The Best Ham Pot Pie Recipe You’ll Ever Try (Comfort Food at Its Finest)
When I first made ham pot pie, it was almost by accident. I had leftover ham sitting in the fridge after a family dinner, and I didn’t want it to go to waste.
I love chicken pot pie, so I thought—why not try it with ham? The result blew me away. It was rich, creamy, and packed with flavor in every single bite. Since then, it has become one of my go-to comfort meals.
If you love hearty, filling dishes that warm you from the inside out, then this ham pot pie is about to become your new favorite, too.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know—ingredients, steps, tips, and even variations—so you can whip this up at home with ease.
What is Ham Pot Pie?
Ham pot pie is a cozy baked dish made with chunks of ham, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all tucked inside a golden pie crust or topped with flaky biscuits. Think of it like the cousin of chicken pot pie, but with a slightly smoky, salty kick from the ham. It’s the perfect recipe for using up leftovers after holidays like Easter, Christmas, or even just a big Sunday ham dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I could list a dozen reasons, but here are the big ones:
- Simple Ingredients – You probably already have most of them in your pantry or fridge.
- Family-Friendly – Kids love it, and it’s hearty enough to satisfy adults.
- Budget-Friendly – A great way to stretch leftover ham into another full meal.
- Comfort Food at Its Best – Creamy filling, golden crust, and savory ham in every bite.
This is one of those recipes that doesn’t just feed your stomach—it makes you feel good.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a straightforward list of what goes into ham pot pie:
- Ham – Diced, cooked ham works best. Leftovers are perfect.
- Pie Crust – Store-bought or homemade, depending on how much time you want to spend.
- Vegetables – Common choices are peas, carrots, corn, and green beans.
- Potatoes – Optional, but they make the pie extra hearty.
- Onion & Garlic – For flavor depth.
- Butter & Flour – To create the base of the creamy sauce.
- Chicken or Ham Broth – Adds richness.
- Milk or Cream – For that silky smooth filling.
- Seasonings – Salt, pepper, thyme, parsley, or even a little paprika.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make a classic ham pot pie from scratch.
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté onions, garlic, and your chosen vegetables. Add flour to create a roux (this thickens the sauce). Slowly pour in broth and milk while stirring until it becomes creamy. Toss in the diced ham and season everything well.
Step 2: Assemble the Pie
Roll out one pie crust and place it into a pie dish. Pour in the filling. Cover with another crust, seal the edges, and cut small slits on top for steam to escape.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 35–40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving so the filling can set.
That’s it—simple, filling, and downright delicious.
Variations You Can Try
The beauty of ham pot pie is that it’s flexible. You can switch things up depending on what you have at home.
- Biscuit Topping – Instead of pie crust, top with buttery biscuits.
- Cheesy Version – Stir shredded cheddar into the filling.
- Ham & Potato Pie – Add diced potatoes for an extra hearty bite.
- Vegetable Swap – Use frozen veggies for convenience or add fresh mushrooms for earthiness.
- Mini Pies – Make individual servings in ramekins.
Tips for the Best Ham Pot Pie
- Don’t skip letting the pie cool before cutting—it helps the filling thicken.
- Use leftover ham with a bit of fat for extra flavor.
- Season as you go—taste the filling before baking to adjust salt and pepper.
- If using frozen veggies, thaw and drain them so the pie doesn’t get watery.
- For extra shine, brush the top crust with an egg wash before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Ham pot pie is a full meal on its own, but you can serve it with:
- A simple green salad for freshness.
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls.
- Roasted vegetables if you want an extra side.
And of course, don’t forget dessert—something light like fruit salad or pudding balances out the richness.
Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about ham pot pie is that it reheats beautifully.
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F until hot, or microwave for quick reheats.
If you’re planning ahead, you can even assemble the pie, freeze it unbaked, and then bake straight from frozen (just add about 15–20 minutes to the baking time).
FAQs About Ham Pot Pie
Q1: Can I make ham pot pie without pie crust?
Yes! You can top it with biscuits, puff pastry, or even mashed potatoes for a twist.
Q2: Do I have to use leftover ham?
Not at all. You can buy diced ham from the store or even use smoked ham steak.
Q3: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the pie, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q4: What if I don’t have broth?
You can use water mixed with a bouillon cube as a substitute.
Q5: How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Make sure the filling isn’t too watery and preheat the oven well. You can also blind-bake the bottom crust for a few minutes before adding the filling.
Final Thoughts
Ham pot pie is one of those recipes that feels like a hug on a plate. It’s easy, practical, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a way to use leftovers or just craving something warm and filling, this dish checks all the boxes.
So next time you’ve got ham in the fridge, don’t let it sit there. Turn it into a golden, bubbling, creamy ham pot pie that your whole family will love.
