Flaky Ham and Cheese Slab Pies are made with a buttery crust and filled with savory ham and gooey cheese. This hot ham and cheese pastries are a delicious & easy-to-make recipe!
This savory puff pastry recipe is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner, they can be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick and satisfying meal. Ham and cheese puff pastry pies are a classic comfort dish and a great way to use up leftover ham.
History of Flaky Ham and Cheese Slab Pies
This savory dish is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and is loved by people of all ages. The history of flaky ham and cheese slab pies dates back to the mid-20th century when people started experimenting with different ways to prepare pies. The first recorded recipe for a slab pie was published in a cookbook in the 1980s. Over the years, people have experimented with different fillings, including vegetables, chicken, and bacon.
Today, flaky ham and cheese slab pies are a staple in many households and are often served at parties and gatherings. They are easy to make, can be prepared in advance, and are perfect for feeding a crowd. The versatility of this dish has made it a favorite among busy families who are looking for a quick and easy meal. Whether you are a fan of ham and cheese or prefer a vegetarian option, there is a slab pie recipe out there for everyone to enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Ham & Cheese Recipe
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These pies are versatile and can be served as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course. They are perfect for parties, picnics, and family dinners.
- Delicious and Comforting: The combination of flaky pastry, ham, and cheese is simply irresistible. These pies are warm, comforting, and delicious, making them the perfect comfort food.
- Customizable: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste. You can add different types of cheese, use different types of ham, or even add some vegetables to the filling.
Ingredients for Ham & Cheese Pies
Cream cheese: For a tangy and creamy filling, you need 6-ounces of cream cheese.
Mustard: Add in 2 TBSP of honey mustard for a perfect flavor combination with the ham & cheese.
Onion powder: Flavor the filling well by adding in 1 tsp of onion powder.
Puff pastry: The base of these pies is one 17.3-ounce package of frozen puff pastry sheets.
Ham: Use 8-ounces of sliced ham for the protein in this dish. Whatever flavor/brand you prefer to use will work great.
Cheese: Adding 6-ounces of thinly sliced Swiss or cheddar cheese will give this dish great flavor.
Egg: Brushing the pastry dough with an egg wash makes these pies extra flaky and delicious, you will need 1 egg for this step.
Water: Dilute the egg wash by adding in 1 TBSP of water.
How to make Ham & Cheese Slab Pies
Prep
To begin, preheat the oven to 400°F. Then line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Then, on a lightly floured surface, roll each sheet of thawed puff pastry into a 15×12-inch rectangle. Continue to transfer each pastry sheet to the prepared baking sheets.
Filling
Next, in a small bowl, stir together the cream cheese and mustard.
Proceed to spread half of the cream cheese mixture onto each pastry lengthwise, leaving a ½-inch border around the outside edges.
Now, add individual layers of ham & cheese over the cream cheese layer, leaving ½-inch border around outside edges.
Egg wash
In a small bowl whisk the egg and water until combined. Then brush the egg mixture on the uncovered edges of the pastries.
Fold the uncovered portion of each pastry rectangle up and over the filling. Use a fork to seal the edges together.
Brush the tops with the egg mixture and then cut decorative slits in the top of each pastry for steam to escape.
Bake
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until the pastries are golden on both top and bottom. If the top browns more quickly than the bottom, cover with foil.
Slide the pies and parchment paper onto wire racks; cool slightly for about 5 minutes. To serve, cut crosswise into wedges. Enjoy!
Customization Ideas for Pastry Slab Pies
One of the best things about these pies is that they are incredibly versatile, and can be customized in a variety of ways to suit different tastes and preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Add vegetables: For a healthier twist, consider adding some vegetables to your slab pie. Broccoli, spinach, and bell peppers are all great options that pair well with ham and cheese. Simply chop the vegetables into small pieces and sprinkle them over the ham and cheese before adding the top layer of pastry.
Mix up the cheese: While cheddar cheese is the classic choice for ham and cheese pies, there’s no reason you can’t experiment with other types of cheese as well. Gouda, Swiss, and even blue cheese can all work well in this recipe, depending on your personal taste.
