Imagine the cozy indulgence of creamy mashed potatoes nestled between layers of golden, flaky pastry, studded with savory ham and oozing melted cheese. This Mashed Potato, Cheese, and Ham Pie transforms everyday kitchen staples into a warm, crowd-pleasing masterpiece. Whether served at a weekend family dinner or brought to a potluck, it’s a hearty dish that delivers flavor, nostalgia, and satisfying comfort in every slice.
Cooking Time
Preparation: 30 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Pastry Crust:
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300 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
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200 g (¾ cup + 2 Tbsp) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
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1 pinch of salt
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4–6 Tbsp ice-cold water
For the Filling:
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800 g (about 4 medium) russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
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60 g (4 Tbsp) unsalted butter
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120 ml (½ cup) whole milk or cream
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200 g cooked ham, diced
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150 g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 Tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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½ tsp ground black pepper
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1 tsp salt, divided
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1 egg, beaten (for brushing crust)
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Make the Pastry Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the cold butter and rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Slowly add the ice-cold water, stirring just until the dough comes together. Form into a disk, wrap in cling film, and chill for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Place the peeled, chopped potatoes in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for 15–18 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and return to the pot. Add butter, milk, mustard, ½ tsp salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth with a slightly rustic texture. Set aside to cool.
3. Cook the Onions and Ham
In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in the ham and cook for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and gently stir into the mashed potatoes along with half of the shredded cheese.
4. Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Roll out two-thirds of the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch (23 cm) pie dish. Press the dough into the dish and trim the edges. Spoon in the mashed potato filling and smooth the top. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the surface.
5. Add the Top Crust and Bake
Roll out the remaining dough and place it over the pie. Trim and crimp the edges to seal. Cut two small slits in the top for steam to escape. Brush the top crust with the beaten egg. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
6. Cool and Serve
Allow the pie to rest for 10 minutes after baking. This helps the filling firm up for neater slices and makes serving easier.
Nutritional Information (per serving; serves 8)
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Calories: 460 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 40 g
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Protein: 14 g
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Fat: 20 g
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Saturated Fat: 12 g
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Fiber: 4 g
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Sugar: 2 g
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Sodium: 780 mg
Recipe Origins and Evolution
The idea of enclosing meat and vegetables in a crust dates back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. Over time, as potatoes became a staple in European diets and cured meats like ham became more accessible, cooks began blending these ingredients into hearty, comforting pies. In both British and North American kitchens, mashed potato pies gained popularity for being affordable, filling, and endlessly adaptable. This modern rendition continues that tradition, offering homey goodness in every slice.
Why You’ll Love This Pie
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Cozy Comfort: Creamy, cheesy, and rich—this is soul-warming food at its best.
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Texture Heaven: Crisp pastry, smooth potatoes, and savory ham offer contrasting bites.
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Versatile: Great for holidays, casual dinners, or prepping ahead.
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Customizable: Swap out cheeses or proteins to match your taste or what’s in the fridge.
Health Highlights
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Potatoes: A good source of potassium and vitamin C, especially when skins are included.
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Onions: Contain antioxidants and aid digestion.
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Ham: Provides lean protein and essential minerals.
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Cheese: High in calcium and protein; opt for lower-fat versions if desired.
Serving Ideas
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Toss together a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.
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Serve with steamed green beans, peas, or asparagus for a veggie boost.
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Add a spoonful of tangy cranberry relish or mustard on the side for contrast.
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Begin the meal with a bowl of tomato basil or lentil soup for extra comfort.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overmixing Dough: Handle gently to avoid a tough crust.
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Skipping Vents: Steam needs an escape route to prevent sogginess.
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Undercooking Potatoes: Ensure they’re fully tender to mash properly.
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Overfilling: Too much filling can break through the crust while baking.
Perfect Pairings
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Wine: Try a buttery Chardonnay or fruity Pinot Noir.
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Beer: Pale ale or Belgian witbier works beautifully.
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Non-Alcoholic: Iced mint tea or sparkling apple cider offers a bright contrast.
Helpful Cooking Tips
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Cold is Key: Keep ingredients chilled for a light, flaky crust.
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Herb Twist: Mix fresh thyme or rosemary into the dough for added aroma.
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Make it Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
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Cheese Upgrade: Blend sharp cheddar with a melty cheese like Gruyère for richness.
Similar Dishes to Explore
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Shepherd’s Pie with Crust: Ground lamb and peas topped with mash and enclosed in pastry.
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Broccoli and Cheese Potato Pie: Add steamed broccoli for a veggie-forward version.
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Ham and Leek Quiche: A lighter, custard-based alternative with similar flavors.
Recipe Variations
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Add Spice: Mix in chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
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Vegan Version: Use dairy-free butter and cheese, plant-based milk, and smoked tofu.
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Mini Hand Pies: Shape into turnovers for individual servings; bake at 200°C for 15 minutes.
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Fresh Herbs: Stir in chopped parsley or chives to the filling for extra brightness.
Ingredient Spotlight: Russet Potatoes
Russet potatoes are the ideal choice for this recipe due to their high starch content, which makes them fluffier and better at absorbing flavor. Their slightly dry texture creates the perfect mashed consistency to hold the pie filling together without turning gluey.
Conclusion
This Mashed Potato, Cheese, and Ham Pie is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of comforting textures, simple ingredients, and satisfying flavors. Whether you follow the classic version or play with variations, it’s sure to win hearts around the table. Make it ahead for easy dinners or dress it up for special occasions—either way, you’ll want this recipe in your regular rotation.
FAQ
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
Yes—just ensure they’re not overly seasoned or too soft. Adjust salt and liquid as needed.
How should I store leftovers?
Wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.
Can I freeze the whole pie?
Absolutely. Wrap tightly after baking and cooling. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Is egg wash necessary?
It helps the crust brown beautifully. If you’re out of eggs, use milk or cream instead.
How can I make it extra creamy?
Mix in a spoonful of sour cream or cream cheese with the mashed potatoes before assembling.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—use vegan butter, non-dairy milk, plant-based cheese, and swap ham with seasoned tofu or seitan.
Why is my crust soggy?
The filling may have been too wet. Try blind-baking the bottom crust for 8 minutes before filling.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely—steamed spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms work great.
What cheese melts best?
Cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella are top choices. A blend enhances depth and texture.
Best way to reheat slices?
Use a toaster oven or air fryer at 180°C for 5–7 minutes to bring back the crisp crust.