Quiche
Quiche is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Smokin' & Grillin with AB on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 20 min
Cost: $44.48 total, $7.41 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 Ready‑Made Pie Crust (9‑inch, thawed)
- 1 cup Diced Ham (pre‑diced cooked ham)
- 1 cup Red Bell Pepper (seeded and diced)
- 1 cup White Mushrooms (cleaned and sliced)
- 1/2 cup Shredded Gouda Cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (can substitute half‑and‑half or whole milk for a lighter custard)
- 6 Large Eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon Salt (kosher or table salt)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the crust and fillings.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 350°F
Prepare the Crust
Unroll the ready‑made pie crust, gently press it into the 9‑inch pie pan, and trim any excess. Poke a few holes in the bottom with a fork.
Time: PT5M
Dice and Shred Fillings
Dice the ham, red bell pepper, and slice the mushrooms. Shred Gouda and cheddar cheeses. Set each ingredient in separate bowls.
Time: PT15M
Make the Custard
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 6 eggs, 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 1 tablespoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper until smooth and slightly frothy.
Time: PT5M
Layer the Fillings
Evenly scatter the diced ham, red bell pepper, and mushrooms over the crust. Sprinkle half of the Gouda and cheddar, then pour half of the custard. Add the remaining cheese and pour the rest of the custard, ensuring the mixture reaches about three‑quarters of the pan’s height.
Time: PT10M
Bake the Quiche
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
Time: PT35M
Temperature: 350°F
Rest and Serve
Remove the quiche from the oven, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the custard to finish setting and makes slicing cleaner.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 15 g
- Carbohydrates
- 20 g
- Fat
- 22 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Contains eggs
Allergens: Eggs, Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ready‑Made Pie Crust: Homemade pastry crust, Gluten‑free pie crust
- Instead of Diced Ham: Cooked turkey, Bacon bits
- Instead of Red Bell Pepper: Green bell pepper, Roasted red peppers
- Instead of White Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms, Button mushrooms
- Instead of Shredded Gouda Cheese: Swiss cheese, Gruyère
- Instead of Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack, Colby cheese
- Instead of Heavy Whipping Cream: Half‑and‑half, Whole milk
- Instead of Large Eggs: 5 large eggs (slightly less custard richness)
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
Equipment Needed
- 9‑Inch Pie Pan
- Oven
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Grater (optional)
- Spatula
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Preheat oven to the correct temperature.
- Layer the fillings correctly (cheese barrier first).
- Bake until the custard is set but not overcooked.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use room‑temperature eggs and cream for a smoother custard.
- A pinch of nutmeg in the custard adds a subtle warmth that complements the cheese.
- For extra flavor, sauté the mushrooms briefly with a dash of butter before adding them.
Troubleshooting
Center is still liquid after the recommended bake time.
Cover the top with foil and continue baking in 5‑minute increments until the custard is set.
Crust is soggy.
Blind‑bake the crust for 8‑10 minutes before adding fillings, or add a thin layer of shredded cheese directly on the crust to act as a barrier.
Quiche is too dry.
Increase the cream to milk ratio (e.g., 1 ¼ cup cream) or reduce the bake time slightly.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cover tightly and store for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap well and freeze for up to 1 month; reheat gently in the oven.
Room temperature: Do not leave out for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the crust and diced fillings up to step 3 and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- The custard can be whisked ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator; give it a quick whisk before pouring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of quiche in American brunch cuisine?
Quiche originated in France as a savory custard pie, but it became a staple of American brunch menus in the mid‑20th century, symbolizing a light yet indulgent start to the day. Its versatility lets home cooks add regional ingredients, making it a beloved dish for family gatherings and celebrations like Mother’s Day.
What traditional regional variations of quiche exist in French cuisine compared to the version shown on the YouTube channel Smokin' & Grillin with AB?
Classic French quiches such as Quiche Lorraine feature bacon and Gruyère, while Quiche Florentine adds spinach. The Smokin' & Grillin with AB version swaps bacon for diced ham, adds red bell pepper, mushrooms, Gouda, and cheddar, creating an American‑style, colorful brunch favorite.
How is quiche traditionally served in France and how does the serving suggestion differ in the Smokin' & Grillin with AB video?
In France, quiche is often served warm or at room temperature with a simple green salad and a glass of white wine. In the Smokin' & Grillin with AB video, the quiche is presented as a centerpiece for Mother’s Day brunch, paired with other sweet dishes like peach cobbler and enjoyed with coffee or juice.
What occasions or celebrations is quiche traditionally associated with in American culture?
In the United States, quiche is a popular choice for weekend brunches, holiday breakfasts, and special occasions such as Mother’s Day, Easter brunch, or casual family gatherings because it can be made ahead and served warm or cold.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for a classic French quiche, and what acceptable substitutes does the Smokin' & Grillin with AB recipe use?
Traditional French quiche typically uses a buttery pastry crust, eggs, cream, cheese (Gruyère or Emmental), and a protein like bacon or ham. The Smokin' & Grillin with AB recipe keeps the crust and custard base but substitutes Gouda and cheddar for the cheese, adds red bell pepper and mushrooms for color, and uses heavy whipping cream for richness.
What other American brunch dishes pair well with the ham, red pepper, mushroom & cheese quiche from Smokin' & Grillin with AB?
Pairs nicely with fresh fruit salad, toasted English muffins, a light citrus vinaigrette salad, and sweet options like peach cobbler or cinnamon rolls, all of which were mentioned in the video as complementary Mother’s Day brunch ideas.
How has the quiche evolved over time in American home cooking?
Originally a French savory tart, quiche in America has become a canvas for regional flavors—adding ingredients like vegetables, different cheeses, and meats. Home cooks now often use ready‑made crusts and experiment with quick custard mixes, making it faster to prepare for busy brunches, as demonstrated by Smokin' & Grillin with AB.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the ham, red pepper, mushroom & cheese quiche from Smokin' & Grillin with AB?
Common errors include overfilling the crust (more than three‑quarters full), skipping the cheese barrier which can make the crust soggy, and baking at too high a temperature causing the top to brown before the custard sets. Follow the layering and bake at 350°F as shown.
Why does this quiche recipe use heavy whipping cream instead of just milk?
Heavy whipping cream adds fat, giving the custard a richer, silkier texture and a golden color. Using only milk would produce a lighter, less custardy filling, which may not hold up as well when the quiche is sliced.
Can I make the ham, red pepper, mushroom & cheese quiche ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Assemble the quiche up to step 5, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. After baking, let it cool, then wrap tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.
What does the YouTube channel Smokin' & Grillin with AB specialize in?
The YouTube channel Smokin' & Grillin with AB focuses on easy, family‑friendly grilling, smoking, and backyard cooking tutorials, often highlighting seasonal dishes, brunch ideas, and practical tips for home cooks.
How does the cooking philosophy of Smokin' & Grillin with AB differ from other brunch cooking channels?
Smokin' & Grillin with AB emphasizes simplicity, using ready‑made components like pre‑diced meats and store‑bought crusts to reduce prep time, while still delivering flavorful, hearty dishes. The channel blends grilling expertise with classic oven‑baked recipes, unlike many brunch channels that focus solely on stovetop or baked goods.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
