Description

A rustic, single-serve vegetable pot pie baked in a cast-iron skillet with a flaky cornmeal-infused pastry crust and herb-forward filling.

🕒 Time

  • 1 hour

🍽 Serves

  • 2–3 (or 1 large skillet pot pie)

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetable Filling

  • 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup carrots, sliced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 cup potatoes, diced small
  • ½ cup peas or green beans
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1½ cups vegetable broth
  • ½ cup cream or whole milk
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme (plus extra for garnish)
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

Cornmeal Pastry Crust

  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup fine cornmeal
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup cold butter, cubed
  • 3–5 tbsp ice water

Instructions

  1. Make the Cornmeal Pastry
    • In a bowl, whisk flour, cornmeal, and salt.
    • Cut in butter until pea-sized crumbs form.
    • Add ice water 1 tbsp at a time until the dough just comes together.
    • Form into a disk, wrap, and chill 20–30 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Filling
    • Preheat oven to 400°F.
    • Heat butter in an oven-safe cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
    • Sauté onion and garlic until softened.
    • Add carrots, mushrooms, and potatoes; cook 5–7 minutes.
    • Stir in flour and cook 1 minute.
    • Add broth, cream, thyme, salt, and pepper.
    • Simmer until thick and creamy. Remove from heat.
  3. Assemble
    • Roll the pastry into a circle slightly larger than the skillet.
    • Lay dough over the filling, tucking edges inside.
    • Cut 2–3 small slits in the center to vent.
    • Optional: brush with milk or egg wash for shine.
  4. Bake
    • Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until crust is golden and puffed.
    • Rest 10 minutes before serving.
    • Garnish with fresh thyme

Notes

Serving Tips

  • Serve with a simple green salad or roasted greens
  • Add shredded cheddar or gruyère to the crust for a cheesy version
  • Finish with flaky salt and fresh herbs

Make It Your Own

  • Vegan: Use olive oil and plant milk
  • Extra hearty: Add white beans or lentils
  • Southern-style: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne