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Frey Pie Recipe

4.8 from 362 reviews

Frey Pie is a savory, hearty meat pie featuring a flaky buttermilk crust filled with a rich mixture of ground pork, bacon, and a medley of root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and turnips. The filling is cooked in a flavorful herb-infused gravy, then baked until golden and bubbling, making it a comforting dish perfect for gatherings or a satisfying family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pie Crust

  • 1 whole batch My Favorite Buttermilk Pie Crust (bottom crust, do not separate in two, prepared and chilled)
  • 1 half batch My Favorite Buttermilk Pie Crust (top crust, prepared and chilled)

Filling

  • 8 ounces thick-cut bacon (chopped 1-inch)
  • 2 pounds ground pork
  • 1 medium onion (diced)
  • 2 large carrots (diced)
  • 2 large parsnips (diced)
  • 8 ounces mushrooms (diced)
  • 1 small turnip (diced)
  • 1 cup water
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Gravy

  • 1/4 cup (2oz) butter
  • 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Egg Wash

  • 1 egg white
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon milk

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bottom Crust: Lightly grease a springform pan with butter. On a floured surface, roll out the full batch of pie dough into a 17-inch round. Fold the edges to form a smaller square, then place and unfold into the pan evenly. Trim excess dough to leave a 1-inch overhang, patch any tears with scraps and water, then refrigerate.
  2. Cook Bacon: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until cooked through but not crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving drippings in the pot.
  3. Cook Pork and Vegetables: Add ground pork to the pot, season with salt and pepper, and cook over medium heat until done. Remove pork and set aside. Add diced onions to the pot and cook 4-5 minutes until translucent. Add carrots, parsnips, mushrooms, turnip, and cooked pork back into the pot.
  4. Simmer Vegetables: Pour in 1 cup water and cover. Simmer for 10 minutes, then uncover and continue cooking until the water evaporates and vegetables are fork tender.
  5. Make Gravy: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook until lightly browned (about 1 minute). Gradually whisk in chicken broth, breaking up lumps, and cook until thickened and bubbling (4-6 minutes). Remove from heat.
  6. Combine Filling and Gravy: Stir the gravy into the meat and vegetable mixture. Season with rosemary, oregano, salt, and pepper, adjusting saltiness to taste. Cool mixture for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, then fold in the cooked bacon.
  7. Assemble Pie: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and place a rimmed baking sheet on the upper rack to catch drips and help cook the bottom crust (skip if using glass/ceramic pans). In a small bowl, whisk egg white until frothy and brush inside bottom crust. Pour filling into crust, mounding in center. Roll out the half batch of dough and place it over the filling. Trim and seal edges by rolling under and crimping or fluting to secure inside the springform pan.
  8. Apply Egg Wash and Vent: Whisk together egg and milk, brush over top crust, and cut several slashes to allow steam to escape during baking.
  9. Bake Pie: Place pie on the preheated baking sheet and bake 55 to 65 minutes until crust is golden and filling bubbles. If crust browns too quickly after 40 minutes, cover loosely with foil.
  10. Cool and Serve: Let pie cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before releasing the springform sides. Slice and enjoy your warm, savory Frey Pie.

Notes

  • The springform pan ensures easy removal of this hearty pie without disturbing the crust.
  • Chilling the crust helps maintain its structure and prevents shrinking during baking.
  • Adjust seasoning of the filling after adding gravy to ensure a well-balanced flavor.
  • If a springform pan is not available, a deep-dish pie pan or casserole dish can be used, but removing the pie intact may be difficult.
  • Allow the filling to cool before assembling to prevent soggy crust from steam moisture.

Keywords: Meat Pie, Buttermilk Pie Crust, Pork Pie, Savory Pie, Bacon, Root Vegetables, Comfort Food