Mary Berry’s Turkey and Ham Pie is a delightful dish that transforms holiday leftovers into a comforting and elegant meal. Known for her simple yet sophisticated approach, Mary Berry combines succulent turkey and ham with a creamy sauce, all encased in a buttery, flaky pastry. It’s a perfect way to savor the flavors of the festive season any time of the year.
What is Mary Berry Turkey and Ham Pie Recipe?
Mary Berry turkey and ham pie is a traditional British dish that is made with leftover cooked turkey and ham, and a creamy sauce with mustard and parsley. The filling is covered with a layer of puff pastry and baked until golden and crisp. It is a hearty and comforting meal that is perfect for cold winter days.
The preparation is straightforward, typically taking about an hour, making it an ideal recipe for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
Other Turkey Cooking Recipes
- Hairy Bikers Turkey and Ham Pie
- Hairy Bikers Chicken Ham and Leek Pie
- Mary Berry Leftover Turkey Pie
Why You Love this Recipe
This Mary Berry turkey and ham pie recipe offers several appealing features that make it a favorite:
- Resourceful Use of Leftovers: Utilize your holiday surplus efficiently, turning leftover turkey and ham into a delectable meal, thus minimizing waste.
- Simplicity in Preparation: This recipe requires minimal, commonly available ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible to cooks of all levels.
- Balanced Richness: Enjoy a meal that’s fulfilling with its creamy, savory filling and buttery pastry, yet it’s crafted to avoid being overly heavy.
- Textural Delight: Savor the contrasts – tender meat, lush sauce, and a crust that offers a crispy bite.
- Convenience for Any Occasion: Prepare it in advance for a stress-free serving later, ideal for everyday meals or special gatherings.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Turkey and Ham Pie
To make this Mary Berry turkey and ham pie recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 500g puff pastry, thawed if frozen
- 50g butter
- 1Â large onion, finely chopped
- 50g plain flour
- 600ml chicken stock
- 150ml double cream
- 2Â teaspoons wholegrain mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 500g cooked turkey, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 250g cooked ham, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3Â tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1Â egg, beaten
Useful Equipment
You will also need the following equipment to make this pie:
- A large frying pan
- A wooden spoon
- A large pie dish (about 28cm in diameter)
- A rolling pin
- A pastry brush
- A sharp knife
- A baking sheet
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Turkey and Ham Pie
Follow these steps to make this Mary Berry turkey and ham pie recipe:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Grease the Pie Dish
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) and lightly grease your pie dish with some butter or cooking spray.
- You can use any pie dish that is about 28cm in diameter and has a depth of about 4cm.
Step 2: Cook the Onion and Make the Sauce
- In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, melt 50g of butter and cook 1 large onion, finely chopped, for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden.
- Sprinkle 50g of plain flour over the onion and cook for another minute, stirring constantly, to make a roux.
- Gradually whisk in 600ml of chicken stock, 150ml of double cream, and 2 teaspoons of wholegrain mustard, and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Add the Meat and Parsley and Transfer the Filling to the Pie Dish
- Stir in 500g of cooked turkey, cut into bite-sized pieces, 250g of cooked ham, cut into bite-sized pieces, and 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, and mix well to combine.
- Transfer the filling to the prepared pie dish and level the surface with a spoon. Let it cool slightly.
Step 4: Roll Out the Pastry and Cover the Filling
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out 500g of puff pastry, thawed if frozen, to a thickness of about 3mm and a size that is large enough to cover the pie dish.
- Cut a small hole in the center of the pastry to allow steam to escape.
- Brush the edge of the pie dish with some of the beaten egg and place the pastry over the filling, pressing the edges to seal. Trim off any excess pastry and crimp the edges with your fingers or a fork.
- Brush the top of the pastry with the remaining egg and make some decorative cuts with a knife if you like.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
- Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crisp.
- If the pastry is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil.
Step 6: Rest and Serve the Pie
- Let the pie rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set and the pastry to crisp up.
- Cut the pie with a sharp knife or a pizza cutter and serve with your choice of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or salad. Enjoy!
What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Turkey and Ham Pie?
Complement your turkey and ham pie with sides that enhance and balance the meal:
- Mashed Potatoes: A velvety smooth, classic partner, mashed potatoes pair wonderfully with the pie’s rich filling and soak up the creamy sauce splendidly.
- Green Beans: Offer a crisp, fresh contrast with lightly seasoned green beans, adding a splash of color and texture to your plate.
- Garden Salad: Introduce a light, nutritious element with a mixed salad, dressed with a vinaigrette to cut through the pie’s richness.
- Cranberry Sauce: A dab of cranberry sauce not only introduces a festive touch but its tart sweetness contrasts nicely with the savory notes of the pie.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Turkey and Ham Pie
Customize your pie with these variations to suit your taste preferences or to use what’s available in your kitchen.
- Cheesy Delight: Incorporate some grated cheese into the sauce or atop the pastry for a richer flavor and a gooey texture.
- Mix Up the Meats: Feel free to substitute the turkey and ham with other meats or add bacon or sausage for extra flavor.
- Veggie Boost: Enhance the nutritional value and color of your pie by adding vegetables like mushrooms, peas, or carrots.
