South African Style Cheese Ham and Onion Quiche

Here’s a delicious South African–style Cheese, Ham & Onion Quiche — perfect for tea tables, padkos, lunchboxes, or served at a braai.

🧀 South African Cheese, Ham & Onion Quiche

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

🥧 Pastry (or use ready-made shortcrust)

• 1½ cups cake flour
• 125 g cold butter (cubed)
• 1 egg yolk
• 2–3 tbsp cold water
• Pinch of salt

(Shortcut: 1 sheet ready-made shortcrust pastry)

🧅 Filling

• 1 tbsp butter or oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1–1½ cups diced ham
• 1 cup grated mature cheddar (very traditional in SA homes)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup fresh cream
• ½ cup milk
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• Optional: pinch of Aromat for a local touch

👩‍🍳 Method

1️⃣ Prepare the pastry

1. Rub butter into flour and salt until crumbly.
2. Add egg yolk and cold water to form a dough.
3. Chill for 30 minutes.
4. Roll out and press into a greased 23 cm tart tin.
5. Prick base with a fork.
6. Blind bake at 180°C for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.

2️⃣ Cook the filling

1. Sauté onions in butter over medium heat until soft and lightly caramelised (about 10–15 minutes).
2. Allow to cool slightly.

3️⃣ Mix custard

In a bowl:

• Whisk eggs, cream, and milk.
• Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and Aromat if using.

4️⃣ Assemble

1. Spread ham evenly over the pastry base.
2. Add caramelised onions.
3. Sprinkle grated cheddar on top.
4. Pour egg mixture over filling.

5️⃣ Bake

• Bake at 180°C for 30–40 minutes until set in the centre and golden on top.
• Rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Tips

• Many South Africans add a handful of chopped chives or parsley.
• Swap half the cheddar for feta for extra flavour.
• Serve with a simple green salad and Mrs Ball’s chutney on the side for a true local touch.