The Best Turkey and Ham Pie Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Comfort arrives in a hearty turkey and ham pie that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Layers of savory meat nestled between flaky pastry create a delightful culinary experience.

Memories of cozy family dinners drift through every bite of this classic dish.

Robust flavors merge seamlessly, blending tender poultry and smoky ham into a delectable filling.

Crisp golden crust promises a delightful crunch that complements the rich interior.

Seasonal ingredients shine in this simple yet elegant recipe that welcomes everyone to the table.

Slice into pure deliciousness and let each forkful transport you to a moment of pure comfort.

Top Reasons To Try Nigella Turkey And Ham Pie

• Craft Comfort Quickly: This pie transforms leftover turkey and ham into a hearty, delicious meal that feels like a warm hug, perfect for satisfying hungry families.
• Master Simple Cooking: With straightforward steps and basic ingredients, home cooks of all skill levels can create a professional-looking dish that impresses everyone at the table.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for using up holiday leftovers, this pie works brilliantly as a weeknight dinner, weekend lunch, or casual gathering centerpiece that everyone will love.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Economical ingredients and the ability to repurpose leftover meats make this recipe a smart choice for those watching their grocery spending while still enjoying a delicious meal.

What You’ll Need For Nigella Turkey And Ham Pie

• Turkey: Tender meat that provides the primary protein for the pie.
• Ham: Adds a rich, savory flavor and additional protein to the filling.

• Leeks: Soft, mild onion-like vegetable that creates a delicate base flavor for the pie.

• Butter, Flour, Chicken Stock: Classic components for creating a smooth, creamy sauce base.
• Cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the sauce.
• Mustard: Provides a tangy, sharp flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that brings a bright, green note to the filling.

• Puff Pastry: Light, flaky topping that creates a golden and crisp pie crust.

Steps To Make Nigella Turkey And Ham Pie

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) and get ready for a delicious baking adventure.

Step 2: Sauté the Leeks

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat and gently cook the leeks until they become soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Create a Flour Base

Sprinkle flour into the pan and cook for a quick minute, stirring to create a smooth foundation for your sauce.

Step 4: Pour in the Liquid Gold

Slowly add chicken stock, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps and create a silky smooth base.

Step 5: Blend in Creamy Goodness

Stir in cream and mustard until the mixture becomes wonderfully smooth and rich.

Step 6: Combine the Protein Party

Toss in the turkey, ham, and freshly chopped parsley, mixing everything together for maximum flavor.

Step 7: Prepare the Filling

Let the filling cool down completely, then transfer it to a pie dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 8: Top with Pastry Perfection

Carefully lay puff pastry over the filling, trim the edges neatly, and cut a few steam vents to let the magic happen.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Brilliance

Pop the pie into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until it turns a gorgeous golden brown and puffs up beautifully.

Step 10: Let It Rest

Allow the pie to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, letting the flavors settle and the filling set.

Helpful Tricks For Nigella Turkey And Ham Pie

• Select High-Quality Meats: Choose fresh, lean turkey and ham for the best flavor and texture in your pie.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Preheat a baking sheet in the oven to help crisp up the pastry base and avoid a wet crust.
• Master the Sauce Consistency: Stir the flour and stock slowly to create a smooth, lump-free sauce that coats the meat perfectly.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a splash of white wine or a pinch of dried thyme to enhance the overall taste profile of the filling.
• Pastry Pro Tip: Brush the top with egg wash for a gorgeous golden, glossy finish that looks professionally baked.

Ways To Tweak Nigella Turkey And Ham Pie

• Gluten-Free Comfort Pie: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free puff pastry to create a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Protein Pie: Swap turkey and ham with roasted mushrooms, lentils, and plant-based protein chunks. Add extra herbs for depth of flavor.
• Low-Carb Rustic Topper: Replace puff pastry with cauliflower crust or almond flour pastry. Use lighter cream and reduce stock for a keto-friendly alternative.
• Dairy-Free Family Pie: Substitute butter with olive oil. Use coconut cream instead of regular cream. Select plant-based milk for stock to maintain creamy texture.

