Hoot Owl Pie
A hearty casserole combining hominy and tender hoot owl or chicken, topped with bread crumbs and spices, baked to perfection for a comforting, savory meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Butter a casserole dish.
- Layer hominy in the bottom of the dish, then add a layer of diced hoot owl or chicken.
- Continue layering until all hominy and hoot owl or chicken are used.
- In a pan, heat cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the soup mixture over the layered ingredients in the casserole.
- Sprinkle bread crumbs evenly over the top.
- Dot with margarine and sprinkle with paprika.
- Bake in a 375°F oven for 30 minutes until heated through and browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken in place of hoot owl. To add some freshness, toss in some sautéed onions or bell peppers with the layers. If you're looking to lighten the dish, you can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade white sauce or use a low-fat version. Also, try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra depth.
Serving Suggestions
Hoot Owl Pie is a comforting dish that pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it with homemade cornbread or Barb'S Done Buttered Biscuits for a delightful touch. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, providing a hearty and satisfying option for everyone.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Hoot Owl Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, just be sure to cover to avoid drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hoot Owl Pie contains roughly 161 calories, with 6g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (111% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (44% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 604mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen hominy instead of canned?
Yes, you can use frozen hominy in place of canned for a fresher taste. Just make sure to cook it according to package instructions before adding it to the casserole. This will ensure that the texture remains perfect in the final dish.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version of Hoot Owl Pie, simply replace the hoot owl or chicken with a mix of your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can also use a plant-based cream of mushroom soup to maintain the creaminess without the meat.
What can I substitute for bread crumbs?
If you don't have bread crumbs on hand, you can use crushed crackers, panko, or even ground oats as a substitute. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free bread crumbs or use finely crushed nuts for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).