Looking for a warm and satisfying meal? Ham pie recipes are perfect for making the most of leftover holiday meats. They’re great for both experienced cooks and beginners. These recipes offer a delightful treat for everyone.
Ham pies are incredibly versatile. You can find everything from traditional British pies to fancy gourmet versions. I’ve found that a good ham pie recipe can make simple ingredients into amazing meals. These meals are perfect for bringing families closer together.
Ham pie recipes have an average rating of 4.6 out of 5. They’re a hit in many kitchens. The mix of tender ham, rich fillings, and flaky pastry makes for a memorable dining experience. It’s both comforting and exciting.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Art of Perfect Ham Pie Making
Making the perfect chicken and ham pie is an art. It mixes cooking skills with passion. Whether you’re making a classic ham and leek pie or trying a chicken and gammon pie, learning the basics will make your cooking better.
Before we look at tasty recipes, let’s talk about what makes a pie special.
Essential Equipment and Tools
To make a great ham pie, you need some important kitchen tools:
- Sturdy pie dish (ceramic or metal)
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Pastry cutter or food processor
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
Basic Ingredients for Success
Choosing good ingredients is key for a tasty chicken and ham pie. Here are some tips:
- Fresh, thick-cut ham or gammon
- High-quality puff pastry
- Fresh herbs like thyme and parsley
- Creamy Boursin cheese
- Free-range eggs for egg wash
The secret to an exceptional ham and leek pie lies in the quality of your ingredients.
Temperature and Timing Tips
To make a perfect ham pie, you need to be precise. Here are some temperature tips:
- Preheat oven to 200°C/400°F
- Initial baking: 15 minutes at high temperature
- Reduce to 180°C/350°F for remaining cooking time
- Total cooking time: approximately 45-60 minutes
Pro tip: Let your pie rest for 10-15 minutes after baking. This helps the filling set and makes the flavours better.
1-Classic British Ham and Leek Pie Recipe
The classic ham and leek pie is a true British comfort food. This delightful gammon and leek pie combines rich flavours that warm the heart and satisfy the soul.
Making the perfect ham and leek pie recipe needs careful attention. I’ll guide you through a simple method for a delicious pie every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 300g diced ham
- 2 large leeks, finely sliced
- Shortcrust pastry
- 200ml double cream
- Fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper
Pro tip: Choose high-quality ham for the most robust flavour in your ham and leek pie recipe.
Nutritional Breakdown
| Nutritional Value | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Total Calories | 711 Kcal |
| Protein | 31g |
| Total Fat | 45g |
| Carbohydrates | 43g |
“A perfect pie is a labour of love, combining simple ingredients with careful technique.” – British Culinary Tradition
Preparation Steps
- Sauté leeks until soft
- Add diced ham
- Create a creamy sauce
- Line pie dish with pastry
- Fill and top with pastry lid
- Bake at 220°C for 35-45 minutes
The secret to a great gammon and leek pie is patience. Let your pie rest for 10 minutes after baking. This ensures the filling sets and the flavours blend perfectly.
2-Creamy Chicken and Ham Pie with Puff Pastry
Making the perfect chicken and ham pie is an art. It combines rich flavours and comforting textures. My favourite recipe uses succulent meats, creamy sauce, and golden puff pastry for a memorable meal.
This chicken and ham pie is a crowd-pleaser. It turns simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal. Let me guide you through making this delicious pie that will be a family favourite.
Preparing the Filling
To make the perfect filling, you’ll need:
- 350g chicken breast, diced
- 350g uncooked ham (gammon)
- 350g mushrooms, sliced
- Olive oil and salted butter
- Garlic paste
- Plain flour
- Dijon mustard
Start by sautéing onions in butter and olive oil for 10 minutes. Add chicken and ham, cooking for an additional 5 minutes. Then, add mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes. The key is to build layers of flavour gradually.
Mastering the Puff Pastry Layer
| Pastry Details | Measurements |
|---|---|
| Total Puff Pastry | 600g |
| Base Pastry | 2/3 of total |
| Top Pastry | 1/3 of total |
Pro tip: Roll out your puff pastry carefully, ensuring an even thickness. Use 2/3 of the pastry for the base and sides, reserving 1/3 for the top layer.
