Thanks to the National Pork Board, I have ham leftovers before Easter this year! I was given a free ham for myself and the opportunity to give away a ham to one of you – just in time for Easter.
While there are a million ways to use leftover ham, I think one of the best is to bake it up in a simple crustless quiche. I decided to brighten up my usual ham and cheese quiche with some tender green asparagus. I know that ham and asparagus are a classic combination, but this was my first time making a ham and asparagus quiche for myself.
I’m so glad I did!
The quiche is very easy to make. First I sauteed some leeks and the chopped asparagus until tender.
Then I stirred in some cubed ham, just to blend all the flavors.
Next, I scraped the ham and asparagus mixture into my buttered quiche dish.
I sprinkled a generous amount of shredded Gruyere cheese over the ham and asparagus.
And finally, I poured a rich custard of eggs and heavy cream over the filling.
The quiche went into a preheated 400-degree oven and this is what emerged 30 minutes later…
Ham, Asparagus, and Gruyere Crustless Quiche
adapted from The All Purpose Joy of Cooking
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 leek, thinly sliced (white and light green parts only)
1/2 pound asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
6 ounces ham, cubed, about 1 cup
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
fresh ground black pepper, to taste
3 ounces shredded Gruyere cheese, about 1 cup
1. Butter a 10-inch pie plate or quiche dish. Position oven rack to center position and preheat to 400 degrees.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and butter and swirl to melt butter. Add leeks, and cook, stirring, for a couple minutes until softened. Add asparagus, and cook, stirring, for 5 – 8 minutes, or until just tender. Turn off heat. Add ham and toss together with asparagus. Scrape ham and asparagus mixture into the buttered quiche dish. Sprinkle grated cheese evenly over the top.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Pour egg mixture over the ham, asparagus, and cheese. Place quiche in the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until quiche is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Related Recipes:
Around the Web:
- Leek and Mushroom Quiche at Smitten Kitchen
- Crustless Mini Quiches at The Kitchn
- Crustless Quiche at Andrea Meyers
- Mushroom and Goat Cheese Quiche at Recipe Girl
To enter the drawing to win a free ham: Please leave one comment telling me your favorite way to use ham leftovers. There are two more ways you can enter this drawing. For a second entry you can “like” Pinch My Salt on Facebook then return here and leave a comment telling me you did so. For a third entry, follow Pinch My Salt on Twitter then return here and leave a comment telling me you did so. Each person is allowed to enter the drawing three times using the above instructions. Any extra comments will be deleted before the drawing. The contest ends TODAY, April 19, at 5pm Pacific at which time comments will be closed and I will use Random.org’s Random Integer Generator to choose the winner. Winner will be notified immediately by e-mail so that shipping arrangements can be arranged (hopefully) in time for Easter.
Update: The ham giveaway is over and the winner has been randomly selected. Comments have been closed on this post.
For information, recipes, free brochures, and how-to carving videos, visit http://PorkBeInspired.com
disclosure: The ham I used in this recipe was provided to me by The National Pork Board, but I was not compensated in any other way and the recipe and views expressed in this post are my own.
Hello,
I have liked your FB page and hope I am now entered into the ham competition! Thanks
3:12 am Apr 19th, 2011I liked your Facebook page and would like to enter the drawing.
3:31 am Apr 19th, 2011I love a classic grilled ham and cheese sandwich.
4:10 am Apr 19th, 2011I like to use it in an omelet.
4:12 am Apr 19th, 2011Leftover ham – let me count the ways. I have two favorites: croque monsieur, and with the bone, split pea soup!!! Sometimes I make ham specifically FOR the leftovers!
4:19 am Apr 19th, 2011I don’t like facebook, but I also like ham and eggs.
4:21 am Apr 19th, 2011I like twitter even less, but am happy for a chance to enter a third time. My son (8)would say his favorite leftover is that he gets a really good ham sandwich for his lunch – usually for a few days. But there is a girl in his class who is deathly allergic to mustard (the seeds), so the sandwich cannot be what it once was. He has discovered that plain ham with GOOD pickles, and some chunks of cheese makes a lovely lunch.
4:25 am Apr 19th, 2011Leftover ham is used in sandwiches and bean soup!
4:25 am Apr 19th, 2011I like to make a white beam and ham soup with leftover ham.
4:37 am Apr 19th, 2011Try some finely chopped ham, green part of scallions added to scrambled eggs made with 4 whites to 2 yolks. Really yummy!
5:07 am Apr 19th, 2011My husband loves me to make him ham hash with the leftovers the day after Easter.
