Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Ham and Cheese Savoury Tart: A Classic for Every Occasion
Whip up this crisp, flavoursome ham and cheese tart — a perfect crowd-pleaser that’s ready in under an hour!
📖 What is it
Whip up this crisp, flavoursome ham and cheese tart — a perfect crowd-pleaser that’s ready in under an hour!
🛒 Ingredients
▸ For the base
- ✓ 2 ready-rolled round puff pastry sheets
▸ For the filling
- ✓ 2 eggs
- ✓ 100g Sicilian pecorino, grated
- ✓ 200g caciocavallo cheese
- ✓ 300g cooked ham, diced
- ✓ Salt, to taste
- ✓ Freshly ground black pepper
▸ For the finishing touch
- ✓ 1 beaten egg for glazing
📊 Nutritional Information
Picture yourself in a cosy Sicilian kitchen, where the scent of pastry baking melds with the rich aromas of pecorino and caciocavallo cheeses. This ham and cheese savoury tart is a timeless favourite, brimming with the warmth and simplicity of Sicilian hospitality. Best enjoyed warm alongside a good local wine, each mouthful is a delightful taste of genuine Sicilian comfort.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
In a bowl, whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in the grated pecorino until well combined.
- 2
Fold in the diced ham and chunks of caciocavallo, mixing gently to keep it all evenly distributed.
- 3
Line a 24cm tin with the first sheet of puff pastry along with its baking paper. Prick the base lightly with a fork.
- 4
Pour in the filling and smooth it over with a spatula.
- 5
Top with the second pastry sheet, sealing the edges firmly. Pierce a few holes in the surface to prevent puffing up too much.
- 6
Brush the top with the beaten egg and bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (170°C fan) for about 40 minutes, until golden and crisp.
- 7
Allow to cool slightly before slicing. This tart is equally delightful served warm or at room temperature.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For a touch of elegance, mix in some fresh ricotta with the filling and swap the cooked ham for delicately smoked speck. This brings a lovely smoky depth to the tart.
- •
Using a slightly larger tin and artisan puff pastry will give you a thinner, crispier crust that really highlights the gooey cheese centre.
- •
If you fancy a vegetarian option, simply omit the ham and add in grilled courgettes or diced aubergines, well-seasoned. It’s just as delicious and lighter on the palate.
- •
To get the filling to the perfect consistency, beat the eggs with the grated cheese thoroughly before folding in the ham and caciocavallo, seasoning carefully with salt and pepper, then mix gently without breaking the pastry.
- •
A pinch of nutmeg added to the filling brings out the savoury richness of the cheese beautifully, without overpowering the other flavours.
- •
For a gluten-free version, choose gluten-free puff pastry found in specialist shops and check the ingredients to keep that lovely crispness intact.
- •
The magic of this recipe is in the contrast — crisp, golden pastry wraps around a rich, soft filling; every bite is a celebration of texture and flavour in perfect harmony.
📦 Storage
- • To keep your tart as fresh as possible, wrap it in cling film or pop it into an airtight container and refrigerate, best eaten within three days.
- • You can freeze the cooked tart by wrapping it well in cling film and then placing in a freezer bag; it keeps beautifully for up to two months.
- • When reheating, a hot oven at 180°C for about 15 minutes will bring back that crisp pastry finish — avoid the microwave as it tends to soften the base and spoil the texture.
🍷 Pairing
This savoury tart pairs wonderfully with a glass of Grillo, such as Contea di Sclafani, whose fresh floral notes balance the richness of the cheeses. Alternatively, a fruity, smooth Catarratto—also a Sicilian classic—works beautifully. If you’d like to venture beyond Sicily, a delicate white from Verona like Soave complements without overpowering.
Give this charming ham and cheese tart a go next time you’re after something comforting yet special. It’s an effortless crowd-pleaser that carries the soulful spirit of Sicily right to your table. Do share it around — with a few friends or family, it’s sure to bring smiles and a little taste of Italian sunshine to any gathering.
Rate this recipe
Click or tap the stars to rate