Baking Instructions
Preheat your oven to 220°C. Glaze the pie with a beaten egg for that perfect golden finish. Bake for approximately 35 minutes until the pastry is beautifully crisp and golden.
“A great pie is all about balance – flavourful filling and perfectly crisp pastry.” – Culinary Wisdom
Nutritional highlights for this chicken and ham pie recipe:
- Calories per serving: 889 kcal
- Protein: 69g
- Carbohydrates: 77g
- Total Fat: 33g
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this chicken and ham pie will impress. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious combination of tender meats, creamy sauce, and flaky pastry!
3-Leftover Ham Pie: Making the Most of Holiday Meats
Turning holiday leftovers into a tasty leftover ham pie is a smart move. It helps reduce waste and makes a new, exciting meal. I’ve found that leftover gammon pie is not only satisfying but also simple to make.
Here’s a recipe for chicken and ham pie using leftovers. It gives your post-holiday ingredients a new lease on life:
- Collect all leftover ham and chicken from your holiday feast
- Chop meats into bite-sized pieces
- Prepare a creamy sauce to bind the ingredients
- Select complementary vegetables from your refrigerator
When making your leftover ham pie, think about nutrition. A slice has:
- 564 calories
- 15g protein
- 43g carbohydrates
- 37g fat
“Waste not, want not” – This classic saying perfectly captures the spirit of transforming leftover meats into a delightful pie!
Reheating your chicken and ham pie is crucial. Make sure it reaches 75 degrees Celsius for safety. Heat it in an oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 10-15 minutes. This keeps the pastry crisp.
Pro tip: Store your leftover ham pie in the fridge for up to two days or freeze it. Just remember to keep it in an airtight container.
4-Traditional Ham Pie with Homemade Crust
Making a ham pie from scratch might seem hard, but I’ll show you how. You’ll learn to make a tasty gammon pie that will wow your loved ones.
Crafting the Perfect Pie Crust
A great chicken and ham pie needs a fantastic crust. Here’s what you’ll need for an amazing pastry:
- 350g plain flour
- 175g cold butter
- ½ tsp salt
- 4-6 tbsp iced water
Seasoning Magic
The secret to a fantastic ham pie is in its seasonings. My top picks are:
- Fresh thyme
- Cracked black pepper
- Dried sage
- A pinch of nutmeg
“The right blend of herbs transforms a good pie into an unforgettable meal.”
Assembly and Baking Guide
Here’s how to put your ham pie together:
- Chill pastry for 30 minutes
- Roll out to 10 cm for bottoms, 8 cm for tops
- Fill with 100-120g cooked ham
- Brush edges with beaten egg
Bake at 200°C for 20-25 minutes until golden. Your pie will be ready in just 1 hour and 20 minutes total!
Tip: Store your delicious ham pie in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for a month.
5-Ham and Vegetable Pot Pie Delight
Making a ham and vegetable pot pie is like creating a work of art. It turns simple ingredients into a warm, comforting meal. This ham leek and mushroom pie combines the rich taste of tender ham with fresh vegetables in one amazing dish.
Choosing the right ingredients and preparing them well is key to a great pot pie. Mix different vegetables for depth and nutrition. Leeks, mushrooms, and root vegetables add colour and a fulfilling filling.
Vegetable Preparation Tips
- Sauté vegetables for enhanced flavour
- Cut vegetables into uniform sizes
- Use fresh, seasonal produce
Pre-cooking vegetables makes a big difference in chicken and ham recipes. Sautéing them briefly brings out their sweetness and makes them tender in the pie.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Chopped Ham | 4 cups | Cooked, preferably smoked |
| Mixed Vegetables | 2 cups | Diced, sautéed |
| Leeks | 1 cup | Sliced thinly |
| Mushrooms | 1 cup | Sliced |
Pro tip: Try different vegetable mixes to keep your pot pie fresh and exciting!
A perfect pot pie balances flavours and textures. Be bold in the kitchen!
For a golden, crispy top and a bubbling filling, bake at 400°F for 40-45 minutes. This ensures your ham and vegetable pot pie is perfectly cooked.