5:52 am Apr 19th, 2011I “like” you on facebook and I love your recipes! My sons love me to make them ham panini’s with swiss cheese and a drizzle of honey.
5:53 am Apr 19th, 2011I’m “following” you on twitter too. My absolute favorite way to enjoy leftover ham (or fresh ham for that matter) is in a crepe with a white wine heavy cream sauce and broccoli. A recipe that I have modeled after a favorite dish from The Magic Pan. Heaven!!
6:01 am Apr 19th, 2011“Green Eggs and Ham” is a favorite book of my son’s but I prefer ham sandwiches, ham stolen late at night from the fridge and eaten with my fingers, curried split pea soup with ham, and potatoes au gratin with slivers of ham. This quiche looks fabulous and is next up on my ham menu.
6:04 am Apr 19th, 2011My favorite way to use up leftover ham is in omelets. Quick, easy, and cheap!
6:04 am Apr 19th, 2011I’m also a Facebook fan.
6:06 am Apr 19th, 2011My favorite ham dish is scolloped ham and potatoes~ and I’m very fond of ham and egg salad stuffed rolls — oh yes I “liked” you on facebook
6:09 am Apr 19th, 2011I love to make quiche, too, but I go for the crusted variety. I am still hopeless at putting together a respectable pie crust, so I use the Pillsbury pre-made ones and it turns out lovely every time.
Thanks for the giveaway!
6:22 am Apr 19th, 2011Leftover ham, let me count the ways…
6:32 am Apr 19th, 2011ham and potato hash
cheesy ham grits
broccoli, ham, and cheese frittata, strata, or tortilla
bean stew with kale, sausages, and ham
greens and ham
ham and cheese emapnadas
pasta with eggs and ham
ham fried rice
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm, ham!
I love to make quiche! and I love to make hambone soup with a multitude of different beans! and omelets! and sandwiches! and…and…and… I love leftover ham
6:35 am Apr 19th, 2011PS I ALREADY like you on Facebook
6:35 am Apr 19th, 2011Leftover ham…. for me, always ends up in a sandwich. This year I’m hoping I’ll have time right before Easter to bake a few loafs of bread and then have completely homemade sandwiches. Crossing my fingers!
6:42 am Apr 19th, 2011Home-made split pea soup with ham! Mmmmmmm……..
6:43 am Apr 19th, 2011My mouth is watering just reading this, I can’t wait to try it!
6:47 am Apr 19th, 2011The best way to eat leftover ham is cold, right from the fridge!
6:52 am Apr 19th, 2011You don’t need to enter me in the giveaway, just wanted to say how absolutely delicious this looks!
6:56 am Apr 19th, 2011I’m with Rachel — I like my leftover ham straight from the fridge…
But it looks like this recipe might be a close second! I’m looking forward to trying it.
6:58 am Apr 19th, 2011I’ve liked Pinch My Salt on Facebook.
6:59 am Apr 19th, 2011And now I’m following Pinch My Salt on Twitter… Feel loved!
7:03 am Apr 19th, 2011I’m also a twitter follower
7:18 am Apr 19th, 2011My favorite use for leftover ham is for scalloped potatoes in the oven.
7:26 am Apr 19th, 2011I like ham and beans almost better than the ham itself!
7:32 am Apr 19th, 2011yum! the quiche looks so good! I like using ham with leftover mashed potatoes and making potato/ham patties, dunking them in egg mixture and panko crumbs and then pan sauteeing them.
7:36 am Apr 19th, 2011This looks delicious! I love all the other suggestions for leftover ham too! Very creative!
7:38 am Apr 19th, 2011The quiche looks great! I think you hit the nail on the head when it comes to using leftover ham – quiche or casseroles, or at eklase that is my favorite way. I can’t wait to try the quiche recipe.
7:38 am Apr 19th, 2011Sounds like a wonderful recipe. My after Easter Ham usually goes into Scalloped Potatoes and then Pea Soup.
7:39 am Apr 19th, 2011Following you on twitter! Love the updates on there!
7:39 am Apr 19th, 2011my favorite way to use ham leftovers is in scalloped potatoes. With extra sharp cheddar on top
7:41 am Apr 19th, 2011I love to use leftover ham to make scalloped potatoes and ham. It’s YUM!
7:41 am Apr 19th, 2011I already liked you on Facebook
7:41 am Apr 19th, 2011My favorite way to use ham leftovers? It actually involves the bone! An old Southern favorite – Ham Bone Soup http://www.lanascooking.com/2009/09/21/hambone-soup/
7:41 am Apr 19th, 2011Been a fan of yours on FB for a while now; you’re one of my most frequently-referred to food blogs. Now off to follow you on Twitter!
