This hearty savory pie is a delightful twist on traditional desserts, perfect for a picnic or family gathering. The filling combines diced cooked ham with a rich mixture of cottage, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses, creating a creamy yet firm texture that holds together beautifully. Infused with fresh parsley, onion, and Italian seasoning, every bite offers a burst of savory flavor. Encased in a golden, flaky pie crust and decorated with fun dough cutouts, it’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. Serve it at room temperature or slightly warm for the best experience.
Picnic Pie With Cheese And Ham
Description
This hearty savory pie is a delightful twist on traditional desserts, perfect for a picnic or family gathering. The filling combines diced cooked ham with a rich mixture of cottage, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses, creating a creamy yet firm texture that holds together beautifully. Infused with fresh parsley, onion, and Italian seasoning, every bite offers a burst of savory flavor. Encased in a golden, flaky pie crust and decorated with fun dough cutouts, it's as visually appealing as it is delicious. Serve it at room temperature or slightly warm for the best experience.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large bowl, combine the diced ham, drained cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, beaten eggs, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper sauce.
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Stir the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
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Fold in the toasted bread crumbs, minced parsley, and minced onion until evenly distributed.
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Line a 9-inch springform pan with one sheet of pie crust, pressing it gently into the bottom and up the sides.
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Pour the cheese and ham filling into the prepared crust.
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Place the second sheet of pie crust over the filling.
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Tuck the edges of the top crust under the bottom crust inside the springform pan to seal.
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Decorate the top crust with dough cutouts shaped like flowers, pigs, or other designs.
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Brush the entire outer crust with the beaten egg yolk for a golden finish.
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Bake for 1 hour, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
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Let the pie cool to room temperature before removing the springform ring and slicing.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 1456.5kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 131.8g203%
- Saturated Fat 80.2g401%
- Cholesterol 383.9mg128%
- Sodium 2770.9mg116%
- Total Carbohydrate 12.9g5%
- Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
- Sugars 8.1g
- Protein 52.1g105%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
You can substitute the ham with cooked bacon or prosciutto for a different flavor profile. Add sliced black olives or sun-dried tomatoes for extra Mediterranean flair.
Ensure the cottage cheese is well-drained to prevent a watery filling. If using homemade pie crust, chill it before rolling to make it easier to handle.
Ensure the internal temperature of the pie reaches 165°F (74°C) to guarantee the eggs and ham are safely cooked.