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Introduction
Imagine waking up to the delightful aroma of a freshly baked pie, brimming with the flavors of ham, egg, cheese, and spinach. The Perfect Easter Breakfast Pie is not just a treat for your taste buds but a celebration of simple yet sophisticated ingredients coming together in harmony. Whether you’re serving it for brunch or as a savory addition to your Easter feast, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This breakfast pie is a fantastic blend of creamy, savory, and slightly tangy flavors, all wrapped up in a flaky crust. It’s versatile enough to be customized with your favorite cheeses and toppings, making it a dish that you can easily adapt to suit your preferences. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for gatherings, ensuring you’ll be asked for the recipe time and time again!
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- 9-inch springform pan
- Medium mixing bowl
- Large frying pan
- Whisk
- Foil-lined baking sheet
- Wire rack
- Sharp knife
Ingredients
- 2 prepared pie crusts
- 8 ounces cooked, smoked ham, sliced in thin strips about 2 inches in length
- 1 red bell pepper, core and seeds removed, sliced thin about 2 inches in length
- 1 teaspoon olive or vegetable oil
- 1 15-ounce container ricotta cheese
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon crushed garlic
- 8 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and dried thoroughly
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 egg, beaten for top of crust
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Press one pie crust into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, eggs, and garlic.
- Evenly spread the ricotta mixture over the bottom crust.
- Evenly spread the spinach over the ricotta layer.
- In a large frying pan, heat the oil. Add the ham and peppers.
- Cook until the peppers are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and evenly distribute the ham and peppers over the spinach.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the meat layer.
- Top with the remaining pie crust. Roll and crimp the edges to seal.
- With a sharp knife, cut four 1-inch slits in the top of the crust.
- Brush the top evenly with the remaining beaten egg.
- Place the pie on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Bake on the middle rack of the oven for 50 minutes, or until the top of the crust is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack.
- Carefully remove the sides of the springform pan.
- Continue to cool on the rack until set, approximately 20 minutes.
- Serve warm.
Tips for Success
- Ensure the spinach is thoroughly dried to prevent excess moisture from making the pie soggy.
- Use a variety of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
- Let the pie cool adequately before removing it from the pan to ensure it holds its shape.
Additional Tips and Variations
- For a lower-fat version, consider using light cheeses and fewer eggs.
- Customize with your favorite toppings such as sliced mushrooms, green olives, or tomato slices.
- Try different herbs like thyme or oregano for a twist on the classic flavor.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
This pie is rich in protein from the ham and eggs, and provides a good dose of iron from the spinach. The combination of cheeses adds calcium, making it a nutritious choice for breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this pie ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance and refrigerate it. Reheat it in the oven before serving.
Can I freeze this pie? Absolutely! Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What if I don’t have a springform pan? A regular pie dish will work, but be careful when removing slices to maintain the shape.
Conclusion
The Perfect Easter Breakfast Pie is a delightful way to bring people together over a meal. Its rich flavors and beautiful presentation make it a standout dish for any occasion. I invite you to try this recipe, savor each bite, and share your experiences with family and friends. Bon appétit!
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