This Puff Pastry Ham and Cheese Pie with Salami is an indulgent, savory treat that’s perfect for any meal, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Layers of rich puff pastry hold a decadent filling of ham, Hungarian salami, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese, all seasoned with mayonnaise, ketchup, and a sprinkling of sesame seeds for added texture. This pie combines the irresistible flavors of cheese, meat, and flaky pastry into one delicious dish that is sure to satisfy. Serve it warm with a fresh salad, or enjoy it as a snack on its own.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- Puff pastry: 500 g (18 oz)
- Mayonnaise: 80 g (2.8 oz)
- Ketchup: 30 g (1.1 oz)
- Cheese: 300 g (11 oz) (cheddar or your preferred type)
- Ham: 300 g (11 oz)
- Hungarian salami: 150 g (5.3 oz)
- Tomatoes: 1 large tomato
- Mozzarella: 200 g (7.1 oz)
- Egg: 1 large
- White sesame seeds: 7 g (0.2 oz)
- Black sesame seeds: 7 g (0.2 oz)
- Cheese for topping: 100 g (3.5 oz) (extra cheese to top the pastry)
Steps to Make the Puff Pastry Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Ham and Salami: Thinly slice the ham and Hungarian salami. Set them aside in a bowl.
- Cheese: Grate the cheese of your choice (cheddar, gouda, or a similar type) and mozzarella. Keep the cheeses separate as they will be used in different layers.
- Tomatoes: Slice the tomato into thin rounds.
- Puff Pastry: Defrost your puff pastry (if frozen) according to package instructions and roll it out on a floured surface until it’s about 3-4 mm thick. Divide the pastry into two parts for the base and the top of the pie.
- Egg Wash: Beat one egg in a small bowl for brushing over the pastry later.
Step 2: Assemble the Layers
- Base Layer: Lay one sheet of puff pastry in your baking tray, making sure it fits snugly and leaving some excess around the edges to seal the pie later.
- Mayonnaise and Ketchup: Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise and ketchup evenly over the puff pastry base.
- Cheese Layer: Sprinkle half of the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the mayonnaise and ketchup.
- Meat Layer: Add the sliced ham and Hungarian salami evenly across the pastry.
- Tomatoes and Mozzarella: Place the tomato slices on top of the ham and salami, then add the mozzarella slices or shredded mozzarella over the tomatoes.
- Top Cheese Layer: Add the remaining half of the cheddar cheese to cover the fillings.
Step 3: Cover and Seal the Pie
- Top Puff Pastry: Place the second puff pastry sheet over the layered fillings, pressing the edges down to seal the pie. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish.
- Egg Wash: Brush the top of the puff pastry with the beaten egg to give the pie a golden-brown finish when baked.
- Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle the white and black sesame seeds evenly over the top of the egg-washed pastry for extra flavor and a beautiful finish.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) and allow it to preheat fully.
- Bake: Place the assembled pie in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
- Check for Doneness: The pie should have a crispy, golden crust on top, and the cheese inside should be bubbly and fully melted. You can insert a toothpick or a knife in the center to check if the pie is cooked through.
Step 5: Serve
- Rest the Pie: Allow the pie to cool for 5-10 minutes before cutting into it. This resting time helps the filling set slightly and makes it easier to slice.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the pie hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. A simple side salad or roasted vegetables make for a great accompaniment.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 500-550 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 35 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sodium: 1,200 mg
- Calcium: 300 mg
This puff pastry pie provides a balance of protein from the meats and cheeses, and energy from the puff pastry, making it a satisfying and indulgent dish. The presence of sesame seeds also adds a bit of fiber and healthy fats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use different types of meat?
Yes, feel free to substitute or add meats to your liking. Smoked turkey, prosciutto, or even pepperoni would all work well in this recipe.
2. What kind of cheese works best in this pie?
Cheddar and mozzarella are great choices because they melt beautifully and add flavor. You can also experiment with gouda, parmesan, or even blue cheese for a more intense taste.
3. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pie ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
4. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, the pie freezes well. Simply wrap individual slices in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. When reheating, allow the slices to thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.
5. How can I prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy?
To avoid a soggy bottom, make sure to bake the pie on the middle rack of the oven, and if needed, use a pizza stone or preheated baking sheet to help crisp up the base.
Tips for Making the Best Puff Pastry Pie
- Use Cold Puff Pastry: Puff pastry works best when cold, so keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. This ensures it puffs up nicely in the oven.
- Layer Evenly: Spread out the fillings evenly to ensure every slice is packed with flavor. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the pastry to become soggy or not cook through properly.
- Customize the Fillings: Add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for more flavor and nutrients. You can also switch up the cheeses or add spices like oregano or basil for an Italian twist.
- Seal the Edges: Make sure to seal the edges of the puff pastry well to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
- Golden Brown Top: The egg wash helps the pastry achieve a beautiful golden color. Don’t skip this step if you want that glossy finish.
Storage Tips
- In the Refrigerator: Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
- In the Freezer: To freeze, slice the pie and wrap each slice tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Place the slices in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) to restore the crispy texture of the puff pastry. Microwave reheating is quicker but may soften the pastry.
Conclusion
This Puff Pastry Ham and Cheese Pie with Salami is a delightful, flavorful dish that brings together the richness of puff pastry, the creaminess of cheese, and the savory flavors of ham and salami. Whether you’re preparing it for a family meal, a casual gathering, or a potluck, this dish is sure to be a hit. The combination of ingredients makes it versatile, while the sesame seed topping adds a touch of elegance.
Not only is it delicious, but it’s also easy to make ahead and freeze, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting a crowd. Try this recipe for a cozy and indulgent meal, and enjoy the irresistible layers of cheese, meat, and buttery puff pastry!