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    The Bossy Kitchen > Recipes > Savory Recipes > Appetizers

    Caramelized Onion And Ham Puff Pastry Pie

    Published by: Gabriela June 19, 2019 · Last modified: July 21, 2023 1 Comment
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    This Caramelized Onion And Ham Puff Pastry Pie is a savory dish usually served as a main course. It is made with puff pastry and a filling of slightly caramelized onion, ham, and cheese.

    Jump to Recipe
    Stacked slices of caramelized onion and ham puff pastry pie close up0
    Jump to:
    • Why I like this recipe
    • What is puff pastry
    • What ingredients do you need
    • How to make this Caramelized Onion And Ham Puff Pastry Pie
    • Expert tip
    • Storage and leftovers
    • Recipe Faqs
    • Other puff pastry recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Why I like this recipe

    Easy to make and delicious: You can serve this pie any day of the week, but you can also make it for times when you entertain, as it works as an appetizer as well.

    Versatile: Elegant enough but also casual, the pie goes well with a refreshing summer salad or winter salads and a glass of light white wine.

    If you are looking for a variation from the classic "meat and potatoes" type of dinner, this recipe is for you.

    What is puff pastry

    Puff pastry, or pate feuillete, or feuilletage in French, is a rich and delicate pastry made of very thin layers of dough and butter.

    Making puff pastry from scratch is a lengthy and complicated procedure. Butter is incorporated into a rolled-out dough of flour and water. The dough is then folded, turned at right angles, rolled out, and folded again.

    This procedure is repeated several times, and the dough is left to stand and chill between each turning. The more turns there are up(up to eight, usually, according to Larousse Encyclopedia), the greater the number of layers in the finished pastry.

    Because of the long process, almost nobody makes this pastry from scratch anymore, so don't feel bad if you buy it in the store. Even famous chefs don't waste their time making it from scratch.

    Note: Puff pastry is usually not sweetened, and it is used for pies, tarts, pastries, and many other dishes. It is traditionally baked at high temperatures, so the air, trapped during rolling, expands.

    The melting fat content and heat set the layers and give the pastry the characteristic crisp texture.

    You can use puff pastry sheets that you can find at any grocery store. I recommend keeping some additional sheets in your freezer for other delicious pie dishes. (see here Minced meat pie).

    What ingredients do you need

    • Puff Pastry: A flaky, layered dough that rises and becomes airy when baked due to the steam produced from the water content in its layers.
    • Onions: I used two regular yellow onions and one red.
    • Butter or Olive Oil: We use a small amount to cook the filling for the pie.
    • Cooked Ham: Any kind of ham is suitable for the recipe (Black Forest ham, Country ham, Virginia ham, HoneyBaked ham, or deli ham, anything that works.) However, you can replace the ham with sausages, like kielbasa style, or cooked steak.
    • Nutmeg: is a warm and slightly sweet spice that gives a subtle flavor to the dish. If you don't have it or do not like it, you can skip it.
    • Salt and ground pepper: they season your dish.
    • Eggs (for filling and brushing)
    • Shredded Cheese (Cheddar, Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Feta, etc.): Melted cheese contributes to a creamy texture and rich flavor.

    How to make this Caramelized Onion And Ham Puff Pastry Pie

    Step 1.

    Preheat oven to 400F/200C.

    Step 2.

    Defrost the puff pastry for no more than 40 minutes at room temperature; otherwise, it will be simply hard to work with it.

    Step 3.

    Slice the onion thinly and dice the ham.

    In a large skillet, heat the butter or the oil and add the onions and ham.

    Onions and ham cooking in the pan

    Step 4.

    Cook onions until they are soft and slightly caramelized, about 7-10 minutes. Stir often so the onions don't burn.

    Caramelizing onions with ham0

    Step 5.

    Add salt, nutmeg, and pepper. Taste and make sure the amount of salt is enough. If not, add a little bit more. 

    Step 6.

    Remove from the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes.

    Step 7.

    Beat three eggs and add them to the mixture.

    Cooked onions and ham with eggs0

    Also, add the shredded cheese. 

    Note: Cheddar cheese works perfectly, but there is no rule to add whatever shredded cheese you have around.

    Maybe you want to mix cheddar cheese with a bit of gruyere, or perhaps you have a bag of Mexican cheese or even Feta cheese. Suits well!

    Cooked onions and ham with eggs and cheese0

    Stir to combine.

    Filling for the pie0

    Step 8.

    In a 9x13 inch baking pan, place a puff pastry sheet on the bottom of the pan.

    Step 9.

    Add the mixture of onions and ham and spread it evenly over the puff pastry sheet. 

    Filling for the pie in the pan0

    Step 10.

    Cover the mixture with the second puff pastry sheet and tuck the edges of the puff pastry inside the tray.

    Unbaked pie0

    Step 11.

    Beat an egg and brush the entire surface of the pie with it. 

    Unbaked pie brushed with egg0

    Also, grab a fork and poke the puff pastry top everywhere.

    Unbaked pie brushed with egg and poked with a fork0

    Step 12.

