The potato, cooked ham, and mozzarella pie is a dish that arises from a few simple ingredients and transforms into a warm, creamy, and stringy hug, perfect to serve when you’re craving homemade comfort food.
A family kitchen classic, sure to win over everyone from the first slice, when the mozzarella melts and binds each layer together.
The base is a soft and velvety mashed potato, distributed in two layers enclosing a generous filling of cooked ham and sliced mozzarella. The baking dish, slightly buttered and sprinkled with breadcrumbs, gives this potato, ham, and mozzarella gratin a golden and inviting surface, made even more delightful by the butter knobs that complete the magic in the oven.
It’s a practical recipe, with no complicated steps, ideal as a main dish, a one-pot meal, or an easy dinner saver on busier days. It can be prepared in advance, perfumes the kitchen while cooking, and pleases both young and old alike, with that sincere simplicity that always feels like home.
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- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Very Cheap
- Preparation time: 25 Minutes
- Portions: 2 People
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Energy 353.19 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 21.75 (g) of which sugars 1.67 (g)
- Proteins 13.56 (g)
- Fat 23.64 (g) of which saturated 14.23 (g)of which unsaturated 8.00 (g)
- Fibers 1.76 (g)
- Sodium 683.35 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 210 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients for Potato, Cooked Ham, and Mozzarella Pie
- 14 oz potatoes, with skin, cooked, boiled
- 2 oz cooked ham
- 4.5 oz mozzarella
- 1/3 cup milk
- 2.1 oz butter
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- 2 pinches salt
- 0.35 oz breadcrumbs
Preparation of Potato, Cooked Ham, and Mozzarella Pie
Peel the hot potatoes and pass them through a potato ricer, collecting the pulp in a pot.
Transfer the pot over low heat, add 1.5 oz of butter and stir until it completely melts. Gradually add the hot milk, mixing with a spatula or whisk, until you reach the desired consistency.
Salt, add the nutmeg and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well and remove from heat.Slice the mozzarella after removing any excess whey.
Use a brush to butter a baking dish and cover the bottom and sides with a tablespoon of breadcrumbs.
Then, spread half of the puree in the dish, leveling the surface with a spatula. Next, fill with slices of cooked ham and mozzarella. Cover with the remaining mashed potatoes and finish with another tablespoon of breadcrumbs and knobs of butter.
Bake the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15 minutes, until a beautiful golden crust forms on the surface.
Serve hot.
Storage of Potato, Ham, and Mozzarella Gratin
This pie keeps in the fridge, covered with aluminum foil, for 2 days.
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FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Can I prepare the potato, cooked ham, and mozzarella pie in advance?
Yes, you can assemble it in advance and store it in the refrigerator, covered, until it’s time to cook. Alternatively, you can cook it and reheat it just before serving.
What kind of mozzarella is best to use?
It’s recommended to use well-drained mozzarella or fiordilatte to prevent it from releasing too much water during cooking, keeping the pie compact and creamy.
Can I substitute cooked ham with another ingredient?
Sure, cooked ham can be replaced with speck, mortadella, or even grilled vegetables, adapting the pie to your taste.
Can the potato, cooked ham, and mozzarella pie be frozen?
Yes, it’s better to freeze it raw, already assembled. When ready to use, cook it directly in the oven, slightly extending the cooking time.
How do I achieve a golden crust on top?
The secret is a generous sprinkle of breadcrumbs and a few knobs of butter: in the oven, they will create a crispy and very inviting surface.
