Hash Brown Crust Quiche with Ham and Sharp Cheddar – Easy Breakfast Recipe
Crispy, cheesy, and hearty—this hash brown crust quiche with ham and sharp cheddar is the ultimate breakfast or brunch dish. With a golden potato crust and a rich, savory filling, it’s perfect for family mornings, holidays, or entertaining guests.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
Course Breakfast, Brunch, Main Dish
Cuisine American, European-inspired
Servings 8
Calories 320 kcal
Crust:
- 3 cups frozen or fresh hash browns (thawed and squeezed dry)
- 3 tbsp melted butter or olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Filling:
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Flavor Boosters:
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (chives, parsley)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup spinach
- ½ cup bell peppers
- ½ cup mushrooms
Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease pie dish.
Prepare Hash Brown Crust: Press hash browns firmly into the dish, covering bottom and sides. Brush with melted butter or oil.
Pre-Bake Crust: Bake for 20–25 minutes until lightly golden.
Prepare Filling: In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Add Mix-Ins: Stir in ham, cheddar, onion, garlic, and optional vegetables.
Assemble Quiche: Pour filling over pre-baked crust.
Bake: Bake 35–40 minutes until custard is set and top is golden.
Cool Slightly: Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs and enjoy warm.
Important: Do not skip pre-baking the crust—this ensures crisp texture.
-
Dry Hash Browns: Squeeze out moisture for crisp crust.
-
Firm Pressing: Pack hash browns tightly into dish for stability.
-
Pre-Bake: Essential for golden, crunchy texture.
-
Cheese Choices: Sharp cheddar is classic, but Swiss or Gruyère add depth.
-
Variations: Swap ham for bacon, add spinach for a veggie version, or spice it up with jalapeños.
-
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for 3–4 days; reheat in oven to maintain crispiness.
Keyword brunch recipe, gluten-free quiche, ham and cheddar quiche, Hash brown crust quiche,