Name: Paptert – Baked Maize Meal and Cheese Pie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: South African
Ingredients: 3 cups stiff pap (cooled); 1 cup grated cheddar cheese; 1 large onion, chopped; 1 can chopped tomatoes (400g); 1 large egg; 1 tsp mustard powder; Salt and pepper; N/A

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

How To Make Paptert – Baked Maize Meal and Cheese Pie the Master Chef Way

Step-by-step Paptert – Baked Maize Meal and Cheese Pie

Step 1: Sauté the onion until soft. Add the tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Mix the cooled pap with the egg, mustard powder, and half the cheese.
Step 3: Press half the pap mixture into a greased baking dish.
Step 4: Top with the tomato mixture, then the remaining pap, then the remaining cheese.
Step 5: Bake at 180°C for 25 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Serving suggestion for Paptert – Baked Maize Meal and Cheese Pie

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Traditional ways: Serve as a main with a side salad, or as a side dish with braai meat.

Modern twists:

Fusion: Add cooked mince
Low-carb: Use mozzarella
Extra veg: Add green pepper
Spice level: Add bacon bits

Master Tips for Success

Pap consistency: Use stiff, cooled pap – it holds its shape better.
Cheese choice: A strong cheddar gives the best flavour.
Let it rest: Let the paptert sit for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Make-ahead: Paptert can be frozen and reheated.

The Heritage of Paptert – Baked Maize Meal and Cheese Pie

Paptert is an innovation of modern South African home cooks, turning humble pap into a satisfying main dish.

It became popular as a way to use leftover pap. No food was ever wasted.

Today it's a popular budget-friendly meal for families across the country.

👉 Browse all 100 Master Chef South African recipes for more inspiration and cooking ideas.