When I first made my Christmas Morning Quiche, it was kind of by accident. A few years ago, I wanted something special but fuss-free for the holiday breakfast. I grabbed some eggs, ham, cheese, and a few pantry staples, and before I knew it, this dish stole the spotlight at our Christmas brunch. The flavor was rich but familiar, and the ease surprised me. It became that thing I reach for when I want a festive breakfast that doesn’t eat up my morning.
This Christmas Morning Quiche isn’t just for holidays. It works for casual weekends or when friends drop by early. It’s a great way to feed a crowd without standing over the stove. What I love most is how it brings everyone together, sparking smiles before the day really begins. The mix of savory ham and melty cheese in every bite makes it feel like a treat, yet it’s made with pantry favorites you probably already have.
If you’re hunting for holiday breakfast quiche ideas that feel special but stay simple, this recipe fits the bill. It’s one of those dishes that looks fancy but is truly approachable. Plus, it holds up well if you want to make ahead breakfast plans, which I always appreciate when mornings get hectic. I’m glad you’re here, and if you’re a fellow home cook looking for reliable, tasty recipes, this Christmas Morning Quiche is definitely worth your time and oven space.
What You’ll Need:
Here’s what you’ll grab to make this Christmas Morning Quiche come to life. The ingredients are straightforward, keeping this dish something you can pull off without a special trip to the store. This Christmas Morning Quiche is affordable because it uses basic, everyday items.
- 1 refrigerated pie crust (or homemade if you like)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup half-and-half (you can swap in whole milk for a lighter option)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild works great)
- 1 cup diced ham (leftover ham or deli ham works perfectly)
- ½ cup diced onion (optional, can replace with shallots or leave out)
- ½ cup chopped spinach (fresh or frozen, a nice veggie boost)
- Salt and pepper to taste (you’ll find this in your spice aisle)
- A pinch of nutmeg (my little secret for adding warmth)
If you don’t have half-and-half on hand, no worries. I’ve made this Christmas Morning Quiche swapping it with whole milk or even cream for a richer texture. Got no pie crust? A sturdy baking dish and a crustless bake work just fine too. Just grease your pan well and keep an eye on cooking time.
Shopping tip: ham and cheese are the stars here, and buying block cheese to shred yourself always tastes fresher and saves money. Leftover ham from any meal works, so this Christmas Morning Quiche doubles as a great way to use up extras.
For prep, dice your ham and veggies ahead to save time when you’re ready to cook. If you’ve got leftover Christmas ham stashed away, this make ahead breakfast turns it into a new star dish.
Let’s Cook It Together!
Here’s how to pull together your Christmas Morning Quiche step-by-step. This process is straightforward and perfect for beginning cooks or those juggling holiday multitasking. From start to finish, this Christmas Morning Quiche takes me about 45 minutes, including prep and baking—plenty of time to sip coffee or catch up with family.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place your pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish and poke a few holes in the bottom with a fork to keep it from puffing up too much.
- Sauté your onions and spinach (if using). Toss them in a pan with a little oil or butter until soft and fragrant. This brings out their best flavor for your Christmas Morning Quiche.
- Mix your eggs and half-and-half. In a bowl, whisk 6 eggs with the half-and-half, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg until smooth.
- Add the cheese, ham, and sautéed veggies to the crust. Spread evenly so every bite has a bit of everything.
- Pour the egg mixture over the filling. It should fill the crust but not overflow. If it looks high, ease the filling down a little.
- Bake for about 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is set and golden, and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
If your Christmas Morning Quiche browns too quickly on the edges, tent it with foil halfway through baking. While that’s happening, perfect time for a quick clean-up or setting the table.
When it comes out, let it sit for 5-10 minutes before slicing. The quiche sets up beautifully and the kitchen smells incredible. My kitchen always feels cozier when this Christmas Morning Quiche is in the oven.
Pro tip: I learned patience is key here. Rushing out of the oven too soon means runny eggs, so wait just a little longer for perfect texture.
How to Serve & Enjoy It!