7:42 am Apr 19th, 2011Ham and mac and cheese. Definitely going to try this recipe.
7:42 am Apr 19th, 2011Already follow you on Twitter
7:42 am Apr 19th, 2011yum
7:43 am Apr 19th, 2011I already like you on facebook… I hope that counts
7:43 am Apr 19th, 2011I have 2 ways that I like to use my leftovers, depending on how much is left. I often save the bone with any meat on it for ham & bean soup or split pea soup. But my family loves it when I make what we call ‘ham bits’. It’s just like a breakfast casserole – the ham, eggs, bread cubes, mustard, cheese, and I sneak in onions, garlic and some potato cubes, and then bake it. My husband grew up eating ham left-overs this way and has passed his love of it onto my kids, and they ask for it with every ham we buy. I hope I win, since I know my family loves ham! Happy Easter!
7:44 am Apr 19th, 2011oh, and I used to love making big pots of soup with my ham leftovers, but by Easter it’s already so hot down here in South Florida that I don’t do that too much anymore. I tend more towards fritattas now — just slice up the ham and some potatoes and layer them with whatever other goodies happen to be in the fridge, egg it up
and bake. Monday brunch! I also cube it up and use it to flavor turnip greens with leeks and a dash of vinegar.
7:48 am Apr 19th, 2011Quiche is an awesome way to use up ham…but I love to use it in potato soup!
)
7:52 am Apr 19th, 2011Liked on FB too! Great blog
Yay! And now I follow you on Twitter, too. All your salt are pinched by me!
7:55 am Apr 19th, 2011I love to use leftover ham in a split pea soup.
7:55 am Apr 19th, 2011I like you on Facebook.
7:56 am Apr 19th, 2011We love ham sandwiches! Also my kids love noodle soup with ham Ponyo style.
7:58 am Apr 19th, 2011I love to make grilled a jalapeno cheese sandwich with left over ham with sliced tomatoes and caramelized onions.
8:03 am Apr 19th, 2011I like to use ham in omelets and grilled ham & cheese sandwiches. mmm…nummy.
8:05 am Apr 19th, 2011I like you on FB.
8:05 am Apr 19th, 2011Oooooh, that looks delicious!! And low carb too which is even better
We usually eat our entire ham so what I use is the ham bone for bean soup!
8:05 am Apr 19th, 2011Hi.
The way I prefer to use the ham leftovers, it’s a sandwich. Lettuce, ham and a light topping I make of honey, dijon mustard and lemon juice. Yums! You just have to try it!
=)
8:06 am Apr 19th, 2011I like you on facebook.
8:07 am Apr 19th, 2011I’ve been following you on Twitter for a long time now.
8:07 am Apr 19th, 2011Looks delicious! I can’t wait to give this one a try!
8:07 am Apr 19th, 2011I follow you on FB, and now I follow you on Twitter.
My Mom always used leftover ham to make all kinds of soup.
Thank you.
8:08 am Apr 19th, 2011I follow you on twitter!!! Enter me please!
8:21 am Apr 19th, 2011I liked you on facebook!! Enter me please!!
8:22 am Apr 19th, 2011I have been a fan (or like, as they now call it) on FB for quite awhile now!
8:23 am Apr 19th, 2011I like to use leftover ham to make omelettes, fritattas, or put in salads!!
8:24 am Apr 19th, 2011My favorite way to use leftover ham is in twice baked potatoes, or on pizza, or in soup, or in quiche…it is really quite versatile!
8:26 am Apr 19th, 2011I love to use leftover ham for quick breakfasts and lunches then use the bone in soup!!
8:35 am Apr 19th, 2011My sister and I are making brunch for the family and a ham would be a perfect addition! btw: you are liked and followed on facebook and twitter
I adore your blog.
8:44 am Apr 19th, 2011Your pictures are so luscious!! Did someone mention a ham competition, I am making this quiche if I win! Happy Spring!
8:56 am Apr 19th, 2011Ham is a tradional favorite at our house on Easter. I like to use leftovers to make ham spread using healthy, crunchy ingredients for sandwiches or it is good on crackers. The quiche recipe sounded so good. I discovered Gruyere cheese about 2 years ago, and absolutely love it.
8:59 am Apr 19th, 2011I am anxious to try it in a quiche. Thanks.
Hey there!
I already had you liked on FB; commenting here to let you know. As for how I like to use leftover ham, one of my favorites in red beans and rice. Yummy!
I love the quiche idea btw. Asparagus is one of my favorite Spring foods and like you said, it pairs so well with ham.
9:01 am Apr 19th, 2011I love satueeing leftover veggies and throwing them into a tomato sauce for pasta!