- Pastry Variations: Experiment with different types of pastry such as shortcrust, filo, or croissant dough for varied textures and tastes.
- Personalize Your Pie: Make individual pies for personalized servings, perfect for managing portions or catering to different tastes.
Variations of Mary Berry Turkey and Ham Pie
You can also try some variations of this pie to suit your preferences or use up what you have on hand, such as:
- Adding some cheese to the sauce or sprinkling some grated cheese on top of the pastry for extra flavor and gooeyness.
- Use different types of meat, such as chicken, pork, or beef, or add some bacon or sausage for more smokiness and saltiness.
- Adding some vegetables to the filling, such as mushrooms, peas, or carrots, for more nutrition and color.
- Using different types of pastry, such as shortcrust, filo, or croissant, for different textures and shapes.
- Making individual pies instead of one large pie, for easier portion control and serving.
How do I Store and Freeze Mary Berry Turkey and Ham Pie Leftovers?
Properly storing your pie ensures you can enjoy its deliciousness for days after the initial meal. Here’s how to keep your leftovers tasting fresh:
Refrigerator Storage:
- Cooling Down: Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature. This prevents condensation inside the container, which can make the pastry soggy.
- Wrapping Up: Wrap the pie securely with foil or plastic wrap, or better yet, transfer it to an airtight container to keep out moisture and odors.
- Refrigeration Time: Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Remember, the sooner you consume it, the better it will taste.
Freezer Storage:
- Preparation: Cool the pie completely before freezing to preserve texture and flavor.
- Portioning: Cut the pie into reasonable portions if you don’t plan on reheating the whole thing at once. This way, you only reheat what you’ll eat.
- Wrapping: Wrap each portion tightly with foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or an airtight container. This double layer helps protect against freezer burn.
- Labeling: Mark each package with the date. This pie keeps well for up to 3 months in the freezer.
How do I reheat Mary Berry Turkey and Ham Pie Leftovers?
Reheating your pie correctly can make it taste almost as good as freshly baked. Choose your method based on convenience and desired crispiness:
Oven Reheating:
- Preheating: Warm your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). This gradual heating helps evenly warm the pie.
- Setting Up: Place the pie on a baking sheet for even heat distribution. Cover it loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
- Baking: Heat for 15 to 20 minutes, then remove the foil. Continue to bake for another 5 to 10 minutes until the pastry is crisply golden. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Microwave Reheating:
- Preparation: Place a slice of pie on a microwave-safe plate. The microwave is best for quick reheating of smaller portions.
- Moisture Control: Cover with a damp paper towel to keep the pastry from drying out and to promote even heating.
- Timing: Heat on medium power for 2 to 3 minutes, checking periodically. Be careful to not overdo it as the pastry can become tough or soggy.
The nutrition value per serving (based on 6 servings) is as follows:
- Calories: 1030 kcal
- Fat: 64 g
- Carbohydrates: 72 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 1000 mg
- Cholesterol: 200 mg
FAQs
How can I prevent the bottom crust of the pie from becoming soggy?
To prevent a soggy bottom on your pie, ensure that the filling is not too liquid when you assemble the pie. Let the sauce thicken properly before adding it to the pie dish. Also, you can blind-bake the bottom crust for about 10-15 minutes before adding the filling. This helps to set the crust and create a barrier against the wet filling. Additionally, placing the pie in the lower part of the oven helps the bottom crust cook faster and become crisp.
Can I use store-bought pastry for Mary Berry’s Turkey and Ham Pie?
Yes, you can use store-bought puff pastry for this recipe. It’s a convenient and time-saving option. For the best results, choose a high-quality, all-butter puff pastry for its superior flavor and texture. Ensure it’s fully thawed if you’re using frozen pastry before you begin.
How can I make the pie filling creamier?
To make the filling creamier, you can adjust the amount of double cream in the recipe. Adding a bit more cream will give a richer texture. Alternatively, for a lighter version, you might mix in a dollop of crème fraîche or full-fat Greek yogurt at the end of cooking the sauce. Just make sure to heat through gently to prevent curdling.
How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
To make the sauce thicker, you can add more flour to the onion mixture, or simmer the sauce for longer until it reduces. To make the sauce thinner, you can add more stock, cream, or water to the sauce, or use less flour to the onion mixture.
Can I use different types of meat or vegetables for this pie?
Yes, you can use any leftover cooked meat for this pie, such as chicken, pork, or beef. You can also add some vegetables to the filling, such as mushrooms, peas, or carrots, for extra flavor and nutrition.
What are some vegetarian alternatives for the turkey and ham in the pie?
For a vegetarian version of this pie, you can substitute the turkey and ham with a mix of hearty vegetables like leeks, mushrooms, squash, or sweet potatoes. You can also add some protein-rich alternatives like lentils, chickpeas, or a vegetarian meat substitute. Adjust seasoning accordingly to complement the vegetables.
Final Words
This Mary Berry turkey and ham pie recipe is a great way to use up your leftover meat and enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal.
It’s easy to make and tastes amazing. Try it today and let me know what you think in the comments below. I hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new. If you did, please share it with your friends and family. And don’t forget to check out my other recipes on my food blog.
Thank you for reading and happy baking!