    Bake at 400F/200C for about 35 minutes or until golden brown.

    Baked onion and ham puff pastry pie0

    Slice it in squares and serve it warm.

    Expert tip

    For an even flakier puff pastry crust, chill your baking dish with the prepared pie in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before baking. The cold pastry hitting the hot oven will enhance its puff and flakiness.

    Storage and leftovers

    Refrigerator: Once cooled, cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. It should be consumed within 3-4 days for the best taste and freshness.

    Freezer: You can freeze either the unbaked pie for a fresh bake later on or freeze the baked pie for reheating.

    If freezing unbaked, it can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to bake, you can bake straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

    If you've already baked the pie and want to freeze the leftovers or the whole baked pie for future consumption, it should be good for up to 1 month in the freezer.

    Recipe Faqs

    Can I use other meats besides ham in this recipe?

    Yes, while ham provides a delicious flavor, you can use other cooked meats like chicken, turkey, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Adjust the seasoning accordingly based on the salt content of your alternative.

    Do I have to caramelize the onions?

    Caramelizing the onions provides a deep, sweet flavor that balances the saltiness of the ham. Also, it reduces the baking time, as the onions would be already cooked.

    Is it mandatory to use both white and red onions?

    No, it's not mandatory. The combination of white and red onions offers a blend of flavors and colors. If you only have one type on hand, you can use solely that. Adjust the quantity to ensure you have enough filling.

    Can I make this recipe in advance?

    If you want to make this recipe in advance, you can put it together and then freeze it. On the day of serving it, heat the oven and bake it. 

    Can I use pie crust instead of puff pastry?

    Yes, you can. However, the puff pastry texture is very different from the pie crust one, but if you like that better or don't have access to puff pastry, go ahead and use what you have. Keep in mind that the two are not the same, so the results will be quite different.

    I don't like onions. What can I use instead?

    You might be surprised how many people ask this question. Leeks would be a good option if you hate onions, but keep in mind that they are from the same family of vegetables. Leeks are also sweeter and have a slightly different texture.

    Stacked slices of caramelized onion and ham puff pastry pie0

    Suggestion for a sweet slab pie: Easy Apple Pie Bars

    Other puff pastry recipes

    Romanian Spinach And Feta Cheese Pie

    Ham And Cheese Puff Pastry Pockets

    Cabbage puff pastries triangles

    Easy recipes made with puff pastry

    📖 Recipe

    Baked onion and ham puff pastry pie slices square image0

    Caramelized Onion And Ham Puff Pastry Pie

    This Caramelized Onion And Ham Puff Pastry Pie is a savory dish usually served as a main course. It is made with puff pastry and a filling of slightly caramelized onion, ham, and cheese.
    4.63 from 16 votes
    Print Pin Share GrowSaved! Rate
    Course: Meat and Poultry
    Cuisine: Other Cuisines
    Keyword: easy, pie, savory pie
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes
    Additional Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 15 servings
    Calories: 332kcal
    Author: Gabriela

    Equipment

    • 9 x 13-Inch Baking Pan
    • 8 Inch Chef Knife 
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 17.25 ounces puff pastry one package with 2 puff pastry sheets
    • 3 large onions 2 white, 1 red sliced thinly
    • 4 tablespoons butter or olive oil
    • 16 ounces cooked ham diced
    • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon ground pepper
    • 3 large eggs for the filling
    • 1 large egg for brushing the pastry
    • 8 ounces shredded cheese Cheddar, Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, crumbled Feta etc

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 400F/200C.
    • Defrost the puff pastry according to the package. (Do not let it sit at room temperature for more than 40 minutes. More than 40 mins sitting at room temperature, and the puff pastry will be difficult to work with.)
    • While the puff pastry is defrosting, slice the onions thinly and dice the ham.
    • In a large skillet, heat the butter or the oil and add the onions and ham. Cook them until the onions are soft and slightly caramelized, about 7-10 minutes. Stir often, so the onions don't burn.
    • Add salt, nutmeg, and pepper. Taste and make sure the amount of salt is enough. If not, add a little bit more.
    • Remove from the heat and let the mixture cool.
    • Beat the 3 eggs and add them to the mixture. Also, add the shredded cheese. Stir to combine.
    • In a 9x13 inch baking pan, place a puff pastry sheet on the bottom of the pan.
    • Add the mixture of onions and ham and spread it evenly over the puff pastry sheet.
    • Cover the mixture with the second puff pastry sheet and tuck the pastry's edges inside the tray.
    • Beat an egg and brush the entire surface of the pie with it. Also, grab a fork and poke the puff pastry top everywhere.
    • Bake at 400F/200C for about 35 minutes or until golden brown.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 332kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 88mg | Sodium: 641mg | Potassium: 168mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 257IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 118mg | Iron: 1mg
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    1. Anonymous says

      June 21, 2019 at 3:22 am

      5 stars

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    Gabriela the creator of The Bossy Kitchen

    Hi! I am Gabriela and this is my virtual home. I am a self-taught cook and a trained Pastry Chef. I inherited the cooking genes from my maternal grandma and the love for baking from my paternal grandma.

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