9:04 am Apr 19th, 2011My goodness…leftover ham (if there is any!) is usually used in my home for sandwiches, split pea soup, definitely quiche and omelettes, But I have never made a crustless quiche. Most likely my next quiche will be crustless. Love the thought of less fat.
9:23 am Apr 19th, 2011Yum! I’d definitely do split pea soup and a panini with ham and gruyere with a fried egg on top. Soup + sandwich + ham + egg = BLISS!
I dont have any ham, but I’m totally making a crustless quiche tonight!
9:28 am Apr 19th, 2011I’ve also “Liked” your page!
9:29 am Apr 19th, 2011I like you on facebook! Love your posts!
9:31 am Apr 19th, 2011I like to make an old-fashioned ham salad with relish in it.
9:36 am Apr 19th, 2011My favorite ham leftover is eggs benedict. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!
9:53 am Apr 19th, 2011My favorite thing to do with leftover ham is use the bone for bean soup. Also adore frying leftover slices and serving them with poached eggs.
9:55 am Apr 19th, 2011Just liked you on facebook.
10:01 am Apr 19th, 2011And for the third entry, I am already following you on twitter, does that count?
10:03 am Apr 19th, 2011This looks delicious! Can’t wait to make it.
And I liked you on FB!
10:03 am Apr 19th, 2011I like to make a lima bean soup with ham with leftovers. I also make a crustless quiche with ham, swiss, and onion. I can’t wait to try it with asparagus and gruyere.
10:09 am Apr 19th, 2011I love using Ham in my scrambled eggs the day after.
10:10 am Apr 19th, 2011I “liked” you on Facebook.
10:12 am Apr 19th, 2011Nothing like old school ham salad with some mayo, dill pickles and maybe some shredded cheese from a food processor.
10:15 am Apr 19th, 2011Split pea soup. Yum!
10:26 am Apr 19th, 2011Love leftover ham in my mac and cheese, in an omlette, ham sandwich, ham salad or in deviled eggs! Liked you on Facebook. Thanks!
10:32 am Apr 19th, 2011Love leftover ham in mac and cheese, with egg salad, in soup, as ham salad, in a sandwich or as part of a chef’s salad. Like you on Facebook!
10:34 am Apr 19th, 2011ham biscuits!!! that’s what i’m craving leftover ham for… buuuuut i’m wondering if it’s just cuz i’m craving biscuits.
this crustless quiche is also making me want quiche… and the comment above makes me want mac & cheese… apparently i’m hungry and all leftover ham usages are sounding good to me!
10:40 am Apr 19th, 2011I love to make a pot of great northern beans with my left over ham.
10:48 am Apr 19th, 2011I like Pinch My Salt on Facebook @Arlene B M
10:49 am Apr 19th, 2011I love leftover ham hash. Particularly good if you have left over scalloped potatoes as well. Naughty deliciousness.
10:50 am Apr 19th, 2011My favorite use of leftover ham is to make croquettes. I grind the ham in my food processor & add cheddar cheese, form into balls, dip in egg & additional breadcrumb and fry it up!
10:50 am Apr 19th, 2011Oh, and I am also a twitter follower.
10:50 am Apr 19th, 2011I follow @pinchmysalt on twitter @flouronmyface2
10:50 am Apr 19th, 2011i use leftover ham in baked potato soup!
10:50 am Apr 19th, 2011My favorite way to use up leftover ham is to have my husband make his Fried Pasta recipe. Definite comfort food!
10:54 am Apr 19th, 2011I love leftover ham in a hot ham sandwich with swiss cheese, butter, mustard and poppy seed.
11:01 am Apr 19th, 2011Lentil soup
11:14 am Apr 19th, 2011I like using it like you did, in egg dishes. Also for scalloped potatoes & ham and bean soup!
11:15 am Apr 19th, 2011Scrambled eggs with ham, and bean and ham soup. Yum!
11:21 am Apr 19th, 2011I already follow on twitter; does that count?
11:23 am Apr 19th, 2011“liked” on facebook.
11:25 am Apr 19th, 2011Ham with cheesy potatoes is my favorite.
11:28 am Apr 19th, 2011I love a ham and spinach frittata in the morning, or for lunch after a ham dinner
11:31 am Apr 19th, 2011Liked you on FB
11:32 am Apr 19th, 2011I love to make ham and scalloped potatoes with leftover ham!
11:45 am Apr 19th, 2011I make ham salad for a special treat.
11:54 am Apr 19th, 2011I make pea and ham risotto with left over ham
12:22 pm Apr 19th, 2011My favorite for leftover ham is breakfast burritos. And, astonishingly, I don’t think I saw anyone else mention them yet!
