Ham and mozzarella baskets

When I need something quick for dinner but don't want to complicate things too much, I use store-bought pie dough and improvise with what I have in the fridge. That's how I came up with these tarts and little cups filled with mozzarella and ham. Basically, I thought it would be more interesting to try a few different shapes, not just tarts, so I also used muffin tins in addition to the tart pans. Everything is prepared simply, in a short time, and the result is good, warm, perfect for an evening when you don't feel like heavy food.

Quick Info

Total time: about 35-40 minutes
Preparation time: 10-15 minutes (if the dough is already thawed)
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Servings: 3 tarts and 2 cups
Difficulty: easy
Recipe type: quick snack, light dinner

Ingredients

1 sheet of pie dough (thawed)
125 g mini mozzarella
3-4 slices of ham
1 egg

Preparation method

1. Take the sheet of pie dough out of the freezer and let it thaw completely.
2. Using a larger-mouthed glass, cut out circles from the dough. I ended up with a few shapes, enough for three tarts and two cups.
3. Place the dough circles into the tart and muffin tins. Don't press them too hard.
4. Beat the egg and brush each dough shape with a little beaten egg, including the edges.
5. Tear or cut the mozzarella into smaller pieces. Cut the ham into strips or cubes, as you prefer.
6. Fill each tart and cup with mozzarella and ham, without overstuffing, so the filling doesn't spill over the edges.
7. On top of each tart and cup, place a little egg yolk (you can save some of the initially beaten egg for this), so they get a nice golden crust in the oven.
8. Place the tins on a tray and put them in the oven at medium heat for about 20-25 minutes. They are ready when they turn golden on top.
9. Take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before removing them from the tins.

Why I make this recipe often

They are quick to prepare, the ingredients are few and always on hand. I can use what I have in the fridge, there's no need for anything special. They are good warm, for dinner or as a snack.

Tips and variations

Tips

If you use frozen dough, be patient to let it thaw completely, otherwise it will break. Don't overload the tins too much with filling. Bake them until they are nicely browned, not just lightly golden.

Substitutes

Mozzarella can be replaced with another type of soft cheese that melts easily. The ham can be swapped with boiled chicken breast or leftover roast, if you have it.

Variations

You can also add a few slices of tomatoes or green onions to the filling if you like. If you don't have muffin or tart pans, you can bake the circles on a tray, like mini-pies.

Serving ideas

They can be served warm, plain, as a snack or alongside a salad. They are also suitable cold, but the texture is better when they are fresh.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of dough?
You can try puff pastry if you don't have pie dough. The texture will be slightly different, but they will still turn out good.

2. Can the recipe be made without egg?
The egg helps with browning and holds the filling together, but you can try skipping it. The crust won't be as shiny.

3. Can they be made without special pans?
Yes, just cut out circles and place them directly on a tray, like mini-pies.

4. Can I use other cold cuts or vegetables?
Yes, you can adapt the filling with whatever you have. The important thing is not to overload the tins too much, so it doesn't overflow while baking.

5. Can I use regular mozzarella, not mini?
Yes, just cut small pieces from a larger ball of mozzarella.

Nutritional values

Approximately, for one tart/cup (out of 5 made): about 120-150 kcal. Protein: 7-9 g, fats: 7-9 g, carbohydrates: 10-12 g. Values may vary depending on the type of dough and ham used. These are just rough estimates.

Storage and reheating

It's best to eat them fresh, right after they've cooled down a bit. If there are any leftovers, they can be stored covered in the fridge for 1-2 days. To reheat, put them in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispy texture. In the microwave, the dough softens quite quickly, so avoid it if you can.

After the dough thawed, I cut out circles with a glass that had a fairly large opening. It occurred to me to also use tart and muffin molds, so in the end, I prepared three tarts and two filled baskets. I brushed each tart and basket with egg, then filled them with mozzarella and ham. Finally, I added the egg yolk on top. I put the tarts and baskets in the oven for about 20-25 minutes until they turned a beautiful golden color. Enjoy the warm and golden tarts! >:D

 Ingredients: 1 sheet of pie dough, 125 g mini mozzarella, 3-4 slices of ham, 1 egg

 Tags:  baskets with ham and mozzarella ham and mozzarella tart pie crust recipes recipes with mozzarella