🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Food
Fidget Pie (Traditional Shropshire Ham and Apple Pie)
By eatmundo · July 6, 2026
🇬🇧 UKA delightful and rustic savoury pie from Shropshire, Fidget Pie perfectly balances the rich saltiness of ham with the sweet tartness of apples and the earthy notes of potato and onion. Encased in a golden, flaky pastry, it's a wonderfully comforting dish with deep historical roots.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Begin by preparing your vegetables: peel and dice 1 large onion, peel, core, and dice 2 large cooking apples, and peel and thinly slice 2 medium potatoes. Having everything ready before you start cooking makes the process much smoother.
- 2
Melt 25g of butter in a large, heavy-based pan over a medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook gently for 5-7 minutes until it has softened and become translucent, but not browned.
- 3
Stir in 1 tbsp of plain flour with the softened onions and cook for 1 minute, ensuring the flour is fully absorbed. Gradually pour in 150ml of dry cider, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens slightly.
- 4
Add the diced cooked ham, diced apples, and thinly sliced potatoes to the pan. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Stir everything together gently, then remove from the heat and allow the filling to cool completely; this prevents the pastry from becoming soggy.
- 5
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F / Gas Mark 4). On a lightly floured surface, roll out approximately two-thirds of the 500g puff pastry and use it to line a 20cm pie dish, leaving an overhang. Carefully spoon the cooled filling into the pastry-lined dish.
- 6
Roll out the remaining puff pastry to form a lid. Moisten the edges of the base pastry with a little water, then place the lid over the filling, pressing firmly to seal the edges. Trim off any excess pastry and crimp the edges decoratively.
- 7
Cut a small steam vent in the centre of the pie lid. Brush the entire surface of the pie with 1 beaten egg for a beautiful golden glaze. If you wish, you can decorate with pastry offcuts.
- 8
Bake the Fidget Pie in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the pastry is deeply golden brown and puffed, and the filling is piping hot. If the pastry starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving, allowing the flavours to meld.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of ham is traditionally recommended for Fidget Pie?+
For an authentic Fidget Pie, use unsmoked, cooked ham, such as a boiled gammon joint or shredded ham hock. Its mild saltiness and tender texture perfectly complement the apples and potatoes.
Which kind of apple should I choose to achieve the best balance of flavor and texture in this savory pie?+
Opt for firm, tart cooking apples like Bramley, Granny Smith, or Cox's Orange Pippin. These apples retain their shape and provide a essential tang that cuts through the richness of the ham.
How can I prevent the puff pastry base of my Fidget Pie from becoming soggy?+
To ensure a crisp base, lightly pre-cook the sliced potatoes before adding them to the filling and make sure the filling is not excessively wet. Additionally, you can brush the bottom pastry with an egg wash before adding the filling to create a moisture barrier.
What are the key indicators that my Fidget Pie is thoroughly cooked and ready to serve?+
Your Fidget Pie is ready when the puff pastry top is beautifully golden brown and well-risen. The filling inside should be piping hot and visibly bubbling through any vents, indicating everything is heated through.
🇬🇧 UKMundo Match
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