Try different meats: If you’re not a fan of ham, or simply want to mix things up, try using a different type of meat in your slab pie. Cooked chicken, bacon, or even sausage can all work well as a substitute.
Add some spice: For those who like a little kick to their food, consider adding some spices to the ham and cheese mixture. Paprika, cayenne pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce can all add some extra flavor and heat.
Flaky Ham and Cheese Slab Pies
Ingredients
- 6 oz cream cheese
- 2 TBSP honey mustard
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 17.3 oz frozen puff pastry sheets thawed for 15 minutes
- 8 oz sliced ham
- 6 oz thinly sliced swiss or cheddar cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 TBSP water
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.
- On a lightly floured surface roll each sheet of thawed puff pastry into a 15×12-inch rectangle. Transfer each pastry sheet to a prepared baking sheet.
- Filling: In a small bowl, stir together cream cheese, mustard and onion powder.
- Spread half of each pastry lengthwise with cream cheese mixture, leaving a ½-inch border around outside edges. Add individual layers of ham & cheese over cream cheese layer, leaving ½-inch border around outside edges.
- Egg wash: In a small bowl whisk together egg and the water. Brush some of the egg mixture on the uncovered edges of the pastries. Fold uncovered portion of each pastry rectangle up and over the filling. Use a fork to seal edges together.
- Brush tops with egg mixture. Cut decorative slits in top of each pastry for steam to escape.
- Bake: Bake about 25 minutes or until pastries are golden on both top and bottom. If top browns more quickly than the bottom, cover with foil. Slide pies and parchment paper onto wire racks; cool slightly. To serve, cut crosswise into 12 wedges total (6 per sheet.) Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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Common Mistakes to Avoid when making Slab Pies
When making flaky ham and cheese slab pies, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome of the final dish. Here are some tips to avoid these mistakes and ensure that your slab pie turns out perfectly.
- Overfilling the Pie: One of the most common mistakes when making a slab pie is overfilling it. This can cause the pie to leak or not cook evenly. It’s important to leave enough space around the edges of the pie to allow for the crust to rise and the filling to settle.
- Using the Wrong Cheese: Using the wrong cheese can also affect the taste and texture of the pie. It’s important to use a cheese that melts well and complements the flavor of the ham. Cheddar, Swiss, and Gouda are all good options.
- Not Letting the Pie Cool: Finally, it’s important to let the pie cool before serving. Cutting into a hot pie can cause the filling to run and ruin the presentation. Letting the pie cool for at least 5-10 minutes before serving will ensure that it holds its shape and looks as good as it tastes.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines for Ham & Cheese Pies
Flaky ham and cheese slab pies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
What type of pastry is best for making flaky slab pies?
Puff pastry is the best type of pastry to use when making flaky ham and cheese slab pies. It creates a light, airy, and flaky crust that complements the savory filling.
Can crescent roll dough be substituted for puff pastry?
While crescent roll dough can be used as a substitute for puff pastry in ham and cheese slab pies, the result will not be as flaky and light as with puff pastry. The crescent roll dough will create a denser and slightly sweeter crust.
How can I achieve a golden crust on my ham and cheese slab pie?
To achieve a golden crust, do not skip the egg wash step in this recipe. This will give the crust a shiny, golden brown appearance. Additionally, bake the pie in a preheated oven for the appropriate time to achieve a nice golden crust.
Love cheese as much as we do? Try more cheesy recipes here:
- Baked Potatoes with Broccoli and Cheese Sauce
- Cheesy Baked Ravioli Lasagna
- Sausage and Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers
- Steak and Cheese Flatbread
- Ham and Cheese Omelet Roll
- Cheesy Italian Sausage Calzones
- Cheesy Breadsticks
- Ranch Chicken Cheese Dip
- Cheesy Ranch Chicken Dip
- Swiss & Cheddar Cheese Fondue
- Easy Nacho Cheese
- Bacon Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
- 3 Cheese Breakfast Casserole
- Bacon Grilled Cheese
- Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Flaky Ham and Cheese Slab Pies are perfect for a quick and easy dinner or for a party. This hot ham and cheese dish is a classic comfort food that is sure to please anyone who tries it.
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