This Christmas Morning Quiche shines when paired with simple sides that complement without stealing the show. Fresh fruit, like orange slices or berry salads, add a bright contrast to the savory richness.
For holiday gatherings, I often serve it with a light green salad or roasted potatoes—both soak up the flavors and keep the meal balanced. When friends are over, I slice the quiche into smaller pieces so everyone can sample alongside other easy Christmas brunch recipes.
Presentation-wise, a sprinkle of fresh herbs (parsley or chives) adds a pop of color without fuss. Leftovers reheat well in a low oven or in a toaster oven for a crispy crust moment.
For festive brunch ideas, consider swapping ham with cooked sausage or adding caramelized onions for a sweeter twist.
Guest reactions have ranged from “Wow, this is just what I needed!” to “Can we make this every Christmas?” That kind of feedback keeps me making this Christmas Morning Quiche year after year.
Your Questions Answered
Let’s tackle some common questions about Christmas Morning Quiche that I’ve gotten from fellow home cooks.
- Can I make this Christmas Morning Quiche ahead of time? Absolutely. You can assemble it the night before and keep it covered in the fridge. When ready, just pop it in the oven and add a few extra minutes to baking time.
- What’s the best substitute for ham in this Christmas Morning Quiche? Turkey, cooked sausage, or even sautéed mushrooms work well. I’ve swapped in diced cooked chicken when needed.
- How do I make this Christmas Morning Quiche for a larger group? Use a larger casserole dish and increase ingredients proportionally. Bake time might extend by 10-15 minutes, so watch for that golden top.
- Can I freeze the quiche? Yes, wrap cooled slices tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
- What if I don’t have a pie crust? Skip it. This Christmas Morning Quiche can be crustless, though baking time might vary slightly. Just grease your pan well.
- Can I add different cheeses? Definitely. Swiss, mozzarella, or even pepper jack bring fun flavor twists. Just keep your total cheese amount about the same.
- Is this recipe good for picky eaters? Yes! Adjust fillings to suit preferences—less onion, more cheese, or small ham chunks. It’s easy to customize.
If you want more brunch inspiration or other reliable holiday breakfast quiche ideas, check out this great recipe from Midwest Life and Style or join groups like Instant Pot Community for shared holiday recipes.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Morning Quiche holds a special place in my recipe collection because it’s consistently delicious, easy, and loved by everyone I serve. Its flexibility makes it perfect for many occasions, from a cozy holiday brunch to casual weekend mornings.
My Best Christmas Morning Quiche Tips:
– Don’t rush the baking; give it time to set fully.
– Use quality cheese—it makes a difference in flavor depth.
– Feel free to double the recipe for family or guests.
I’ve tested versions with classic ham and cheese, a veggie-forward blend with spinach and mushrooms, and a spicy kick using jalapeños and pepper jack. The quiche with ham and cheese is the crowd favorite by far, often requested for Christmas morning or other special occasions.
Whether you stick to the classic or try a twist, make this Christmas Morning Quiche your own. I hope you enjoy how reliably tasty and fuss-free it is—it’s one I’m confident you’ll keep coming back to.
For more crowd-pleasing holiday meals, if your family loves this, they’ll also enjoy the Christmas Breakfast Casserole. And, for special holiday pre-orders, check out some savory breakfast casserole or quiche options here.
Happy cooking and cheers to sharing good food that brings everyone together!
Christmas Morning Quiche
A festive and hearty quiche perfect for Christmas morning, featuring a buttery crust filled with eggs, cheese, and savory holiday flavors. This easy baked dish makes for a delicious and elegant breakfast or brunch centerpiece.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust (9-inch), homemade or store-bought
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion, red bell pepper, and spinach until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth.
- Place the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and prick the bottom with a fork.
- Layer the cooked sausage and sautéed vegetables evenly over the pie crust.
- Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese over the sausage and vegetables.
- Pour the egg and cream mixture over the filling, ensuring an even distribution.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the quiche is set and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, omit the sausage and add mushrooms or additional vegetables. Serve with a side of fresh fruit or mixed greens for a complete holiday breakfast.