How to Make an Easy and Quick Creamy Pie: Perfect for Lunch or Dinner

Craving a delicious, creamy pie that’s both simple to prepare and satisfying for the whole family? This easy and quick pie recipe is the answer! With a savory filling of ham, cheese, and tomatoes nestled between layers of a light, fluffy batter, it’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a casual get-together.

This recipe combines a few basic ingredients for the batter and a flavorful filling that’s sure to please your taste buds. The pie is versatile enough for you to customize the filling based on what you have in the fridge or your personal preferences. Plus, it’s ready in just under an hour!

Whether you’re an experienced home cook or a beginner, this recipe is a great way to make a savory pie that’s easy to follow and sure to impress.

Ingredients for the Pie Batter

The pie batter is light yet substantial, offering a soft texture that complements the savory filling. Here are the ingredients you’ll need for the batter:

What You’ll Need:

3 eggs: Eggs provide structure and help bind the ingredients together, giving the batter its fluffy texture.
2 cups of milk: Milk adds moisture to the batter, creating a smooth, rich texture.

1 cup of oil: The oil ensures a tender crumb and helps the pie stay moist.
1 teaspoon of salt: Salt enhances the flavor of the pie and balances the richness of the filling.
2 tablespoons of cornstarch: Cornstarch helps to create a slightly lighter texture in the batter.

1 tablespoon of baking powder: Baking powder gives the batter a nice rise, ensuring the pie is fluffy.
2 cups of all-purpose flour (wheat flour): Flour provides structure to the pie, giving it a firm base for the filling.

Ingredients for the Filling

The filling of this pie is rich and creamy, featuring layers of mozzarella cheese, ham, tomatoes, and a touch of cream cheese spread for extra indulgence.

What You’ll Need:

50 grams (1.75 oz) grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and a beautiful golden crust to the top of the pie.
300 grams (10.5 oz) sliced mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella provides a creamy, stretchy texture to the filling.
2 ripe tomatoes, sliced: Tomatoes add freshness and acidity, balancing out the richness of the cheese and ham.
300 grams (10.5 oz) sliced ham: Ham adds a savory, smoky flavor to the pie.
Cream cheese spread (to taste): Cream cheese enhances the creaminess of the pie, adding a rich layer that melts beautifully in the oven.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Batter

The batter is the foundation of this pie, and it comes together easily in a blender. Here’s how to do it:

Blend the wet ingredients: In a blender, combine the eggs, milk, oil, salt, and cornstarch. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Add the flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the blender, blending continuously to ensure a smooth, lump-free batter.
Incorporate the baking powder: Finally, add the baking powder to the mixture and blend again for a few seconds until it is fully incorporated.

Tip: If the batter seems too thick, you can add a little more milk to thin it out slightly. The consistency should be pourable but not too runny.

2. Assemble the Pie

Now that your batter is ready, it’s time to assemble the pie with the delicious filling ingredients.

Pour half the batter into a greased pan: Grease and lightly flour a baking pan (a 9×13 inch pan works well). Pour half of the batter into the pan and spread it evenly across the bottom.
Add the filling: Layer the sliced ham, mozzarella cheese, and sliced tomatoes on top of the batter. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese over the filling for added creaminess.
Top with the remaining batter: Pour the remaining half of the batter over the filling, spreading it out to cover the entire surface.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese: For extra flavor and a golden finish, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pie. You can also decorate with a few additional tomato slices for a colorful presentation.

3. Bake the Pie

The final step is to bake the pie until it’s golden brown and cooked through.

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Bake the pie: Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Once the pie is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before cutting and serving.

Tip: Let the pie rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow the filling to set, making it easier to cut and serve.

Tips for the Perfect Savory Pie

Use fresh ingredients: The flavor of this pie depends on the quality of the ingredients, especially the tomatoes and cheese. Opt for ripe, juicy tomatoes and fresh mozzarella for the best results.
Experiment with fillings: While this recipe calls for ham and mozzarella, you can easily customize the filling based on your preferences. Try adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even cooked chicken for a different twist.
Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the pie as it bakes. You want a golden brown top, but overbaking can cause the filling to dry out. Start checking for doneness around the 40-minute mark.
Grease the pan well: To prevent the pie from sticking to the pan, make sure to grease and flour it thoroughly. This will make it easier to remove the pie from the pan once it’s baked.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the pie ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator before baking. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake it as directed. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if the pie is cold from the fridge.

Can I freeze this pie?

Absolutely! This pie freezes well. To freeze, bake the pie as directed and allow it to cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When ready to eat, thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a 350°F (180°C) oven until warmed through.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to use your favorite cheese in place of mozzarella. Cheddar, Swiss, or even a mix of cheeses would work well in this recipe. Just be mindful of the melting properties of the cheese you choose.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Definitely! This pie is versatile, and you can add any vegetables you like. Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or even zucchini would be great additions to the filling. Just make sure to cook them before adding them to the pie to avoid excess moisture.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Can I make this pie gluten-free?

Yes! To make this pie gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the baking powder you use is also gluten-free.

This easy and quick savory pie is a perfect meal solution for any day of the week. It’s simple to prepare, and the combination of ham, cheese, and tomatoes makes for a flavorful and comforting dish. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or even a weekend brunch, this pie is sure to be a hit. Enjoy!