Aden thinks that almost anything that is green on his plate is poisonous. As do many almost 5-year-old kids, I guess.
Of course there are a few exceptions, and of them is broccoli. For some reason, the boy really likes broccoli. Sometimes, I rush when I cook his dinner and he would demand to know where his broccoli was.
One thing I have learnt from cooking for the little ones is that you can generally get kids to eat vegetables if you hide them in their food. I find pasta bakes really great places to hide chopped up chunks of vegetables. Pies are also great for tricking kids into eating vegetables.
Today I am sharing a quick and easy recipe for a mini-pie. Because Aden loves broccoli, I have left the broccoli in pretty large chunks. If you have an anti-broccoli kids, simply chop them into smaller pieces.
To make these, you need Bisquick mix. Bisquick mix is amazing. You can use it to make so many things, like these impossibly easy mini-pies – here, here, here and here. I actually have quite a few more of these recipes. If you want to try them, search for “mini pies” on the side bar —–>. 🙂
If you do not have Bisquick mix, all is not lost. I have included a recipe for home-made Bisquick mix at the end of this recipe. Don’t panic, please!
Here are the instructions on how to make these pies.
Cut and blanch broccoli in salted, boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain and immediately submerge the broccoli in ice water to stop the cooking process. Set this aside.
In a big mixing bowl, mix together Bisquick mix, milk, egg and oil.
The mixture will be thick. Add the ham and drained broccoli. Stir to combine.
Add Cheddar and mix to distribute evenly.
Divide the batter among the well-greased holes of a muffin pan. You should have enough batter to make 12 pies.
Bake at 200°C for 18-22 minutes, or until the tops of the pies are golden brown.
Let the pies cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring onto a wire rack to cool completely.
The pies can be store in the fridge for up to 5 days or kept in the freezer in air-tight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge over night before re-heating.
Make these pies and I am sure your kids will only be too happy to eat them, vegetables and all!
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- 1 medium broccoli
- 1 1/2 cups Bisquick mix
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup (60g) cooked ham
- 1/2 cup (60g) sharp Cheddar cheese
- 3 cups plain flour, sifted
- 1/2 tablespoons baking powder, sifted
- 56.7g cold butter or shortening
- Cut and blanch broccoli in salted, boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain and immediately submerge the broccoli in ice water to stop the cooking process. Set this aside.
- In a big mixing bowl, mix together Bisquick mix, milk, egg and oil.
- The mixture will be thick. Add the ham and drained broccoli. Stir to combine.
- Add Cheddar and mix to distribute evenly.
- Divide the batter among the well-greased holes of a muffin pan. You should have enough batter to make 12 pies.
- Bake at 200°C for 18-22 minutes, or until the tops of the pies are golden brown.
- Let the pies cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Place flour, baking powder and butter in a mixing bowl. Use a pastry cutter (or food processor) to cut in the cold butter until evenly incorporated. Keep in refrigerator for up to 4 months.
- The pies can be store in the fridge for up to 5 days or kept in the freezer in air-tight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge over night before re-heating.
I can’t wait to make this, everybody love the blueberry, oats white chocolate
I like this quick and easy healthy mini pies, not only my kids will love it, I’ll love it too. Bookmarked!
Loved the broccoli pies ! A question on the flour for the bisquick mix – would whole wheat flour work in place of plain flour? Trying to make it healthier
HI Bharati I think you can actually!
Looks yummy! A question about the homemade Bisquick mix above: Is this the portion for 1 and a half cups in the pie recipe, or more? Thanks.
Hi Valerie
There will be extra mix. You can store in the fridge for use in the future!
Hi I’m very excited to do this!but may i know if i can use a normal cake mixer to do the home made bisquick mix? Thanks!
Hi no because it will beat the butter instead. You can use your hands using the rubbing in method!
Hi. I don’t have a microwave at home to heat it up. Can it be stored at room temperature instead? How long can it lasts?
Hi Adele It is not a good idea.. Ham, cheese and broccoli are “wet” foods.. bacteria..
Hi,
Can I replace it with self raising instead of plain flour.
Thank you.
Hi you can see here for the difference between plain and self-raising flours. http://thedomesticgoddesswannabe.com/tell-me-why/
Dear Diana,
You are Godsend!! Tried this recipe this morning for my 9yr olds lunchbox! The mini pies were fluffy, wholesome and so easy to prepare! Thank you for sharing!!!
Awesome Lili! This is great for any left over bits you have in your fridge too – Enjoy 🙂 🙂