What To Serve With Nigella Turkey And Ham Pie

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the rich, creamy pie filling and complements the delicate turkey and ham flavors.
• Match with Fresh Green Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pie's richness and add a refreshing, zesty contrast to the warm, hearty dish.
• Serve with Roasted Root Vegetables: Prepare simple roasted carrots, parsnips, and butternut squash to provide a caramelized, earthy side that enhances the pie's savory profile.
• Select Sparkling Apple Cider: A non-alcoholic, slightly sweet sparkling cider offers a light, crisp accompaniment that cleanses the palate between bites of the creamy pie.

Save Nigella Turkey And Ham Pie For Later

• Store leftover pie in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap the cooled pie securely in freezer-safe packaging. Keep frozen for maximum 2 months. Place a label with the date for easy tracking.
• Warm individual slices at 180°C for 1520 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent pastry from burning and maintain moisture.
• Heat small portions on medium power for 12 minutes. Check temperature and avoid overheating to preserve pastry's crispy texture.

Nigella Turkey And Ham Pie FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat in this pie?

Yes, you can substitute turkey and ham with chicken, beef, or even lamb. Just ensure the meat is cooked and chopped into similar-sized pieces.

• Is it necessary to use fresh parsley?

While fresh parsley adds a bright flavor, dried parsley works fine if that’s what you have available. The key is to add herbs for extra taste.

• What if I don't have chicken stock?

You can replace chicken stock with vegetable stock or even water with a bouillon cube. The goal is to create a flavorful liquid base for the sauce.

• How do I know when the pie is fully cooked?

The pastry should be golden brown and puffed up. When you insert a knife into the center, it should come out hot, indicating the filling is thoroughly warmed through.

Turkey And Ham Pie Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty “turkey and ham pie” brings festive comfort to your table, combining holiday leftovers in a savory pastry embrace. Flaky golden crust and rich, tender meat promise a delightful meal you’ll savor with every satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 500 grams (17.6 ounces) cooked turkey breast, diced
• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) cooked ham, diced

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 2 leeks, sliced
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Dairy, Flour, and Liquids:

• 50 grams (1.8 ounces) butter
• 50 grams (1.8 ounces) flour
• 500 milliliters (16.9 fluid ounces) chicken stock
• 200 milliliters (6.8 fluid ounces) double cream
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 sheet puff pastry

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C, adjusting to 180°C for fan-assisted ovens, ensuring optimal cooking temperature.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, gently melt butter until it becomes liquid and smooth.
3. Add chopped leeks to the melted butter, sautéing until they become soft and translucent, releasing their delicate flavor.
4. Sprinkle flour into the leek mixture, stirring continuously for one minute to create a roux and eliminate raw flour taste.
5. Slowly pour chicken stock into the pan, whisking consistently to prevent lumps and create a silky, smooth sauce.
6. Incorporate cream and mustard, stirring until the mixture becomes uniform and velvety in texture.
7. Fold in diced turkey, chopped ham, and freshly chopped parsley, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
8. Allow the filling to cool completely, which helps stabilize the mixture and prevents soggy pastry.
9. Transfer the cooled filling into a pie dish, spreading evenly to create a substantial base.
10. Carefully drape puff pastry over the filling, trimming excess edges for a neat presentation.
11. Create small steam vents on the pastry surface using a sharp knife to prevent potential pastry ballooning.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the pastry turns golden brown and becomes beautifully puffed.
13. Remove from oven and let the pie rest for 5-10 minutes, allowing flavors to settle and making serving easier.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by sautéing leeks slowly to release their natural sweetness and develop a deeper, richer taste profile.
• Swap regular flour with gluten-free alternatives like cornstarch or rice flour for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Experiment with different herb combinations like thyme or sage to personalize the pie’s aromatic complexity.
• Use leftover roasted turkey or ham from holiday meals to transform this recipe into a budget-friendly, zero-waste meal option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg