If you ask me, Bisquick impossible pies are one of the smartest dinner shortcuts ever created.
This savory ham and cheese version is a no-fuss meal that brings together the classic comfort of breakfast for dinner. The magic happens when the Bisquick mixture settles to form a light crust while baking, wrapping around tender ham and melted cheese.
The best part is how everything goes into one pan – no separate crust-making required. Just mix, pour, and let the oven do its thing. The result is somewhere between a quiche and a pot pie, but easier than both.
It’s a reliable weeknight dinner that always satisfies, perfect for those evenings when you want something homemade without much fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Impossible Pie
- No-fuss preparation – Simply mix everything together and pour it into a pie plate – the baking mix magically forms its own crust while it bakes!
- Budget-friendly ingredients – With basic pantry staples and leftover ham, this recipe helps you create a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
- Quick assembly – It takes just 10 minutes to throw together, then the oven does all the work while you relax.
- Perfect for any meal – This versatile dish works great for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner – and the leftovers taste just as good the next day.
- Kid-friendly dinner – The combination of ham and cheese is always a hit with children, making this an easy way to get dinner on the table without any complaints.
What Kind of Ham Should I Use?
For this pie, you’ve got several good options when it comes to ham. Leftover holiday ham works great if you have it, but you can also pick up ham steaks or deli ham from your local grocery store. If you’re using deli ham, go for a thicker cut and ask for it to be cut into 1/4-inch slices – this will give you better texture in the finished pie than thinly sliced sandwich meat. The key is to aim for evenly-sized cubes, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch, so your pie cooks uniformly and each bite has a good balance of ingredients. Just make sure to avoid honey-glazed varieties, as they can make your pie too sweet.
Options for Substitutions
This easy pie recipe can be adapted with several substitutions if you’re missing ingredients:
- Baking mix: If you don’t have Bisquick on hand, you can make your own by mixing 1/2 cup all-purpose flour with 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon cold butter (cut the butter in until crumbly).
- Swiss cheese: Swiss cheese can be replaced with Gruyere, Gouda, or Cheddar. Each will give a different but equally good flavor to your pie.
- Ham: Leftover cooked chicken, turkey, or even crumbled bacon work well in place of ham. Just make sure they’re well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
- Green onions: No green onions? Try 1/4 cup finely diced regular onion or 2 tablespoons of dried chives instead.
- Milk: Any type of milk works here – whole, 2%, or even non-dairy options like unsweetened almond milk. Just note that fuller-fat milk will give you a richer result.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Baking
The biggest challenge when making an impossible pie is overmixing the batter, which can lead to a tough, dense texture instead of the light, fluffy result you’re looking for – simply mix until the ingredients are just combined.
Temperature control is crucial: using cold ingredients straight from the fridge can prevent proper rising, so let your eggs and milk come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting.
Another common mistake is not greasing your pie plate thoroughly enough, which can make serving difficult – coat it well with cooking spray or butter, paying special attention to the sides.
For the most flavorful results, avoid using pre-packaged diced ham that’s been sitting in liquid; instead, choose freshly diced ham from the deli counter, and don’t forget to pat it dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from affecting the texture of your pie.
What to Serve With Impossible Pie?
This savory pie is filling on its own, but a few simple sides can really round out your meal. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette makes the perfect partner – the fresh, cool crunch offers a nice contrast to the warm, cheesy pie. I like to add some steamed or roasted vegetables on the side too, like broccoli or asparagus, which pair really well with the ham and Swiss flavors. Since this dish is on the richer side, you might want to include some fresh fruit as a light, sweet finish to the meal.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: Once your ham and cheese pie has cooled down, wrap it well or place it in an airtight container. It’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This pie is perfect for making ahead for busy weeknight dinners or when you want quick lunch options ready to go.
Freeze: If you want to save some for later, cut the cooled pie into individual portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just remember to label them with the date!
Warm Up: To enjoy your leftover pie, heat individual slices in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds, or until warmed through. For a crispier bottom, try reheating in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. The cheese will get nice and melty again!
Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
Cooking Time | 35-40 minutes |
Total Time | 50-55 minutes |
Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 800-900
- Protein: 50-60 g
- Fat: 45-50 g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50 g
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups diced ham
- 1 cup shredded swiss cheese (about 4 ounces)
- 4 green onions, sliced thinly
- 1/2 cup baking mix
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pie Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (205°C).
While the oven is heating, spray a 9-inch pie dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the pie later.
Step 2: Layer Ham, Cheese, and Green Onions
Evenly spread 1 and 1/2 cups of chopped ham, 1 cup of cheese, and 4 sliced green onions in the prepared pie dish.
These ingredients will form the flavorful base of your dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients to create an egg mixture.
It’s normal for this mixture to have some lumps, so don’t worry about achieving a completely smooth consistency.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the prepared egg mixture over the ham, cheese, and green onions in the pie dish.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.
The pie is done when the tip of a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once baked, allow the pie to sit for 5 minutes before serving.
This resting time will help the pie set and make it easier to slice.
Enjoy your savory creation!