Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Activate the yeast:
In a small bowl, warm the milk until it is lukewarm (about 35-40°C). Stir in 1 tablespoon of sugar and crumble in 18 g of fresh yeast (or sprinkle 6 g of dry yeast). Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is activated.
Mix the dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 400 g of flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and 60 ml of vegetable oil. Stir the mixture with a spoon or spatula until it begins to form a dough.
Knead the dough:
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but avoid adding too much as this can make the dough dense.
Let the dough rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a clean, greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Tomato sauce:
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Spread 200 g of tomato sauce evenly in a small bowl for easy application later.
Prepare the ham and cheese:
Dice or thinly slice 450 g of ham, and grate 300 g of cheese (mozzarella works well, but you can use any melting cheese you prefer).
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza Pie
Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare a baking pan or dish that is approximately 23×32 cm in size by greasing it with a little oil or lining it with parchment paper.
Roll out the dough:
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to the size of your baking dish (23×32 cm). Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the prepared dish, pressing it evenly into the corners.
Add the filling:
Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Arrange the diced or sliced ham evenly over the sauce, followed by a generous layer of grated cheese.
Step 4: Prepare the Egg Wash and Bake
Make the egg wash:
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of milk. This will give the pizza pie a golden, shiny crust.
Brush the edges:
Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the edges of the dough with the egg wash. This will give the crust a nice golden color and sheen when baked.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds:
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds over the edges of the dough. The sesame seeds add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor to the pizza pie.
Bake:
Place the pizza pie in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, using the top and bottom heat setting (without convection). The pie is done when the crust is golden brown, and the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
Step 5: Serve
Once the pizza pie is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot with your favorite condiments, such as garlic sauce or a side salad. This pizza pie is perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Cooking Tips
Dough Consistency: When kneading the dough, it should be soft and slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a small amount of flour at a time until the dough is workable.
Choice of Cheese: While mozzarella is a classic option, feel free to experiment with other types of cheese like cheddar, gouda, or provolone for different flavor profiles.
Alternative Fillings: You can customize the filling by adding mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, or other vegetables alongside the ham. For a spicier version, you can use spicy salami or chorizo instead of ham.
Crispier Crust: For a crispier bottom crust, you can place the baking pan on a preheated pizza stone or directly on the oven’s lower rack during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Storage
In the Refrigerator: Leftover pizza pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave before serving.
In the Freezer: You can freeze the pizza pie before baking or after it has been baked. To freeze before baking, assemble the pizza pie as instructed, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes. If freezing after baking, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 2 months. Reheat frozen slices in the oven.
Nutritional Facts (Per serving, based on 8 servings)
Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 5g
Sodium: 600mg
Calcium: 20% of daily recommended intake
Iron: 10% of daily recommended intake
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough instead of making my own?
Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough if you’re short on time. Simply roll it out and proceed with the recipe as instructed.
What if I don’t have sesame seeds?
If you don’t have sesame seeds, you can skip them or substitute with poppy seeds, sunflower seeds, or even grated Parmesan cheese for a crunchy topping.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all or part of the all-purpose flour, but the texture of the dough may be slightly denser. You may also need to add a bit more water, as whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid.
How do I know when the pizza pie is done?
The pizza pie is done when the crust is golden brown, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also check the bottom of the crust to ensure it’s cooked through and crispy.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free by using a plant-based cheese and ensuring that the dough and sauce do not contain dairy ingredients.
Conclusion
This Ham and Cheese Pizza Pie with Sesame Seeds is a fantastic recipe for those who love classic pizza flavors with a homemade twist. The soft and fluffy yeast dough is topped with savory ham, melted cheese, and a golden egg-washed crust with sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch. It’s a perfect dish for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prepping for the week. This easy-to-make pizza pie will quickly become a household favorite with its delightful combination of textures and flavors. Enjoy it with your favorite side dishes or on its own for a hearty, satisfying meal!
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