Name: Homity Pies Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 70 g plain wholemeal flour (plus extra for rolling out); 70 g plain white flour (can be replaced with wholemeal flour); ½ tsp salt; 70 g cold butter (diced); 20 g Parmesan cheese (finely grated); 2 – 4 tbsp iced water; 350 g potatoes (peeled or not as preferred, weight after preparation); Salt to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 300 g leeks (weight after preparation); Black pepper to taste; 2 cloves garlic (finely chopped); 80 g spinach (roughly chopped or shredded); 20 g butter; 80 g full fat cream cheese; 100 g mature Cheddar cheese, grated (divided into two 50 g portions)

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to tuck into a British classic that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then Homity Pies should be your new go-to recipe. These delightful little pies are a fantastic blend of creamy potatoes, tender leeks, and rich cheeses all encased in a buttery, crumbly pastry that simply melts in your mouth. Whether you’re serving them up for a cozy weekend lunch or impressing friends at a dinner party, Homity Pies deliver that perfect balance of comforting flavors and satisfying textures that keep everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Homity Pies is all about using simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From the earthy potatoes to the sharp mature Cheddar, every element plays a crucial role in building flavor and texture that’s nothing short of spectacular.

70 g plain wholemeal flour: Adds a nutty flavor and hearty texture to the pastry.
70 g plain white flour: Helps keep the pastry light and tender; can be swapped with wholemeal for a rustic touch.
½ tsp salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
70 g cold butter (diced): Creates the flaky, melt-in-your-mouth pastry crust.
20 g Parmesan cheese (finely grated): Adds a savory depth to the pastry dough.
2-4 tbsp iced water: Essential for bringing the dough together without melting the butter.
350 g potatoes (peeled or unpeeled): The creamy, tender base of the filling.
Salt: To season potatoes and sautéed vegetables perfectly.
2 tbsp olive oil: For gentle sautéing of leeks and garlic.
300 g leeks: Offer a sweet and mild onion flavor that complements the potatoes.
Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warming spice.
2 cloves garlic (finely chopped): Provides a subtle pungency to brighten the filling.
80 g spinach (roughly chopped or shredded): Brings freshness and a lovely green color.
20 g butter: Enriches the filling with smoothness and flavor.
80 g full fat cream cheese: Adds creaminess and a slight tang.
100 g mature Cheddar cheese, grated (divided in half): Delivers sharp, melty goodness inside the filling and as a golden topping.

How to Make Homity Pies

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry

Start by mixing your flours and salt in a bowl. Use your fingertips to rub in the cold diced butter until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Then stir in the finely grated Parmesan cheese for a savory twist. Gradually add iced water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a knife until the dough just starts to come together. Turn it onto a floured surface and knead gently into a smooth ball, then flatten into a disc. Wrap it up and pop it in the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes—this step is key for that perfect crumbly texture.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

While the dough chills, dice your potatoes into chunky pieces and cook them in salted boiling water until just tender. Drain well and let them dry completely. This ensures your filling isn’t soggy and stays nice and creamy.

Step 3: Sauté the Leeks and Garlic

Heat olive oil in a frying pan, then add the clean, sliced leeks. Season lightly with salt and pepper and sauté until they are soft and sweet, then stir in the garlic for the last couple of minutes to avoid burning it. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, making sure any excess moisture evaporates. This beautifully soft vegetable mix forms the tasty heart of your filling.

Step 4: Combine the Filling

Take the pan off the heat and stir in butter and cream cheese, allowing them to melt into the mixture. Then fold in half of the grated Cheddar for that irresistible cheesy richness. Gently mix in the cooked potatoes, being careful to keep some texture—nobody loves mashed-up Homity Pies! Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, then let it cool while you roll out the pastry.

Step 5: Shape and Chill the Pies

Divide the chilled pastry dough into four equal portions. Roll each into a round large enough to line your pie tins, pressing the dough gently up the sides. Tidy the edges and place them back into the fridge for another 30 minutes to chill. This extra rest helps the pastry keep its shape while baking and prevents shrinking.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan). Spoon the cooled filling into each pastry case, piling it up slightly without pressing down firmly. Sprinkle the remaining Cheddar cheese on top for a beautifully golden finish. Place your pies on a baking tray and bake for around 20 minutes until the pastry is crisp and golden, and the filling is bubbling hot. Let them rest for a few minutes before carefully lifting out of the tins.

How to Serve Homity Pies

Garnishes

Once your Homity Pies are out of the oven, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A light drizzle of good quality olive oil or a dollop of tangy sour cream also pairs beautifully with these savory bites.

Side Dishes

These pies are mighty satisfying on their own, but if you want to round out the meal, a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables work wonderfully. For a heartier feast, creamy coleslaw or buttered peas add color and extra comfort.

