This Ham Pot Pie is a cozy and comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly nights. It features tender ham, fresh veggies, and a creamy sauce all wrapped in a flaky crust!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a warm slice of pot pie? It’s like a big hug on a plate! I love using leftover ham from the holidays—it makes this dish extra special and tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Butter is key for flavor and richness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute olive oil or use a light butter instead.
Onion and Garlic: These add a great base flavor. If you’re in a pinch, onion powder and garlic powder can be used as substitutes, but fresh always tastes best!
Vegetables: Feel free to mix and match! If you don’t have peas, try using green beans or corn. Any leftover veggies can work too, making this dish very flexible.
Puff Pastry: This gives a nice flaky crust. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free puff pastry, or you could use biscuit dough for a different texture.
Ham: I love using leftover holiday ham, but diced turkey or chicken can also work great. Even a vegetarian option with mushrooms could be delicious!
How Do I Ensure My Pot Pie Filling Isn’t Lumpy?
A smooth filling is crucial for a delicious pot pie. To avoid lumps, a few steps are key:
- When adding flour, stir it in well for even coating. Cook it for a couple of minutes to eliminate any raw taste.
- Pour in the broth gradually, while whisking. This helps prevent clumps from forming.
- Stir constantly as you bring the mixture to a simmer. This keeps the sauce smooth and allows it to thicken nicely.
With these tips, you’ll have a creamy, flavorful filling that everyone will love!
Ham Pot Pie Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cups frozen peas
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- 3 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Crust:
- 1 package (about 2 sheets) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Ham Pot Pie will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. With a total time of roughly 45 minutes, you’ll have a warm and comforting meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures a perfectly golden crust for your pot pie!
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté these ingredients until the onions turn translucent and the vegetables begin to soften, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Potatoes:
Next, stir in the diced potatoes and let them cook for another 3 minutes. This will add a nice heartiness to your filling!
4. Thicken the Mixture:
Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir well to coat everything. Cook this for 2 minutes while stirring constantly. This step helps eliminate any raw flour taste.
5. Create the Sauce:
Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps, then add the milk or half-and-half. This will give your filling that creamy consistency.
6. Simmer to Thicken:
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens—this should take about 5-10 minutes. You want it to be nicely thickened so it holds up in the pie!
7. Mix in the Ham and Seasonings:
Stir in the diced ham, frozen peas, dried thyme, and parsley. Season the filling with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. This is where the flavors really develop!
8. Assemble the Pie:
Pour the filling into a suitable pie dish or an ovenproof casserole. Spread it out evenly.
9. Add the Puff Pastry:
Roll out the puff pastry sheets to fit over your dish. Place the pastry over the filling, trimming any excess dough, and gently press the edges to seal the pie.
10. Brush and Cut:
For a beautiful golden crust, brush the top of the pastry with the beaten egg. Don’t forget to cut a few slits into the pastry to let steam escape while baking!
11. Bake the Pot Pie:
Place your pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is puffy and has turned a lovely golden brown.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s done, let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty, creamy Ham Pot Pie with a side salad or on its own—it’s delicious!
Can I Use Leftover Ham for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover ham from holidays or other meals works perfectly in this pot pie. Just make sure to dice it into bite-sized pieces for even distribution throughout the filling.
What Can I Substitute for Puff Pastry?
If you don’t have puff pastry, you can use refrigerated pie crusts or even biscuit dough. Both options will give you a delicious, albeit slightly different, result!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Ham Pot Pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave it or warm it up in the oven until heated through. Adding a splash of milk can help revive the creamy texture!
Can I Make This Pot Pie Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just assemble the pie with the puff pastry right before baking for the best texture!