This tasty tart is filled with ham and broccoli, all wrapped in a flaky crust. It’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner, and it’s super easy to make!
I love how colorful and satisfying this dish is. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies, and who doesn’t love a slice of pie? 🥧
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crust: A pre-made crust saves time, but making your own can add a special touch. Use store-bought puff pastry or biscuit dough if you’re in a hurry. Gluten-free crusts are also an excellent alternative if needed.
Ham: Cooked ham adds a nice flavor, but you can substitute with turkey, cooked bacon, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Leftover holiday ham is perfect for this dish!
Broccoli: Fresh is best for vibrant color and taste. If you don’t have fresh broccoli, frozen can work too—just thaw and drain thoroughly before using. Spinach or kale can also be substituted for variety.
Cream: Heavy cream gives a rich texture. You could use milk or a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, keeping in mind it may alter the texture slightly. For a lighter version, half-and-half is also a great choice.
Cheese: I love using Gruyère because of its nutty flavor, but cheddar or Swiss cheese is just as tasty. Try mixing two types for a new flavor! Vegan cheese is a good alternative for dairy-free diets.
How Do I Get My Tart Filling Just Right?
Getting the filling just right can be tricky, but here’s how to do it. This recipe relies on the perfect balance between eggs and cream to create a smooth custard that holds the ingredients together.
- Start by whisking the eggs and cream together thoroughly. This ensures they’re well combined and will bake evenly.
- Add seasonings like salt, pepper, and nutmeg evenly throughout the mixture to enhance flavor.
- Before pouring the egg mixture, make sure your ham and broccoli are spread evenly in the crust. It helps with the filling setting well.
- Keep an eye on baking. If the top starts browning too quickly, cover it with foil for the last part of the baking time.
Let your tart cool slightly before slicing. This helps it set up and makes for cleaner slices! Enjoy your savory creation!
How to Make Savory Tart with Ham and Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Tart:
- 1 pre-made pie crust or tart shell (9-inch)
- 3/4 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 1/2 cups broccoli florets
For The Custard Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Gruyère, cheddar, or Swiss work well)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
For Cooking the Broccoli:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This savory tart takes around 15 minutes to prepare and about 35-40 minutes to bake, making it a quick option for lunch or dinner. With a little bit of waiting time for it to cool, you’ll have a delicious dish ready in less than an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). If your broccoli is fresh, put it in a pot of boiling water for about 2-3 minutes until it’s just tender. After that, drain it and pat dry. Alternatively, you can sauté the broccoli in a pan with a tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic until it’s crisp and bright green.
2. Set Up The Crust:
Take your pre-made pie crust or tart shell and place it in a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Use a fork to prick the bottom of the crust—this helps to prevent bubbles while baking. No one wants a bubbly tart!
3. Add Ham and Broccoli:
Now, sprinkle the diced ham evenly over the crust. After that, distribute the broccoli florets on top of the ham—be as generous as you like!
4. Create The Egg Mixture:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream (or half-and-half), salt, pepper, and nutmeg until everything is well blended. If you like cheese, you can either mix it directly into this egg mixture or save some to sprinkle on top of the broccoli before adding the egg mixture.
5. Pour and Bake:
Carefully pour the egg custard over the ham and broccoli in the tart shell. Now it’s time to bake! Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is a lovely golden color.
6. Slice and Serve:
Once baked, take the tart out of the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This will help the filling set up a bit more for cleaner slices. You can enjoy it warm or at room temperature–perfect for any meal! Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad for a delightful meal!
Enjoy your delicious and hearty savory tart with ham and broccoli—a perfect blend of flavors in a crispy crust!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli can be a convenient substitute. Just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the tart. It’s best to lightly steam or sauté it before adding to the tart for the best texture.
Can I Make This Tart Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ham and consider adding cooked mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers for added flavor and texture. You could also increase the amount of cheese for a richer filling.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Can I Make This Tart Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the tart up to a day ahead. Just bake, let it cool completely, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat gently in the oven, or enjoy it cold! This makes it perfect for meal prep or gatherings.