Creative Ways to Present Homity Pies

Think beyond traditional pie tins and try making mini Homity Pies in muffin trays for cute, individual servings that are perfect for parties or picnics. Alternatively, slice a larger pie into wedges for a rustic sharing platter, garnished with fresh herbs and accompanied by a selection of chutneys or mustards.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Homity Pies keep really well in the fridge for up to three days. Store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the pastry from going soggy. They make excellent lunchbox surprises or quick snacks throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy Homity Pies later, freeze fully cooled pies in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to three months. Wrap individual pies carefully in cling film before freezing to protect the pastry, and label with dates to keep track.

Reheating

To reheat, start by warming the pies briefly in the microwave to heat the filling through, then transfer them to an air fryer or conventional oven to re-crisp the pastry. This method brings them back to their freshly baked glory with golden, crunchy crusts and piping hot interiors.

FAQs

Can I use all wholemeal flour for the pastry?

Absolutely! Using all wholemeal flour will give your Homity Pies a nuttier flavor and heartier texture. Just be aware the pastry may be slightly less tender than with a white flour mix.

Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?

Not at all. Leaving the skins on can add extra texture and nutrients, as well as a rustic appearance. Just make sure to scrub the potatoes well before cooking.

Can I add other vegetables to the filling?

Yes! While traditional Homity Pies feature leeks and spinach, you could experiment with mushrooms, spring onions, or even roasted peppers to customize the filling to your taste.

What cheese works best if I don’t have mature Cheddar?

Try using other flavorful hard cheeses like Red Leicester or a sharp Gruyère. The key is a cheese that melts well and has a strong flavor to complement the filling.

Are Homity Pies suitable for freezing and reheating?

Definitely. Homity Pies freeze beautifully and reheat well when done with care, particularly if you use the microwave-then-air-fryer technique to keep the pastry crisp and the inside deliciously hot.

Final Thoughts

Homity Pies are truly a celebration of simple, honest ingredients coming together to create something incredibly comforting and delicious. Once you try making them, I’m confident they’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen, bringing warmth and satisfaction to every meal. So grab your butter, potatoes, and trusty oven, and get ready to enjoy the magic of Homity Pies!

Homity Pies Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 30 reviews

Author: Naomi
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 4 individual pies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Homity Pies are traditional British savory pastries filled with a comforting mixture of creamy potatoes, leeks, spinach, and melted cheeses encased in a crisp wholemeal and white flour pastry. These pies offer a rich, flavorful vegetarian option that’s perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, enjoyed hot or cold.

Instructions

Make the pastry: Stir the flours and salt together in a bowl. Rub in the cold diced butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the grated Parmesan using a round bladed knife. Gradually add iced water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with the knife, until a dough forms. Alternatively, use a food processor to combine flour, salt and butter into breadcrumbs, add Parmesan, and then slowly add water to bring dough together.
Knead and chill the pastry: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently into a smooth ball. Flatten into a disc, wrap tightly in foil or cling film, and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to rest and firm up.
Prepare the filling: Peel or scrub the potatoes and cut them into chunky dice. Boil in salted water until just tender, then drain and leave to dry and cool.
Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a frying pan. Slice the leeks thinly, rinse to remove dirt, drain well, then add to the pan. Season with salt and pepper and cook until soft, adding chopped garlic for the last few minutes. Add the spinach and cook until wilted and excess moisture has evaporated.
Combine filling ingredients: Remove pan from heat and stir in butter and cream cheese until melted and combined. Stir in 50 g grated Cheddar, then gently fold in the cooked potatoes without breaking them. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then set aside to cool.
Roll out and line tins: Divide chilled pastry into four equal pieces. Roll each piece on a floured surface into circles sized to line your pie tins with a slight height on the sides, ensuring no excess to cut off. Press and smooth edges, then chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to prevent shrinking.
Fill the pies: Preheat oven to 220°C (200°C fan)/425°F/Gas mark 7. Divide filling evenly among chilled pastry cases, piling filling up but not compacting it. Sprinkle remaining 50 g grated Cheddar over the top of each pie.
Bake the pies: Place pies on a baking tray and bake on the middle shelf for 20 minutes or until pastry is golden and crisp and filling is hot and browned on top.
Cool and serve: Let pies rest a few minutes before carefully removing from tins. Serve hot or cold. Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze. Reheat by starting in a microwave to warm filling, then crisp pastry in an air fryer or oven.

Notes

The pastry contains both wholemeal and white flour for a balance of texture and flavor, but you can use all wholemeal flour for a denser crust.
Use full-fat cream cheese for creaminess; low-fat versions may change filling texture.
Don’t compact the filling when filling the pies, to maintain a light texture in the finished product.
The pies freeze well. For best reheating results, warm the filling gently in a microwave, then re-crisp the pastry in an air fryer or oven.
You can peel potatoes or leave skins on depending on preference and added texture.
Adjust seasoning carefully at each stage, since Parmesan, Cheddar, and salt all contribute saltiness.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Savory Pie
Method: Baking
Cuisine: British