¾cupmilk(I used 1%; or use whole milk or a combo of milk and cream for more richness)
¾teaspoonkosher salt
¼teaspoonground black pepper
¼teaspoonground nutmeg
¼teaspoonhot saucesuch as Tabasco (optional)
1cupdiced cooked ham
¾cup1/4-inch-diced melty cheesesuch as Gruyere or white cheddar* (about 3 ounces)
2green onionsfinely chopped
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. If your frozen spinach is not already thawed, thaw it in the microwave per the directions. Place the spinach in a colander and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Set aside.
Blind Bake the Crust (If your crust comes pre-formed in a disposable pan). Place the pie dish on a baking sheet and bake for 3 minutes. Remove it from the oven, prick it all over with the tines of a fork, then return to the oven and bake until light golden, about 10 minutes more. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. See notes if you use a pie dough sheet or make your own dough.**
Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and Tabasco.
Squeeze and blot more water out of the spinach (you want it as dry as possible), then scatter it evenly over the bottom of the blind-baked crust. Sprinkle the ham, cheese, and onion over the top of the spinach.
Carefully pour the egg mixture over the top.
Bake the Quiche: Bake the quiche on the baking sheet, until a knife inserted 1 inch from the edge of the crust comes out clean and the center is set, about 40 to 50 minutes. If at any point the crust begins to brown more than you would like, protect it with foil or a pie crust shield. Let the baked quiche rest for 5 to 10 minutes, then slice and serve.
Notes
*For a quiche Lorraine inspired easy quiche, use Gruyere or Swiss, swap the ham for cooked bacon, and omit the spinach; I also love this with sharp white cheddar.
**If you are using pie dough (homemade or frozen/refrigerated) that doesn't come pre-shaped in a pan: Grab a deep 9-inch pie dish (this quiche has a lot of filling; I used this dish). Roll your pie dough into a 11-inch circle, then transfer it to the dish. Build up and flute the top edges to create a nice rim for holding the filling. Line it with aluminum foil. Fill with pie weights or dry beans, then place on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Remove it from the oven, lift out the beans and foil, then return the crust to the oven and bake until light golden, about 3 minutes more. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. (At this point, either discard the beans or save them for future pie baking.)
TO STORE: Let the baked quiche cool completely to room temperature, then refrigerate (if you pop it into the refrigerator while it is still warm, the crust can become soggy).
TO REHEAT: Tent the quiche with foil and warm in a 325 degree F oven until heated through, about 15 minutes.
TO FREEZE: Let quiche cool completely. Wrap tightly with foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.