How to Make a Delicious Ham and Cheese Pie

Ham and cheese pie is a versatile dish that works as a quick snack, a light lunch, or an impressive starter for a dinner party with friends. The combination of flaky, buttery pastry and a rich, savory filling of ham, cheese, and creamy custard creates a comforting and flavorful dish that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned cook, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow.

In this detailed guide, you’ll learn everything from how to make a buttery pie crust to creating a luscious ham and cheese filling. We’ll also go over helpful tips and frequently asked questions at the end to ensure your pie turns out perfect every time.

Why You’ll Love This Ham and Cheese Pie

1. Perfect for Any Meal: Whether you’re making this as a hearty snack, a quick lunch, or a sophisticated starter, it fits every occasion.

2. Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses pantry staples and readily available ingredients, making it convenient and budget-friendly.

3. Comforting and Savory: With a rich blend of ham, cheese, and creamy filling, this pie is a comfort food favorite.

Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Pie

For the Dough:

1/2 cup cold water

2 cups wheat flour
100g cold butter, diced
1 pinch of salt

For the Filling:

2 eggs
1 cup milk
200g grated mozzarella cheese

200g diced ham
1/2 cup heavy cream
Black pepper to taste

1 pinch of salt

For Brushing:

1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon milk

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Ham and Cheese Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

The secret to a great pie is its crust, and for that, you’ll need to work with cold ingredients to ensure a flaky texture.

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of wheat flour and a pinch of salt.
Add Butter: Incorporate 100g of cold, diced butter into the flour mixture. Use your fingertips to mix it in until it forms a crumbly, grainy texture. Be gentle so you don’t overwork the dough.
Add Water: Slowly pour in 1/2 cup of cold water, stirring constantly until the dough comes together. You want to add just enough water to bind the dough without making it sticky.
Chill the Dough: Once the dough is formed, shape it into a ball. Cover it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This will help relax the dough and make it easier to roll out later.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

While the dough is chilling, it’s time to make the savory filling.

Combine the Filling Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, 1 cup of milk, and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. This mixture will form the custard that binds the pie together.
Add Cheese and Ham: Stir in 200g of grated mozzarella cheese and 200g of diced ham. These two key ingredients provide the savory flavor and texture that makes this pie so satisfying.
Season: Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. If you prefer a little extra flavor, you can add other herbs like thyme or parsley for a more sophisticated twist.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

Now that both the dough and filling are ready, it’s time to bring it all together.

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C).
Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a large circle about 1/4 inch thick. The dough should be large enough to fit a round pie dish.
Line the Pie Dish: Carefully transfer the dough into the pie dish, pressing it gently into the edges. Trim any excess dough hanging over the sides.
Add the Filling: Pour the ham and cheese filling into the pie crust, ensuring it spreads evenly.
Brush with Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of milk. Use a pastry brush to apply this mixture to the edges of the pie crust. This will give the crust a beautiful golden-brown color as it bakes.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

Bake the Pie: Place the assembled pie into the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This will help the filling set further and make it easier to serve.

Cooking Tips for the Perfect Ham and Cheese Pie

1. Work with Cold Ingredients

When making the pie crust, make sure that both the butter and water are cold. This helps create a flaky texture in the dough. You can even chill your flour for a few minutes if your kitchen is particularly warm.

2. Don’t Overwork the Dough

When mixing the dough, handle it as little as possible. Overworking the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, making the crust tough instead of light and flaky.

3. Use a Variety of Cheeses

For a twist on the traditional recipe, try using a combination of cheeses. Cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère add a distinct flavor that pairs beautifully with the ham.

4. Blind Baking the Crust

If you’re worried about the bottom crust becoming soggy, you can blind bake it. To do this, simply bake the crust on its own for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. This helps the crust stay crisp.

5. Customize Your Filling

Feel free to experiment with the filling by adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or onions. These additions will give your pie extra flavor and nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make the Pie Dough Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you want to freeze the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.

2. Can I Use Pre-Made Pie Crust?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, using a store-bought pie crust is a great shortcut. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for pre-baking if necessary.

3. What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Pie?

Leftover pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.

4. Can I Freeze Ham and Cheese Pie?

Yes, ham and cheese pie freezes well. Once baked, allow the pie to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in foil and placing it in the freezer. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes or until heated through.

5. What Other Cheeses Can I Use?

Mozzarella is a great choice, but you can also use cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère. Mixing different cheeses will give your pie more depth of flavor.

Conclusion

Ham and cheese pie is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, an easy lunch, or a special appetizer for a gathering, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and full of rich, savory flavors. The buttery, flaky crust combined with the creamy ham and cheese filling is sure to be a hit with family and friends alike.

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility — you can customize it to suit your preferences by adding vegetables, changing up the cheese, or experimenting with herbs and spices. Plus, with tips and FAQs to guide you, your pie will turn out perfect every time. Enjoy your delicious homemade ham and cheese pie!