Description
Deliciously crispy Cajun Potato and Cheddar Sausage Hand Pies featuring a flaky puff pastry crust filled with a savory blend of smoked cheddar sausage, creamy mashed potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and bold Cajun spices. Perfect as a comforting appetizer or a hearty snack, these hand pies bake to golden perfection in just over half an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 1/2 lb smoked cheddar sausage, diced
- 1 cup mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dough and Finishing
- 1 sheet puff pastry or pie crust, thawed
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- All-purpose flour (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make the filling: In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the mashed potatoes, diced smoked cheddar sausage, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Prepare the pastry: Lightly dust your work surface with all-purpose flour and roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet. Cut it into 4 to 6 equal-sized rectangles or circles, depending on your preference for hand pie shape.
- Fill and seal hand pies: Spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the filling onto one half of each pastry piece. Fold the pastry over the filling, forming a half-moon or rectangular shape, and carefully crimp the edges with a fork to seal tightly and prevent leakage.
- Apply egg wash: Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush the egg wash generously over the tops of each hand pie to give them a beautiful golden color as they bake.
- Bake: Place the prepared hand pies on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the pies are puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Allow the hand pies to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving warm. Optionally, serve with your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry remains cold until ready to roll out to maintain flakiness in the crust.
- Use leftover mashed potatoes or freshly made ones for the filling.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning quantity depending on your desired spice level.
- These hand pies can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness rather than microwaving.
- For a vegetarian version, replace smoked cheddar sausage with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives.
