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Boost Your Brain Health With This Easy & Delicious Ham & Cheese Quiche | Mental Heath Recipes

By Krista

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Last Updated: May 4, 2023

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Alright, confession time: I’ve been on a bit of a quiche kick these last few weeks (There is literally one in my oven right now).

I was looking for something ultra-easy for breakfast that required little effort, and that was just as good reheated as it was fresh out of the oven. 

All in all, this easy quiche recipe has quickly become a part of my weekly meal prep (which basically involves this and a dinner/lunch dish; I keep things pretty simple). Plus, eggs have tons of nutritional value.

Contrary to popular belief, those scientific studies making eggs the bad guy were 110% wrong. (Quick fact: The cholesterol in eggs does not equate to increased cholesterol in the body.)

This dish also offers ample protein for good blood sugar stabilization (a must for good mood regulation!), and it has loads to offer your brain health.

So, let’s dig in.

  • How can you make this easy quiche and enjoy it for the next few breakfasts to come?
  • And how exactly do the nutrients in this dish contribute to better mental health and brain health?

 

 

A Quick & Easy Ham & Cheese Quiche

For me, cheese is non-negotiable in quiche.

Bonus points if the cheese has a bit of spice for added flavor. My personal favorite is Monterey Jack, but cheddar also works. 

The cool thing about quiche is that it’s pretty hard to mess up. And this is coming from someone who has had epic baking and cooking failures. I’ve made quiche by measuring the ingredients and eye-balling the ingredients, both with great success. 

 

 

How Does Quiche Enhance Your Mental Wellness?

Well, it does this in more ways than one! So, let’s dig in.

 

1. Protein helps with better mood regulation.

Protein is essential for our overall physical and mental well-being.

It contributes to:

  • increased muscle mass
  • better moods
  • reduced appetite
  • reduced cravings

But let’s narrow in on these mental health benefits.

Protein contributes to the adequate production of neurotransmitters, which help regulate our mood. Not only that, but protein helps regulate blood sugar by avoiding huge blood sugar spikes and dips. This can avoid a mood and energy rollercoaster that can leave you feeling depleted and depressed.

 

2. Eggs have anti-depressant effects.

Yeah, you read that right!

While only found in animal studies, eggs act as anti-depressants due to their vast nutritional content. In particular, eggs contain plenty of trace minerals and vitamins, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain health (and thus mental health!). 

 

3. Fiber in veggies might just reduce your risk of depression!

Okay, quick science lesson: Our bodies have this thing called the gut-brain axis.

This is how our microbiome (all that bacteria that helps digest our food in the gut) and our brain communicate, and it’s a two-way street. If our gut isn’t doing great, well, chances are, our brain is gonna notice, and we might feel kind of “blah.”

Fiber actually feeds the gut bacteria, keeping it in tip-top shape and sending positive vibes toward your brain (This is the gist of it; bear with me!).

The more veggies you eat, the more fiber your gut bacteria has access to, and the better you feel (digestive-wise and mentally). So, load up this quiche with your favorite veggies; It’s totally worth it!

Related Article: Have You Ever Wondered How Much Your Diet Affects Your Mental Health?

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A Quick & Easy Ham & Cheese Quiche

Prep time:
10 minutes
Cook time:
30-40 minutes
Total time:
50 minutes
Recipe Category:
quiche
Ingredients:
  • 9 eggs
  • ¾ cup of milk
  • 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
  • Half a white onion (chopped)
  • A red pepper (chopped)
  • Ham (chopped and as much as you see fit!)
  • Pie crust (optional)
Instructions:
  1. Chop all your veggies up to your desired size (I like mine as small as possible!), and preheat your oven to 345℉ (or to the temperature that the pie crust requires).
  2. Oil your pan, then add the pie crust. Cook the pie crust as per the instructions and let it cool.
  3. Then, add the eggs and milk. Whisk the eggs and milk together. If you’re not making a crustless quiche, make sure not to rupture the pie crust.
  4. Add the chopped onion and pepper, then the ham.
  5. Add ¾ the cup of cheese, mixing everything together.
  6. Add the last bit of cheese on top.
  7. Cook for 30-45 minutes or until there is no longer any jiggle or liquid left in the middle. 
  8. Let sit for five to 10 minutes before serving. This quiche can then be stored in the fridge for up to three days.

I’ve been making this quiche sans crust. This is simply because I couldn’t find a pie crust to my liking here in Mexico (I could probably do a bit more searching). So, if you don’t have a pie crust, feel free to make it crustless! I’d argue it’s just as good. 

Feel free also mix up the veggies or type of cheese (as mentioned above). Some other good veggies in this dish include broccoli and spinach. You can also swap out the ham for bacon for a smokier flavor.

Related Article: 10 Stress-Reducing Foods to Help You Unwind and Relax

Yield (servings):
4-6 servings

Make This Quiche Your Easy, Go-To Breakfast (Or Lunch!) 

When I say it takes little effort, I mean it. I throw the crustless version of this quiche together in 10 minutes.

From there, I just throw it in the oven and, set a timer, then wait. So easy! Plus, it makes the whole house smell like I’m cooking up a wildly delicious breakfast. Add this one to your regular meal rotation; I bet you won’t regret it.

Read Next: Asparagus with Poached Eggs & Prosciutto: Can This Meal Fight Depression?

Photo by Malidate Van

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