6-Quick and Easy Ham Pie for Busy Weeknights
Weeknights can be tough for dinner, but a simple chicken and ham pie is a great fix. It’s easy to make and still packs a flavour punch. Plus, it’s good for you too.
Time-Saving Preparation Tips
For a quick chicken and ham pie, plan ahead. Here are some tips to save time:
- Make the pie filling a day before
- Use pre-rolled puff pastry to save time
- Chop veggies the night before
- Freeze portions for later
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Storing your pie right keeps it tasty and safe. Here’s how to handle leftovers:
| Storage Method | Duration | Recommended Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator Storage | 3-5 days | Below 5°C |
| Freezer Storage | Up to 3 months | -18°C |
Reheat to 74°C to keep it safe. A conventional oven is best for keeping the pastry crisp.
“A well-prepared ham pie can transform a hectic weeknight into a moment of culinary comfort.” – Home Cook’s Wisdom
This chicken and ham pie recipe takes about 55 minutes to make. It’s perfect for families needing quick, healthy meals. Follow these tips and you’ll be a pro at making pies in no time!
7-Gourmet Ham and Mushroom Pie
Take your home cooking to the next level with this amazing ham leek and mushroom pie. It turns a simple dish into a gourmet delight. My love for making chicken and ham pie recipe variations led me to create this special version.
For a truly exceptional pie, choose the best ingredients and learn the right techniques. Chestnut mushrooms add a deep earthy flavour. Meanwhile, diced ham brings a strong taste. Mixing dried and fresh mushrooms makes the pie’s flavour even richer.
- Select high-quality chestnut mushrooms
- Use a mixture of fresh and dried mushroom varieties
- Dice ham into consistent, substantial pieces
Preparing the filling is key. Sauté the mushrooms in butter until they release their moisture. This makes the flavour more intense. Add Dijon mustard and white wine to deepen the sauce’s taste.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chestnut Mushrooms | 400g |
| Diced Ham | 500g |
| Double Cream | 150ml |
Pro tip: Let the filling cool down completely before putting it in the pie. This keeps the pastry crisp and prevents it from getting soggy.
“A great pie is an art form, blending flavours with precision and passion.” – Culinary Wisdom
To get a golden, flaky pastry, bake the pie at 190°C for 40-50 minutes. This will make the crust a lovely amber colour.
Ham Pie
Equipment
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 oven
- 1 Pastry brush
- 1 Rolling pin
- 1 9-inch pie dish
Ingredients
- 300 g Leftover cooked ham diced
- 1 Leek chopped
- 1 Sheet puff pastry
- 250 ml Chicken stock
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Plain flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1/4 tsp Nutmeg
- 1 tsp Fresh lemon juice
- 1 Egg beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the leeks and cook until soft.
- Stir in the flour, then gradually add the chicken stock while stirring. Let simmer until thickened.
- Add the diced ham and season with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Roll out the puff pastry to 1/8 inch thickness and line a 9-inch pie dish.
- Add the cooled ham and leek filling, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Roll out the remaining puff pastry and place it over the filling. Seal the edges and cut slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
- Brush the top with egg wash for a golden finish.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
- Let the pie rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Frequently Asked Questions :
How to make ham and egg pie?
Line a pie dish with shortcrust pastry. Layer chopped ham in the base, then crack whole eggs or whisked eggs over it. Season with salt, pepper, and a little nutmeg. Cover with another layer of pastry, seal the edges, and brush with egg wash. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
How to make ham and cheese pie?
Line a pie dish with pastry. Mix chopped ham, shredded cheese (cheddar or Swiss), and beaten eggs with a little cream. Pour the mixture into the pastry shell. Cover with another layer of pastry or leave it open like a quiche. Bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden and set.
How to make a ham and egg?
For a simple dish, fry diced ham in a pan, then crack eggs over it and scramble them together. You can also make a ham and egg sandwich, omelet, or breakfast wrap for a quick meal.
When making a pie, do you cook the base first?
If the filling is wet or creamy, it’s best to blind-bake the base first to prevent sogginess. For drier fillings, you can bake everything together.
How do you thicken a meat pie filling?
Use flour, cornstarch, or a roux (butter and flour cooked together) to thicken the filling. Simmer it until it reduces slightly, and let it cool before adding it to the pastry to avoid excess moisture.