Very Veggie, Ham, and Gruyere Quiche

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Spray a 9-inch quiche or pie pan with cooking spray.

2. Place thawed, shredded hash browns on paper towels and lightly press with another paper towel, to remove excess moisture.

3. Pour hash browns in the prepared pan, and press on the bottom and up the sides of the pan to form a crust. Brush the sides and bottom of the hash brown crust with melted butter. Use a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap to press the potatoes firmly on the bottom and sides of the pan again, making sure there are no gaps.

4. Bake crust in the preheated oven until crust is lightly browned, 15 to 20 minutes, adding 5-minute increments if needed. Reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

5. While the crust is baking, melt 1 tablespoon butter in a small skillet and cook the chopped red bell pepper, chopped fresh mushrooms, and chopped scallions, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper. Add chopped spinach and cook until spinach is just wilted, 1 to 2 minutes. Set cooked vegetables aside and allow to cool.

6. Beat eggs, cream, and remaining salt and pepper together in a medium mixing bowl. Stir in cooked vegetables and 1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese.

7. Place sliced Gruyere cheese on the bottom of the baked crust, cutting to fit. Sprinkle diced ham on top of the sliced Gruyere, and pour egg mixture over all. Sprinkle remaining shredded Gruyere on top.

8. Bake in the preheated oven until the center of the quiche is set, and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool on a rack for about 15 minutes. Slice and serve warm, or at room temperature.

Cook's Notes:

Very little salt is needed, due to the saltiness of the cheese and ham. Adjust to taste.

You can use unsalted butter instead--just make sure to add a pinch of salt to the crust before baking.