Ratatouille Hand Pies with Eggplant, Heirloom Tomato, & Cornmeal Crust

Introduction

These Ratatouille Hand Pies are a delicious twist on the classic French dish, perfect for those warm summer months when heirloom tomatoes, eggplant, and fresh basil are at their peak. With a crunchy cornmeal crust, savory roasted eggplant, sweet tomatoes, gooey mozzarella, and salty olives, these pies are bursting with vibrant flavors that truly celebrate the best of the season’s produce. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or even a simple weeknight dinner, these hand pies will leave you and your guests coming back for more. I recently made these for a family gathering, and the reaction was overwhelmingly positive—everyone loved the balance of flavors, the rich cheese, and the perfectly flaky crust.

Why You’ll Love These Ratatouille Hand Pies with Eggplant, Heirloom Tomato & Cornmeal Crust

There are a few reasons why these Ratatouille Hand Pies will quickly become one of your go-to recipes:

• Vibrant and Flavorful: The combination of roasted eggplant, heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and salty olives gives these pies a wonderful depth of flavor. The fresh herbs, such as basil and thyme, tie everything together with a burst of summer freshness.
• Versatile: These hand pies are incredibly versatile. You can serve them as an appetizer, snack, or even a light dinner. They also make a perfect addition to a picnic basket or party platter.
• Rustic & Comforting: The cornmeal crust gives these hand pies a rustic, hearty quality that perfectly complements the delicate vegetables inside. It’s a texture that everyone will love, and it pairs beautifully with the savory filling.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can make the dough and filling in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer. They’re easy to assemble and bake whenever you’re ready to enjoy them.
• Vegetarian & Gluten-Free Option: With the flexibility to switch out certain ingredients, this recipe is easily adaptable for vegetarians. You can also make a gluten-free version of the crust to cater to dietary preferences.

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Ingredients

For the Cornmeal Whole Wheat Crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
• 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup coarse cornmeal
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cubed and chilled (2 sticks)
• 1 large egg, chilled and beaten
• 1/4–1/2 cup ice water

For the Vegetable & Cheese Filling:

• 2 pounds eggplant, sliced into 1/8-inch thick rounds (3–4 medium eggplants)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1½ pounds heirloom tomatoes, thinly sliced (about 2 large tomatoes)
• 1/2 pound cherry tomatoes, halved (preferably multi-colored)
• 1 cup pitted olives, halved
• 1 cup shaved Parmesan cheese (about 2 ounces)
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
• Fresh basil leaves (about 24)
• Fresh thyme sprigs (about 24)
• 1 egg, beaten with 2 tablespoons milk (for egg wash)
• Coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper (for topping)

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Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cornmeal Crust Dough

• In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, cornmeal, sugar, and sea salt.
• Add the chilled butter cubes and mix slowly with the paddle attachment until the butter is pea-sized and the mixture is crumbly.
• Whisk together the beaten egg and 1/4 cup ice water. Slowly pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture while the mixer runs on low speed. Add more water as needed until the dough just comes together.
• Divide the dough into two disks, wrap them in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Roast the Eggplant & Prepare the Filling

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with foil and coat with nonstick spray.
• Spread the eggplant slices evenly on the baking sheets. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Roast for 30 minutes, or until golden and tender. Let cool.
• Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Line two cool baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 3: Assemble the Hand Pies

• On a floured surface, roll out each disk of dough and divide it into six balls (12 total). Roll each ball into a rough 1/8-inch thick circle. Place the circles on the prepared baking sheets.
• Layer the filling on each dough circle:
  • 1–2 slices mozzarella cheese
  • 1 slice roasted eggplant
  • 1 slice heirloom tomato
  • 2–3 basil leaves
  • A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese
  • 3–5 olive halves
  • 2–3 cherry tomato halves
  • 1–2 sprigs thyme
• Fold the edges of the dough up and over the filling, pleating as you go, leaving the center open like a galette.

Step 4: Bake the Hand Pies

• Brush the crusts with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sea salt and cracked black pepper.
• Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the crusts are golden and firm.

Step 5: Serve

• Serve the hand pies warm or at room temperature.

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Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Serving Size: 1 hand pie
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 310mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

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Preparation Time:

• Crust Dough: 15 minutes
• Roasting Eggplant: 30 minutes
• Assembling & Baking Pies: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

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How to Serve
These Ratatouille Hand Pies are delicious on their own or paired with any of the following:

• A fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette
• A side of roasted vegetables or grilled zucchini
• For a heartier meal, pair with a simple pasta dish or quinoa salad
• Serve as an appetizer for a summer gathering or potluck
• Ideal for lunch or a picnic when wrapped in parchment paper for easy transport

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Additional Tips

1. Use Any Seasonal Vegetables: Feel free to swap out the eggplant or tomatoes for other seasonal vegetables like zucchini, peppers, or squash.
2. Make the Dough in Advance: The dough can be made up to 2 days ahead. Keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the fridge for easy assembly later.
3. Add More Cheese: For an extra cheesy bite, feel free to add more mozzarella or a little ricotta to the filling.
4. Freeze for Later: Assemble the hand pies, freeze them on a baking sheet, then store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen for about 15 minutes longer.
5. Make the Filling Vegan: To make these pies vegan, simply swap the cheeses for a dairy-free version and use plant-based butter for the crust.

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FAQ Section

1. Can I use regular tomatoes instead of heirloom tomatoes?
   Yes, you can substitute regular tomatoes, though heirloom tomatoes offer a richer flavor and color.
2. Can I freeze the pies before baking?
   Yes, you can freeze the assembled hand pies. Just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
3. Can I use store-bought dough?
   While homemade dough is preferred for flavor, you can use store-bought puff pastry or pie dough as a quick alternative.
4. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   Yes! Goat cheese, feta, or ricotta would all be delicious substitutes for the mozzarella and Parmesan.
5. How can I make these pies gluten-free?
   Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the crust and ensure your other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
6. How long do leftovers last?
   Leftover hand pies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
7. Can I make these pies ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make the dough and filling the day before, then assemble and bake the pies the next day.
8. How do I reheat frozen pies?
   To reheat frozen pies, bake them at 400°F for 10-15 minutes until golden and heated through.
9. Can I use a different crust?
   Absolutely! You could try a phyllo dough crust for a lighter, crispier texture or a simple pie dough crust for a flakier result.
10. What can I serve these pies with?
    Serve them with a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or a chilled pasta salad for a full meal.

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Conclusion
These Ratatouille Hand Pies are an ideal way to enjoy the summer’s bounty in a portable, satisfying form. The combination of roasted eggplant

, juicy heirloom tomatoes, melty cheese, and savory olives in a hearty cornmeal crust is irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying them on a picnic, at a potluck, or for a casual dinner, these hand pies are sure to impress with their bold, vibrant flavors.

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