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Ham Pot Pie

Get ready to fall head over heels for the ultimate comfort food experience!

This Ham Pot Pie transforms simple ingredients into pure culinary magic, creating a dish that’s both hearty and sophisticated.

Picture this: tender chunks of savory ham nestled with perfectly cooked vegetables in a rich, creamy sauce that’s been infused with aromatic herbs.

The golden, flaky crust provides the perfect contrast to the warm, satisfying filling beneath.

Every bite delivers a symphony of textures and flavors that will have your taste buds singing with joy.

This isn’t just dinner – it’s a warm hug in pie form that brings families together around the table.

What makes this Ham Pot Pie absolutely irresistible is how it elevates leftover ham into something extraordinary.

The combination of sweet carrots, crisp celery, and bright green peas creates a colorful medley that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

The secret lies in building layers of flavor – from the aromatic vegetables sautéed to perfection, to the herb-infused creamy sauce that binds everything together.

When that gorgeous golden crust emerges from the oven, bubbling with savory goodness, you’ll know you’ve created something truly special.

The aroma alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen, eager to dive into this masterpiece of home cooking.

Ingredients

For the Filling

1 ½ cups cooked ham, diced into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons butter for sautéing
1 onion, finely chopped for aromatic base
2 carrots, diced for sweetness and color
2 celery stalks, diced for crunch and flavor
1 cup frozen peas for bright color and nutrition

For the Sauce

¼ cup all-purpose flour for thickening
½ teaspoon dried thyme for earthy flavor
½ teaspoon dried rosemary for aromatic depth
Salt and pepper to taste
1 ½ cups chicken broth or vegetable broth for richness
½ cup milk for creaminess

For the Crust

14 .1 ounces pie crusts (2 crusts) for bottom and top

Instructions

Preparation

1 Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and ensure your 9-inch pie dish is ready. This temperature ensures the crust will bake to golden perfection while allowing the filling to heat through completely.

Build the Filling

2 In a large skillet, melt the 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat until it begins to foam and releases a nutty aroma. Add the finely chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are tender and the onions become translucent, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent browning.
3 Stir in the diced ham and frozen peas, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the ham is heated through and the peas are bright green. The ham should be warmed but not overcooked, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
4 Sprinkle the ¼ cup all-purpose flour evenly over the mixture and stir well to coat all ingredients. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste – this step is crucial for preventing a gritty texture in your final sauce.

Create the Sauce

5 Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper to the skillet, stirring to distribute the herbs evenly. Pour in the 1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth and ½ cup milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. The mixture will thicken as it heats – continue stirring until it reaches a creamy consistency. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to reach the perfect thickness.

Assemble the Pie

6 Roll out one pie crust on a lightly floured surface and carefully place it in the bottom of your 9-inch pie dish, pressing gently to fit without stretching. Pour the ham and vegetable filling into the crust, spreading it evenly to ensure consistent baking.
7 Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the filling, creating a beautiful top layer. Press the edges firmly to seal the pie, crimping decoratively if desired. Cut 4-5 slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking – this prevents the crust from becoming soggy.

Bake to Perfection

8 Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
9 Allow the Ham Pot Pie to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the filling set up and makes slicing much easier.

Recommended Equipment and Kitchen Tools

Essential Tools (for best results):

Large skillet – A heavy-bottomed pan distributes heat evenly and prevents the flour from burning when making your roux
9-inch pie dish – The perfect size for this recipe; ceramic or glass dishes provide even browning
Silicone spatula – Ideal for stirring the filling without scratching your cookware
Rolling pin – Essential for achieving evenly rolled pie crusts

Helpful Upgrades:

Cast iron skillet – Retains heat beautifully and can go from stovetop to oven if needed
Kitchen scale – For precise measurements, especially when working with flour for consistent thickening
Instant-read thermometer – Ensures your filling reaches the proper temperature for food safety
Pastry brush – Perfect for adding an egg wash to achieve that gorgeous golden crust

Nice-to-Have Options:

Bench scraper – Makes transferring rolled pie dough effortless and prevents tearing
Pie weights – If you prefer to blind-bake your bottom crust for extra crispiness
Mixing bowls – Various sizes help keep ingredients organized during prep

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free Adaptation:

Replace all-purpose flour with ¼ cup gluten-free flour blend for thickening
Use certified gluten-free pie crusts or make your own with almond flour
Ensure your broth is gluten-free certified
Expect a slightly different texture but equally delicious results

Dairy-Free Modifications:

Substitute butter with 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter
Replace milk with ½ cup unsweetened plant milk (oat milk works particularly well)
Use dairy-free pie crusts or make your own with coconut oil
The filling will be slightly less rich but still wonderfully flavorful

Vegetarian Version:

Replace ham with 1 ½ cups diced mushrooms or 1 cup cooked white beans
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth
Add extra herbs like sage or oregano for deeper flavor
Consider adding ½ cup diced potatoes for heartiness

Flavor Variations:

Herb Upgrade: Add fresh thyme and rosemary for more intense flavor
Cheese Addition: Stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar before adding the top crust
Spicy Kick: Add ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes to the herb mixture
Root Vegetable Medley: Include diced parsnips or turnips with the carrots

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Key Nutritional Highlights:
This Ham Pot Pie provides approximately 385 calories per serving, with a balanced macronutrient profile including 18 grams protein, 22 grams carbohydrates, and 24 grams fat. The combination of lean ham and colorful vegetables creates a satisfying meal that delivers both energy and essential nutrients. Each serving provides significant amounts of vitamin A from the carrots, vitamin K from the peas, and B vitamins from the ham.