12:40 pm Apr 19th, 2011Oh, and I “liked” you on facebook!
12:41 pm Apr 19th, 2011Cold ham straight from the fridge with beets and horseradish, take
12:45 pm Apr 19th, 2011Me back to Easter with my family as a child!
I love using my leftover ham for pizza!! add some pineapple!!
12:53 pm Apr 19th, 2011Great recipe – this could easily be done in a skillet, as a frittata, as well. One can never go wrong with the ham/gruyere combo!
1:06 pm Apr 19th, 2011I use the left over bone in the ham to make a smokey soup stock that I will use for corn chowder, bean soup and/or split pea. All of which can have chopped ham added too.
I also use leftover ham in Gratin Daphinoise (also from Joy of Cooking). It turns a side dish into a main dish. When layering the potatoes for the potato au gratin I slip in a slice of ham (cut the same size as the potatoes) like this – two potato slices then 1 ham slice, two potato slices, 1 ham slice, etc. This is a ham/potato/gruyere combo.
1:21 pm Apr 19th, 2011ham and bean soup or ham and eggs.
1:48 pm Apr 19th, 2011I like this recipe, simple and clean. I love to make Quiche when I don’t know what to make and I am low on provisions. They are so versatile! Nice recipe!
1:50 pm Apr 19th, 2011Thanks!
I like to use leftover ham this way: 1 cup cooked ham, chopped into cubes, 1 1/2 cup mashed potatoes, 1/4 cup minced onion, 3/4 tsp. salt, 1/8 tsp. pepper, 1/4 cup oil. Mix all ingredients together. Form into 3″ patties 1/2″ thick. Dip into flour. Fry until golden brown in just a little oil in pan. Lani
2:09 pm Apr 19th, 2011I follow you on fb and LOVE your recipes! I’ve made some of your muffins and love your cream of spinach soup. Can’t wait to try this quiche for my first time hosting easter brunch!!
Hope I am entered to win the ham! Thanks for all you do to help new cooks like me who love to create healthy homemade meals!
2:10 pm Apr 19th, 2011I usually make soup. Split pea, bean or potato. But excellent ham deserves to star in a frittata or quiche.
2:23 pm Apr 19th, 2011I liked you on facebook.
2:24 pm Apr 19th, 2011I already follow you on twitter.
I love leftover ham with cheese and egg sandwiched on a freshly baked buttermilk biscuit.
Favorite for left-over ham is Western sandwiches – on toasted Boston brown bread.
2:27 pm Apr 19th, 2011Ham and leftover biscuit sandwich!
2:28 pm Apr 19th, 2011ham sandwiches or ham & eggs!
2:47 pm Apr 19th, 2011My family’s favorite leftover ham use is grilled ham and cheese on homemade bread.
3:15 pm Apr 19th, 2011I Like you on Facebook!
3:20 pm Apr 19th, 2011I follow you on Twitter!
3:20 pm Apr 19th, 2011I “liked” you on facebook!
4:06 pm Apr 19th, 2011I love to make mini ham sandwiches on kings hawaiian bread with my leftover ham. So tasty and easy!
4:10 pm Apr 19th, 2011I liked pinch my salt on facebook!
4:11 pm Apr 19th, 2011I follow pinch my salt on twitter (@hairbyadrian)
4:12 pm Apr 19th, 2011of course i follow you! who wouldn’t? hello!
4:36 pm Apr 19th, 2011leftovers? if there are any? some sort of crazy ass hash baby!
:::going over to facebook now:::
Ham fried rice – diced ham, eggs, veggies and rice
4:38 pm Apr 19th, 2011Mmmmm, this quiche sounds refreshingly yummy…. my favorite way is to make a ham pie- cubed ham, stewed tomatoes, and lots and lots of cheddar in a nice flaky crust. It’s addictive!
4:40 pm Apr 19th, 2011I follow you on Twitter!
4:41 pm Apr 19th, 2011I like you on Facebook…but I’ve always liked you
4:43 pm Apr 19th, 2011I love leftover ham. Usually make scalloped potatoes or bean soup, I would love to try your quiche this Easter.
5:07 pm Apr 19th, 2011I also followed you on twitter!
5:09 pm Apr 19th, 2011Definetly, white beans abd rice. A litlltle “sumthin’, sumthin’” extra with andouille.
5:24 pm Apr 19th, 2011Ham leftovers? Really?? Not in my house!! Well, if there are, they go into green beans for my husband, and an omelet for me! Delish!
5:35 pm Apr 19th, 2011