Crustless Ham & Swiss Quiche

what you'll need (ingredients):

1 1/2 tablespoons plain bread crumbs (toasted bread works well)

1 cup chopped or sliced onions - however you like them

1 cup sliced, then chopped cooked ham, I use Hormel Natural - No Nirtrates (1/4 pound)

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 (8-ounce) package shredded Swiss cheese (2 cups)

4 large eggs

2 cups half & half (or 1 c. heavy cream & 1 c. whole milk)

1/2 tsp black pepper (to taste)

dallop of sour cream (optional)

what you'll do:

Preheat oven to 425°F with rack in middle.

Butter 10" quiche dish/tart pan/large pie plate, then sprinkle all over with bread crumbs.

Cook onions with ham in butter in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until pale golden, about 5 minutes. Spread in dish, then evenly sprinkle cheese on top.

Whisk together eggs, cream, milk, sour cream and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and pour over cheese. Bake until top is golden and custard is set in center, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool slightly before cutting into wedges.

If you do not like swiss, you can use any cheese you prefer - swiss cheese does have a love/hate relationship.

NOTE:  Do not feel "obligated" to salt this at ANY point.  Between the ham & the cheese, salt is not necessary.  Too much sodium is a bad thing.  So just leave it alone!  Your heart will thank you : )

I prefer this cold & it tastes better after about 6 hours of chilling.

WANNA MIX IT UP?  Cheeseburger quiche can be easily adapted following these same steps, using cooked ground beef & cheddar cheese in place of ham & swiss!!

WARNING:  Can be habit forming! 

you'll need these items:

first step is to toast your bread if you're making your own bread crumbs.....

then chop, dice & shred:

butter your quiche dish & dust/sprinkle the bread crumbs around the pan.

my lovely daughter shows ours off......

next you'll heat the skillet, melt butter, add the ham & onions

and saute until transparent and soft:

while the mixture is cooking, grab a large bowl.

combine eggs, half & half, sour cream & pepper.

whisk your worries away.....keep whisking....

once cooked, use a paper towel & remove any excess liquid from the pan.

gently pour/spread mixture in pan as pictured below:

(be mindful of your breadcrumb coating)

now, sprinkle the cheese all around

(good grief that's A LOT of cheese, so much I forgot to photo it!)

and then slowly pour in your egg mixture, like so:

place this into your pre-heated oven & bake for 20-25 minutes.........

wait until the edges are a golden brown and the center is set.

end result: