Slow-Cooker Ham and Gruyere Quiche

Is there anything a slow cooker can’t do? While we are all very aware that you can make killer stews, soups and casseroles in a slow cooker, I, for one, am in awe over this slow-cooker ham and Gruyere quiche from Elise Jesse. When I first saw the title of this recipe, I assumed it was yet another crustless slow-cooker egg casserole. My jaw dropped when I realized that Elise’s recipe actually includes a pie crust. I’m not exactly sure what magic (aka food science) makes this impressive feat possible. All I know is that this hands-off, fuss-free recipe is easy, cheesy and totally divine.

If you’re wondering what the trick is to making a quiche with a pie crust in the slow cooker, look no further than a roll of parchment paper. This kitchen staple creates a barrier between the quiche and the slow cooker, which helps prevent the crust from burning, and makes the quiche super easy to remove too.

I especially love this slow-cooker quiche recipe as a holiday breakfast dish when you want to enjoy something special but don’t want to miss out on time with friends and family.

Slow-Cooker Ham and Gruyere Quiche Ingredients

• Pie crust: For ease, feel free to use a store-bought pie crust for this slow-cooker quiche. You may also use a homemade pie crust, if you prefer.
• Eggs: Quiche recipes are a great way to use up eggs in the refrigerator, resulting in a tasty breakfast you can reheat and enjoy all week long.
• Heavy whipping cream: For the best slow-cooker quiche, opt for heavy cream. It makes the filling insanely rich and fluffy.
• Seasonings: No need to get fancy. A simple blend of salt, pepper and onion powder perfectly seasons the quiche.
• Diced ham: Use packaged diced ham or chop leftover ham from dinner; both will yield wonderful results.
• Gruyere cheese: This firm cheese has a lovely nutty flavor and a creamy consistency when melted. It’s the classic choice for recipes like quiche Lorraine and French onion soup.

Directions

Step 1: Shape the pie crust

Place a piece of parchment in a 7-quart slow cooker. It should be big enough to cover the bottom and go up the sides. Unroll the pie crust and fit it to the inside of the slow cooker.

Editor’s Tip: Pinch the sides where there is extra crust for a prettier finish.

Step 2: Make the egg filling

To a large bowl, add the eggs, whipping cream, diced ham, cheese, salt, pepper and onion powder (save 1 to 2 ounces of cheese for the top). Mix until combined. Pour the egg mixture into the slow cooker.

Step 3: Cook on high

Place the lid on your slow cooker and cook on high for two hours.

Editor’s Tip: You will know the quiche is done when the center is firm.

Step 4: Top with cheese and serve

Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the quiche, then replace the lid. Once the cheese is melted, carefully lift your quiche from the slow cooker. Place it on a cute dish to serve and enjoy!

Editor’s Tip: Turn your slow cooker off while the cheese melts to prevent the crust from burning and eggs from overcooking.

Slow-Cooker Ham and Gruyere Quiche Variations

• Make meaty substitutions: If you’re not into ham, you can swap in another protein of your choice. Cooked and crumbled bacon or breakfast sausage would work great. You could also opt for cooked chorizo or shredded chicken.
• Choose a different cheese: If you don’t wish to use Gruyere, other cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, fontina, Gouda or Parmesan all work well in this slow-cooker quiche recipe.
• Be vibrant with vegetables: For a boost of nutrition and color, consider adding up to 1-1/2 cups of sauteed vegetables to the quiche filling. Chopped spinach, kale, broccoli, zucchini, bell peppers, onions and/or mushrooms all make tasty additions.

How to Store Slow-Cooker Ham and Gruyere Quiche

Slow-cooker quiche should be stored in an airtight food storage container and kept refrigerated. Enjoy within three days.

How should you reheat slow-cooker quiche?

You can reheat the quiche in a 350° oven until heated through or warm it in the microwave. Reheating the quiche in the oven will yield a crisper, fresher taste and texture.

Slow-Cooker Ham and Gruyere Quiche Tips

How do you make ham and Gruyere quiche without a slow cooker?

If you do not have a slow cooker, you can still make quiche the old-fashioned way using your oven. This baked ham and cheese quiche will walk you through the method.

What can you serve with slow-cooker ham and Gruyere quiche?

Serve this slow-cooker quiche recipe with all your favorite breakfast sides. A colorful fruit salad, a tray of crispy bacon or a stack of homemade blueberry pancakes would round out your menu nicely.

Watch How to Make Elise Jesse’s Slow-Cooker Ham and Gruyere Quiche

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