The Traveling Epicurean

Authentic Italian Ham Pie

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Authentic Italian Ham Pie

One of the great things about tradition is that great recipes emerge and carry on through generations, like this Italian ham pie or Pizza Gain AKA Pizzagaina. There are many ways to make Italian ham pie, every Italian family has their own recipe, similar but different. I love this recipe because it is simple and delicious. This dish is often made at Easter time giving it yet another title, Italian Easter Pie!

If you have never tasted Italian ham pie before you’re in for a treat. It looks like quiche when it comes out of the oven yet it has a dense texture due to the addition of the ricotta. Another difference, ham pie is eaten at room temperature or even cold. I happen to love it cold right out of the fridge. Since it is so dense and filling it’s usually cut into small squares, petit four size even, which makes for perfect little appetizer bites!

My Italian ham pie is a wonderful dish to make from your leftover Sunday ham and don’t forget the Boar’s Head pepperoni for a subtle flavor boost! You could add or substitute these two with Prosciutto Di Parma and or diced, fully cooked Italian sausage….mmm! Be creative, you just can’t go wrong with whatever meat you choose, start your own tradition.

You could turn this dish into a lunch with a nice side salad like my Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons, or Fennel Citrus Salad with Tangerine Dressing, or even a Panzanella Salad! Or just add a couple more appetizers like a Buffalo Chicken Dip or a Guacamole Dip!! YUM!

 

 

Italian Ham Pie

INGREDIENTS for Italian Ham Pie:

  • 5 minute pie crust recipe (will only need 1/2, freeze the other 1/2)
  • 1 lb ricotta
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 3/4 cup swiss cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 each salt and pepper
  • 4 Ex-lg eggs
  • 2 cups diced ham
  • 1/3 -1/2 diced Boar’s Head Pepperoni

DIRECTIONS for Italian Ham Pie:

  1. Prepare the 5 minute pie crust recipe in a deep dish pie plate and set in the frig
  2. In a large mixing bowl add ricotta, eggs, mozzarella, swiss, parmesan, s&p, diced ham and pepperoni
  3. Mix with a fork until the ingredients are well combined
  4. Spoon this mixture into the empty pie crust
  5. Whisk an egg with 1 tbsp water and brush this onto the crust part only
  6. Bake the Italian ham pie for 1 hour on 350°
  7. Let cool completely, then cut into small squares and serve or
  8. Let cool and place into the frig for later

Shop for ingredients here…

Wisenvoy Pie Pan Ceramic Pie Dish Blue Pie Plate Porcelain Deep Dish Pie Pan Non-Stick Pie Pans

Emile Henry Modern Classics Pie Dish 9″, 9″, Rouge Red

Pyrex Easy Grab Clear Glass 9.5 Inch Pie Plate (2-Pack)

DOWAN Ceramic Mixing Bowls for Kitchen, Size 4.25/2/0.5 Qt Large Serving Bowl Set, Microwave and Dishwasher Safe, Sturdy & No Scratch, Nesting Bowls for Space Saving, 3-Piece Set, Blue

 

DOWAN White Ceramic Bowl Set with Lids, Serving Bowls with Lids, Food Storage Container, Porcelain Prep Bowl, Microwave & Dishwasher Safe, 64/42/22/12 oz, Set of 4

 

Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls (Set of 6) Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl Set – Easy To Clean, Nesting Bowls for Space Saving Storage, Great for Cooking, Baking, PreppingImmaculate king Company, Pie Crusts Ready To Bake, 15 Ounce

 

 

Holiday Ham Company, Honey Glazed Holiday Ham. 7.5 – 8.5 pounds. Serves 12 – 14

Boar’s Head Traditional Pepperoni Two 6.5 oz sticks

 

Igourmet Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese 24 Month Top Grade – 2 Pound Club Cut

Cedar Valley Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese Part Skim Low-Moisture 3 Lb Loaf

 

Cave-aged Gruyere (1 pound)