a slice, reheat it in the microwave for about 60 seconds, and you have a hot, homemade breakfast faster than you could drive through a fast-food line. It’s the ultimate strategy for eating well on a busy schedule.
Why Crockpots are Breakfast Heroes
Your slow cooker is arguably the most underutilized breakfast appliance. It allows for gentle, even cooking that’s impossible to mess up. There’s no risk of burning the bottom or overcooking the edges. It frees up your oven and stovetop for other things (or for sleeping in!). Embracing your crockpot for meals beyond soup and stew opens up a world of easy recipes that make life simpler and tastier.
Full Recipe: Easy Crockpot Ham and Cheese Breakfast Quiche
[The detailed recipe card with Title, Ingredients, Instructions, Prep/Cook Time, etc., would be inserted here in its own block.]Notes & Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook: Start checking for doneness at the 3-hour mark. The center should be just set, and a knife inserted should come out clean.
- Rest Time: Allowing the quiche to rest for 15 minutes after cooking makes it much easier to slice cleanly.
- Cheese Choices: While cheddar is classic, Gruyère, Swiss, or a Monterey Jack blend work wonderfully.
- Dairy Swaps: For a lighter version, you can use all whole milk or half-and-half and omit the heavy cream.
- Storage: Cooled slices can be wrapped individually and frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Easy Crockpot Ham and Cheese Breakfast Quiche
Ingredients
For the Quiche
- 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup diced ham (about 6 ounces)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Grease the inside of your slow cooker (crockpot) lightly with cooking spray or butter.
- If using, place the unbaked pie crust in the bottom of the slow cooker, pressing it up the sides slightly. It’s okay if it doesn’t go all the way up.
- Sprinkle the diced ham and shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the bottom of the slow cooker (or over the crust if using).
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and optional garlic and onion powder until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Carefully pour the egg mixture over the ham and cheese in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours, or until the quiche is set in the center and a knife inserted near the middle comes out clean. Avoid cooking on HIGH as it may cause the eggs to become rubbery.
- Once cooked, turn off the slow cooker and let the quiche rest, uncovered, for about 15 minutes to make slicing easier.
- Garnish with chopped chives or green onions if desired. Slice and serve warm.
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