Health Benefits of Main Ingredients:
The diced ham provides high-quality complete protein essential for muscle maintenance and satiety. Carrots contribute beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A and supports eye health and immune function. Celery offers antioxidants and natural sodium, while peas provide plant-based protein, fiber, and folate. The herbs – thyme and rosemary – contain antimicrobial compounds and antioxidants that support overall health. The milk and broth add calcium and additional protein to round out the nutritional profile.

Dietary Considerations:
This recipe contains gluten (from flour and pie crust), dairy (butter and milk), and is not suitable for vegetarian diets due to the ham. The dish is relatively high in sodium, so those monitoring salt intake should consider using low-sodium broth and reducing added salt. Each serving provides about 4 grams of fiber from the vegetables, contributing to daily fiber goals.

Smart Swaps and Ingredient Substitutions

Common Substitutions:

Ham → Cooked chicken, turkey, or leftover roast (same amount)
Butter → Olive oil or coconut oil (2 tablespoons)
All-purpose flour → Cornstarch (2 tablespoons) or arrowroot powder (3 tablespoons)
Milk → Heavy cream for richer sauce or plant milk for dairy-free option

Budget-Friendly Swaps:

Fresh herbs → Dried herbs (use ½ the amount)
Homemade pie crust → Store-bought refrigerated crusts for convenience
Chicken broth → Bouillon cubes dissolved in water (less sodium)
Frozen mixed vegetables → Individual frozen vegetables when on sale

Pantry Emergency Substitutions:

Fresh onion → 1 tablespoon onion powder mixed into the flour
Frozen peas → Canned peas, drained or fresh peas when in season
Pie crust → Biscuit topping made from scratch for a different texture
Milk → Water with 1 tablespoon butter for emergency creaminess

Pro Tips for Substitutions:

When using cornstarch instead of flour, mix it with cold liquid first to prevent lumps
Store leftover herbs in olive oil in ice cube trays for future use

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

Carb Reduction Strategies:

Replace pie crust → Use only a bottom crust to reduce carbs by approximately 15 grams per serving
Cauliflower crust alternative → Make a crust using 2 cups cauliflower rice mixed with 1 egg and ¼ cup parmesan
Portion control → Serve smaller slices with a large side salad to maintain satisfaction

Flour Modifications:

Reduce thickening flour → Use 2 tablespoons almond flour instead of ¼ cup all-purpose flour
Alternative thickeners → Try 2 tablespoons cornstarch or 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder
Vegetable thickening → Blend ½ cup of the cooked vegetables back into the sauce for natural thickening

Blood Sugar Management Tips:

Add extra protein → Include ½ cup cooked white beans to slow glucose absorption
Increase fiber → Add 1 cup chopped spinach or diced zucchini to the filling
Healthy fats → Drizzle 1 teaspoon olive oil over each serving

Total Carb Reduction: These modifications can reduce carbs from 22 grams to approximately 12 grams per serving

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Beverage Pairings:
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness of the creamy filling beautifully, while a light Pinot Noir complements the savory ham flavors. For beer lovers, a wheat beer or light lager provides refreshing contrast. Non-alcoholic options include sparkling water with lemon, iced tea, or apple cider for a seasonal touch that echoes the comfort-food nature of this dish.

Side Dish Recommendations:
Serve alongside a crisp green salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the richness of the pot pie. Roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed broccoli add nutritious green vegetables and contrasting textures. Cranberry sauce provides a tart counterpoint that complements the savory ham, while honey-glazed carrots echo the sweet vegetables in the pie filling.

Complete Meal Ideas:
Start with a light soup like butternut squash or tomato basil to warm the palate. Follow the pot pie with a simple fruit dessert such as baked apples or pear crisp to maintain the homestyle theme. For entertaining, consider individual pot pies baked in ramekins for elegant presentation, served with mixed greens and dinner rolls.

Occasion Suggestions:
This Ham Pot Pie shines at Sunday family dinners, potluck gatherings, and holiday meals when you want to use leftover ham creatively. It’s perfect for meal prep since it reheats beautifully, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners when prepared ahead on weekends.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Professional Techniques:
Prevent a soggy bottom crust by blind-baking the bottom crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling. Create steam vents that are both functional and beautiful by using small cookie cutters to cut decorative shapes in the top crust. For extra flavor depth, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after cooking the vegetables, then let it reduce before adding the flour.

Common Mistake Prevention:
Avoid a gluey texture by cooking the flour mixture for the full 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Don’t skip the cooling time – cutting into the pie immediately will result in a runny filling that hasn’t had time to set. Prevent overflow by leaving ½ inch of space between the filling and the top of the pie dish.

Storage and Reheating:
Store leftover pot pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or reheat the whole pie in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through. The pie can be frozen for up to 3 months – wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then thaw overnight before reheating.

Make-Ahead Strategy:
Assemble the entire pie up to 24 hours ahead, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from cold. The filling can be made 2 days ahead and stored separately from the crust for optimal texture.

This Ham Pot Pie represents everything wonderful about home cooking – the way simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary when combined with care and attention. Whether you’re using up holiday ham leftovers or creating a special weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers comfort, satisfaction, and that unmistakable feeling of being truly well-fed. The golden crust, creamy filling, and perfect balance of flavors make every bite a celebration of good food and the joy of sharing meals with the people you love.