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recipe

Versatile and Easy to Prepare Squash Blossom Savory Pie

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Total time: 50 mins.
Difficulty: Low
Serves: 4 people

Squash Blossom Savory Pie is a delightful Italian-inspired dish featuring flaky puff pastry, creamy egg and Parmesan filling, crispy bacon, and fresh squash blossoms. Elegant yet simple to prepare, it’s ideal for brunch, lunch, or as a party appetizer. The combination of creamy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

This pie is versatile, visually stunning, and packed with flavor. Puff pastry provides a light, crispy base while the egg and Parmesan filling is rich and smooth. Smoked bacon adds depth, and squash blossoms on top create a fresh, delicate presentation. It’s easy enough for everyday meals but impressive enough for entertaining.

What Is Squash Blossom Savory Pie?

Squash Blossom Savory Pie, also known as torta salata con fiori di zucca, is an Italian pastry dish where puff pastry is filled with eggs, cream, cheese, and savory ingredients like bacon, and topped with fresh squash blossoms. This dish is popular in Sicilian and Northern Italian cuisine as a light lunch, appetizer, or snack.

Pro Tips for the Best Squash Blossom Savory Pie

  • Choose firm, brightly colored flowers without wilting petals for maximum flavor and visual appeal.
  • Browning diced smoked bacon before adding it to the filling enhances flavor and prevents excess grease.
  • Beat eggs with cream and Parmesan until smooth to ensure a consistent texture.
  • Press the puff pastry gently against the pan sides and bake immediately to keep the base crisp.
  • Place squash blossoms in a circular pattern for a professional-looking presentation.
  • Bake until golden brown; overbaking may dry the filling.
  • A sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley can enhance flavor without overpowering the squash blossoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Pie Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the pie a few hours in advance. Store in the refrigerator and bake just before serving.

Can I Make a Vegetarian Version?

Simply omit the bacon or replace it with roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a vegetarian-friendly option.

Can I Use a Different Cheese?

Parmesan is classic, but you can substitute Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a sharper flavor.

Can I Use Ready-Made Puff Pastry?

Yes, store-bought puff pastry works perfectly. Ensure it’s thawed according to package instructions before baking.

How to Store

Cool the baked pie completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain a crisp crust.

How to Freeze

Freeze unbaked pies in a tightly wrapped foil and plastic layer for up to 1 month. Do not freeze fully baked pies with squash blossoms on top, as the flowers may become soggy. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

Ingredients

round puff pastry sheet
1
squash blossoms
20
Shallot
1
Diced smoked bacon
160g
fresh heavy cream
100ml (1/3 cup + 1 tbsp)
Grated parmesan cheese
150g (1 1/2 cups)
eggs
4
salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Olive oil
as needed

How to Make Squash Blossom Savory Pie

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Step 1
Step 1

Pour the extra virgin olive oil and the chopped shallot into a saucepan. Bring to the boil and sauté over medium heat for a few minutes.

Pour the extra virgin olive oil and the chopped shallot into a saucepan. Bring to the boil and sauté over medium heat for a few minutes.

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Step 2
Step 2

Add the smoked bacon and cook, stirring constantly, until evenly cooked. Let it cool.

Add the smoked bacon and cook, stirring constantly, until evenly cooked. Let it cool.

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Step 3
Step 3

Pour the eggs and the fresh liquid cream into a large bowl, mix with a fork until the mixture is smooth.

Pour the eggs and the fresh liquid cream into a large bowl, mix with a fork until the mixture is smooth.

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Step 4
Step 4

Add the parmesan, salt, pepper and mix again until the mixture is free of lumps.

Add the parmesan, salt, pepper and mix again until the mixture is free of lumps.

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Step 5
Step 5

Finally add the cooked bacon.

Finally add the cooked bacon.

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Step 6
Step 6

Unroll the puff pastry and then line the cake tin, making sure the pastry adheres along all sides using the baking paper provided.

Unroll the puff pastry and then line the cake tin, making sure the pastry adheres along all sides using the baking paper provided.

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Step 7
Step 7

Pour the filling inside.

Pour the filling inside.

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Step 8
Step 8

Clean the squash blossom and arrange them on the filling, distributing them in a radial pattern.

Clean the squash blossom and arrange them on the filling, distributing them in a radial pattern.

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Step 9
Step 9

Fold the excess pastry edges inwards.

Fold the excess pastry edges inwards.

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Step 10
Step 10

Bake at 355°F/180°C for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Bake at 355°F/180°C for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.

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Step 11
Step 11

Enjoy!

Enjoy!

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