Planet with cheese and ham

Delicious Cheese and Ham Pie

This cheese and ham pie recipe is a perfect choice for any occasion! Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or even for breakfast, pies are always welcome. A delicious combination of fluffy dough, creamy cheese filling, and savory ham, this recipe is sure to quickly become your family's favorite.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

- 1 kg white flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 500-600 ml lukewarm milk
- 2 eggs
- 50 ml oil
- 750 g cheese (preferably well-kneaded cottage cheese)
- 3 heaping tablespoons sour cream or yogurt
- Salt to taste
- Slices of ham (about 200 g)
- 1 egg for brushing

Preparation

1. Activating the yeast: Start by warming 100 ml of milk in a small container. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar and the crumbled yeast, mixing well. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 10 minutes until a foam forms. This is an essential step to ensure optimal rising of the dough.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, sift 1 kg of flour and add 1 teaspoon of salt. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the beaten eggs, the activated yeast, and the oil. Heat the remaining milk (about 400-500 ml) and gradually pour it into the mixture, homogenizing the ingredients with a spatula or your hands.

3. Kneading the dough: Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until you achieve an elastic and non-sticky texture. If you feel the dough is too sticky, add a little flour, but don't overdo it, to avoid making the dough too heavy.

4. Letting the dough rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in volume. This is an important part of the process that will determine the final fluffiness of the pie.

5. Preparing the filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, mix the kneaded cheese with sour cream (or yogurt) and one egg until you achieve a homogeneous and creamy composition. Add salt to taste, considering that the ham will also add a bit of salt.

6. Forming the pies: Once the dough has risen, divide it into 12 equal pieces. Each piece will become a delicious pie. Roll each piece of dough into a round shape, then spread 2 tablespoons of cheese filling in the center. On top, place a slice of ham.

7. Wrapping the pies: Fold the dough as you would with cheese pastries, ensuring the filling stays well sealed inside. Place the pies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them to spread during baking.

8. Brushing and baking: Beat an egg and brush the pies on top for a golden and shiny crust. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the pies for about 30 minutes, or until they are golden and appetizing.

Helpful tips

- Cheese: Choose a creamy cheese to achieve a rich filling. If you want a more intense flavor, you can add feta or shredded cheddar cheese.

- Variations: You can add herbs like dill or parsley to the filling for a fresh note. You can also substitute the ham with chicken or vegetables for a vegetarian option.

- Serving: These pies are wonderful served warm, alongside yogurt or sour cream. If you enjoy sweeter flavors, you can try serving them with fruit jam.

Nutritional benefits

This cheese and ham pie offers a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats due to its varied ingredients. Cheese is an excellent source of calcium, and eggs and ham add essential proteins. You can also adjust the ingredient quantities to make a lower-calorie version by replacing oil with yogurt or adding more vegetables.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, you can replace part of the white flour with whole wheat flour to add more fiber.

2. How can I store the pies? The pies store well in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven to restore their crispy texture.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe using vegan alternatives for cheese and eggs, such as nut cheese or tofu.

Conclusion

This cheese and ham pie recipe is a versatile and delicious choice, perfect for any time of day. With a fluffy dough and rich filling, you will surely impress family and friends. Don’t forget to have fun in the kitchen and experiment with ingredients to create your unique version! Enjoy!