The Perfect Pork Pie Recipe: Crispy, Golden & Homemade Delight

Crafting a traditional British pork pie brings joy to any culinary adventure.

Meat lovers appreciate this classic dish that combines rich flavors and rustic charm.

Generations have treasured this hearty recipe passed down through family kitchens.

Crisp pastry and savory filling create a delightful contrast in every bite.

Butchers and home cooks alike take pride in perfecting the delicate balance of ingredients.

Delectable spices and tender pork make this pie a true crowd-pleaser.

You’ll want to roll up your sleeves and start cooking right away.

Reasons To Love James Martin Pork Pie

• Craft Quick Comfort Food: Dive into a hearty meat pie that delivers rich, savory flavors perfect for satisfying hunger with minimal kitchen effort.
• Master Simple Cooking Technique: Learn an easy recipe that combines ground meats with simple seasonings, creating a delicious traditional dish anyone can prepare with basic cooking skills.
• Crowd-Pleasing Meal Solution: Enjoy a versatile recipe that works wonderfully for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings where everyone craves a filling, homestyle meal.
• Customize Your Culinary Creation: Experiment with different meat combinations or add personal spice touches to make this classic pie uniquely yours while maintaining its delicious core flavor profile.

Everything You’ll Need For James Martin Pork Pie

• Ground Pork: A savory and lean protein that provides the main flavor profile for the pie.
• Ground Beef: Adds rich depth and additional meaty texture to the filling.

• Pie Pastry, Pie Crust: A flaky and buttery base that holds the meat mixture and creates a delicious golden exterior.
• Egg White: Helps create a shiny and sealed top crust with a beautiful golden-brown finish.

• Mashed Potatoes, Nutmeg, Salt, Pepper: Creamy potatoes bind the meat together, while nutmeg and seasonings enhance the overall flavor complexity of the pie.

How To Put Together James Martin Pork Pie

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) so it’s perfectly heated and ready for baking.

Step 2: Sizzle The Meat

Heat a large skillet and cook ground pork and beef together until they’re beautifully browned. Drain away any excess fat to keep your pie lean and delicious.

Step 3: Create Savory Filling

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Fragrant nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Mix everything thoroughly to create a mouthwatering filling.

Step 4: Prepare Pie Crust

Gently line a pie dish with tender pastry, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides completely.

Step 5: Fill And Top The Pie

Spoon the flavorful meat mixture into the pastry-lined dish. Cover with another layer of pastry, pressing edges together to seal in all the delicious goodness.

Step 6: Create Golden Finish

Brush the top crust with egg white for a beautiful golden sheen that will make your pie look professionally baked.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

First, cover the pie edges with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Allow the pie to cool slightly before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes serving easier. Enjoy your homemade masterpiece!

Smart Moves For James Martin Pork Pie Success

• Meat Moisture Management: Drain excess fat thoroughly after browning to prevent a greasy, heavy pie filling.
• Spice Balancing Act: Adjust nutmeg carefully – it's potent, so start with a small pinch and taste before adding more.
• Crust Crimping Technique: Use fork tines or fingers to create a tight seal between top and bottom crusts, preventing filling leakage.
• Egg Wash Brilliance: Brush egg white evenly for a golden, glossy finish that makes the pie look professionally baked.
• Resting Ritual: Allow pie to cool 10-15 minutes after baking, which helps filling set and makes slicing cleaner and neater.

Fresh Takes On James Martin Pork Pie

• Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie: Replace meat with lentils, mushrooms, and plant-based protein crumbles for a hearty meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Meat Pie: Use almond flour or gluten-free pastry mix for crust, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy the dish.
• Low-Carb Keto Meat Pie: Swap traditional pastry with cauliflower crust or use a cheese-based topping, reducing carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Meat Pie: Add chili powder, cumin, and jalapeños to meat mixture for a zesty flavor profile with southwestern flair.

Top Matches For James Martin Pork Pie On The Table

• Pair Tangy Cider with Classic Comfort: A crisp, dry English cider cuts through the rich, meaty flavors of the pie, balancing its heaviness with bright, acidic notes.
• Serve Rustic Red Wine Companion: Choose a medium-bodied red like Beaujolais or Pinot Noir, which complements the savory meat filling without overpowering its delicate spices.
• Create Fresh Pickle Sidekick: Prepare a quick pickle or tangy coleslaw to add bright, acidic crunch that refreshes the palate between hearty bites of the dense meat pie.
• Match Herb-Infused Green Salad: Toss a light, herbaceous salad with mixed greens, lemon vinaigrette, and fresh parsley to provide a zesty, refreshing contrast to the rich pie.

Store And Save James Martin Pork Pie Properly

• Store leftover pork pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Slice pie into portions, wrap each individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Frozen pork pie stays good for 2-3 months.
• Thaw completely if frozen, then warm in preheated 350F oven for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent crust from burning and maintain moisture.
• Heat individual slices on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Let stand for 30 seconds to distribute heat evenly and prevent soggy crust.

Quick Answers About James Martin Pork Pie

• What type of meat works best for this pie?

Ground pork and beef blend perfectly, creating a rich and flavorful filling that ensures a traditional taste and texture.

• Can I make the pie crust from scratch?

Absolutely! Homemade pastry adds an authentic touch and allows you to control the ingredients, though store-bought crust works great for convenience.

• Is this recipe authentic to a specific region?

This pie style is closely associated with British culinary traditions, particularly popular in regions like Leicestershire and Cornwall where meat pies are a cultural staple.

• How do I know when the pie is fully cooked?

The pie is done when the crust turns golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 160F, ensuring the meat is thoroughly cooked and safe to eat.

Pork Pie Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty British pork pie brings rustic charm from traditional English kitchens, blending savory ground pork with rich, herbed pastry. Crisp golden crust and tender meat inside promise a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor with each satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) lean ground pork
• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef

Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Filling and Crust:

• 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) mashed potatoes
• 1 (14.1 ounces or 400 grams) double-crust pie pastry
• 1 egg white, beaten

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Instructions

1. Prepare a hearty meat filling by sautéing ground pork and beef in a skillet until thoroughly cooked and golden brown, ensuring excess fat is drained completely.
2. Season the meat mixture with aromatic nutmeg, salt, and pepper, then gently fold in mashed potatoes until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Roll out bottom pastry and carefully drape into a pie dish, pressing against sides and bottom to create a smooth base.
4. Spoon the seasoned meat and potato mixture into the pastry shell, spreading evenly and creating a level surface.
5. Cover the pie with top pastry layer, crimping and sealing edges to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
6. Brush pastry surface with whisked egg white to create a glossy, golden-brown finish when baked.
7. Protect pastry edges with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for initial 30 minutes to prevent over-browning.
8. Remove foil and continue baking for additional 15 minutes until crust turns rich golden color and filling is heated through.
9. Allow pie to rest and cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing, which helps filling set and makes cutting easier.

Notes

• Choose high-quality ground meats with good fat content for richer flavor and juicier filling.
• Consider mixing different meat types like pork shoulder and ground beef for more complex taste profile.
• Add fresh herbs like thyme or sage to enhance traditional meat mixture’s depth and aroma.
• Experiment with cold butter in pastry dough for flakier, more delicate crust texture that melts in your mouth.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 514 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg