Mince pie
Mince pie is a staple Christmas snack in England, consisting of a crumbly pastry shell filled with dried fruits and spices (often called mincemeat). Originally, the pies contained both sweet and savory ingredients such as ground meat, lard, and cheese.
Due to their original, rectangular shape, people used to associate the pies with the manger Jesus had been laid in, and the snacks were prepared for Easter and Christmas, while the amount of spices and ingredients was used as a way to show off the cooks' wealth to other people.
By the 20th century, no meat products were incorporated into the pies apart from suet. Today, mince pies are made in a round shape and served either hot or cold.
Serve with
Rum butter
Rum butter is a traditional delicacy originating from Cumbria. Invented in the late 18th century, rum butter is usually made with a combination of soft unsalted butter,... Read more
Recipe variations
Mince Pie
READY IN 6h 30minMince pies have been an irreplaceable part of English Christmas festivities for centuries. A traditional mince pie is made with melting shortcrust pastry and splendidly fragrant and aromatic mincemeat. The recipe makes for 12-18 pieces.
1591 Mince Pie
READY IN 5hWay back in the 16th century, mince pies both looked and tasted vastly different than they do today. The filling consisted of minced beef or mutton, suet, and various spices and dried fruit. This recipe was originally published in A Book of Cookrye Very necessary for all such as delight therin in 1591 by Edward Allde.
Savory Mince Pies
READY IN 1h 17minSavory mince pies are one of the most comforting on-the-go meals that are commonly enjoyed throughout the U.K. whole year-round. Simple and easy to make, this recipe for savory mince pies gives instructions on how to prepare a minced beef filling and a delightfully soft and buttery pastry shell. They are best served with mushy green peas and mashed potatoes.
Mince pie Authentic recipe
Mince pies have been an irreplaceable part of English Christmas festivities for centuries. A traditional mince pie is made with melting shortcrust pastry and splendidly fragrant and aromatic mincemeat. The recipe makes for 12-18 pieces.
WHERE TO EAT The best Mince pie in the world (according to food experts)
