This “impossible” pie is actually incredibly simple! It gets its name because it magically forms its own crust while baking, thanks to the Bisquick in the batter. Loaded with savory ham, melty Swiss cheese, and a flavorful egg custard, this crustless quiche-like dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
Summary
A quick and easy crustless pie that creates its own crust as it bakes. Filled with diced ham, Swiss cheese, and a savory egg mixture, this dish requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
Equipment
- 9-inch pie plate
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Box grater (if using block cheese)
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced ham (about 8 oz)
- 1½ cups shredded Swiss cheese, divided
- ⅓ cup finely chopped onion
- ⅓ cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup Bisquick baking mix
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dry mustard
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie plate.
- Prepare the filling: Sprinkle the diced ham, 1 cup of the Swiss cheese, chopped onion, and bell pepper evenly in the bottom of the greased pie plate.
- Make the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, Bisquick, salt, pepper, dry mustard, and nutmeg (if using) until well combined and mostly smooth. Small lumps are okay.
- Assemble the pie: Pour the batter over the ham and cheese mixture in the pie plate. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup Swiss cheese on top.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Let the pie stand for 5 minutes before cutting. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Cut into wedges to serve.
Notes
- This recipe is very versatile – you can substitute other meats like cooked bacon or sausage for the ham.
- Any good melting cheese can replace the Swiss – cheddar, Gruyère, or a combination works well.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the ham with sautéed mushrooms or broccoli.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix the batter: A few small lumps in the Bisquick mixture are fine – overmixing can make the final texture tough.
- Let ingredients come to room temperature: Using room temperature eggs and milk helps the pie cook more evenly.
- Allow proper cooling time: The 5-minute rest is important as it allows the pie to set up for easier cutting.
- Check for doneness: The center should be set but still have a slight jiggle when the pie is done.
- Cheese on top and inside: Layering cheese both in the filling and on top ensures good distribution and a nice golden top.
- Dice ingredients uniformly: Make sure your ham, onions, and peppers are cut to similar sizes for even distribution.
Additional Tips and Variations
- Make it ahead: You can mix the batter and store it in the refrigerator up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freeze it: Baked portions freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in a 325°F oven.
- Mini versions: Pour the mixture into greased muffin tins for individual servings, reducing baking time to about 20-25 minutes.
- Add herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, chives, or dill can add bright flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños for a kick.
- Healthier option: Use low-fat cheese, turkey ham, and skim milk to reduce calories.
- Breakfast variation: Add a layer of hash browns to the bottom before adding other ingredients.
- Asparagus and ham: Add blanched asparagus pieces for a spring variation.
- Mediterranean twist: Use feta cheese, olives, and roasted red peppers instead of ham and Swiss.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Bisquick and can I substitute it?
Bisquick is a premade baking mix containing flour, shortening, salt, and baking powder. You can make your own by combining 1 cup flour, 1½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon butter or shortening cut into the dry ingredients.
Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes! Whole, 2%, skim, or non-dairy milks all work. For extra richness, use half-and-half or part heavy cream.
Why didn’t my pie form a crust?
This pie forms a very thin crust, not a traditional pie crust. Make sure your oven is properly preheated and the Bisquick is well mixed into the batter.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free Bisquick or a similar gluten-free baking mix as a direct substitution.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Absolutely! Slice after cooling and refrigerate individual portions for quick breakfasts or lunches throughout the week.
My pie seems too wet in the center. What happened?
It may need additional baking time. Every oven is different, so use the knife test for doneness. If the top is browning too much, cover loosely with foil.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Pre-cook vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms to remove excess moisture before adding them to the pie.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Cover and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Microwave on 50% power if you’re in a hurry.
Conclusion
The Impossible Ham and Swiss Pie earns its place as a beloved kitchen classic through its magical simplicity and reliable results. With minimal effort and basic pantry ingredients, you can create a versatile dish that works for any meal of the day. Its self-forming crust and savory filling make it both a great starter recipe for beginners and a trusted standby for experienced cooks.
What makes this recipe truly special is its adaptability. Once you master the basic technique, you can customize it endlessly to suit your tastes or use up ingredients you have on hand. Whether served hot from the oven for dinner or enjoyed cold for lunch the next day, this “impossible” pie proves that delicious home cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.