Get ready to fall in love with these buttery, flaky Hand Pies with Maple Sausage Recipe that combine sweet and savory in the most delightful way. Imagine tender maple sausage mingling with creamy cheeses, all wrapped in golden puff pastry. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy appetizer that will have everyone reaching for more. This recipe is my go-to when I want something comforting yet impressive, and I can’t wait to share the magic of these hand pies with you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet thoughtfully chosen to create that perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each one plays a key role, from the hearty maple sausage that brings sweetness and spice, to the puff pastry that lends an irresistible crispness and fluffiness.
- Maple breakfast sausage (1 pound): The star of the filling, offering a sweet-savory foundation that makes these pies shine.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps sauté the onions and garlic gently, adding depth without overpowering flavors.
- Small onion, finely diced (1): Adds a touch of sweetness and a subtle bite that balances the richness.
- Garlic clove, minced (1): Infuses the filling with aromatic warmth for that irresistible comfort-food vibe.
- Fresh thyme leaves (1 teaspoon) or dried thyme (½ teaspoon): Brings herbal brightness that lifts the whole filling.
- Cream cheese, softened (4 ounces): Adds creaminess that melts beautifully into the sausage mixture.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup): Offers a tangy, savory punch and a wonderful cheesy stretch inside each pie.
- Puff pastry (1 package, 2 sheets, thawed): The flaky, buttery crust that makes these hand pies so utterly delicious.
- Egg (1, beaten): Used as an egg wash to give the pies a golden, glossy finish that looks as good as it tastes.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the flavors beautifully.
How to Make Hand Pies with Maple Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Maple Sausage
Starting off, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large skillet over medium heat, add your maple sausage and cook it until it’s beautifully browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with your spoon for even cooking. This browning is key for deep flavor that you’ll notice in every bite. Once cooked, transfer the sausage to a bowl and set it aside for now.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, pour in the olive oil and add the finely diced onion. Cook it gently over medium heat until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes; this step brings out the sweetness in the onion that complements the sausage perfectly. Toss in the minced garlic and thyme leaves next, cooking for another minute so those flavors meld together beautifully. Then, return the cooked sausage to the pan and stir everything to combine before removing from the heat.
Step 3: Mix in the Cheeses
Allow the sausage mixture to cool just a bit to prevent melting the cheeses too early. Then, stir in the softened cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar cheese until everything is smoothly combined. This cheesy filling is what makes these hand pies truly luscious and rich, marrying the smoky, sweet sausage with creamy tang.
Step 4: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets. Cut each sheet into 4 equal squares, giving you 8 pieces total—perfect for individual pies. This flaky puff pastry creates the amazing outer shell that puffs up beautifully in the oven and gives a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Step 5: Assemble the Hand Pies
Spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the sausage-cheese mixture onto the center of each puff pastry square. Fold the pastry over to form a triangle or rectangle, whichever shape you prefer. Seal the edges with a fork to prevent the filling from leaking during baking. Place each assembled hand pie onto your prepared parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Brush the tops of your pies with the beaten egg wash to give them that gorgeous golden color and shiny finish when baked. Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the pies have puffed up fully and are a lovely golden brown. Once baked, let them cool just a little before diving in—they’re worth the wait!
How to Serve Hand Pies with Maple Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh thyme or parsley over the top adds a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma that brightens these savory pies. A light drizzle of maple syrup on the side complements the sweetness of the sausage, giving you the best of both worlds.
Side Dishes
Pair these hand pies with a crisp green salad for a lighter touch or serve alongside roasted potatoes for a hearty brunch. A bowl of fresh fruit or a tangy coleslaw also balances the richness beautifully, making every meal feel complete and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Bring these pies to a brunch gathering by placing them on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small bowls of mustard, hot sauce, or a creamy aioli. You can also serve them nestled in mini muffin tins to keep them upright and easy for guests to grab and enjoy. For a fun twist, serve with a side of apple chutney or cranberry relish for a festive touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hand Pies with Maple Sausage Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to bring back the flaky texture, avoiding sogginess that can happen in the microwave.
Freezing
You can freeze the pies before baking by assembling them and placing them on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. When ready, bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for best results.
Reheating
To retain that incredible crispness, reheat the hand pies in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes. This keeps the puff pastry flaky and the filling warmed through like freshly made, ensuring every bite is as satisfying as the first.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage for this Hand Pies with Maple Sausage Recipe?
Absolutely! While maple sausage adds a lovely sweet flavor, spicy or herbed sausages can give your hand pies a different but equally delicious twist. Just be mindful of the seasoning levels so they balance well with the cheese.
Is it possible to make these pies vegetarian?
If you’d like to make a vegetarian version, you can substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or a hearty mushroom and walnut mixture for that savory depth. The rest of the recipe remains the same and just as tasty.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, the filling can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This is a great time saver, allowing you to assemble and bake the hand pies quickly when you’re ready for them.
What if I don’t have puff pastry on hand?
Puff pastry is what gives these hand pies their signature flakiness, but in a pinch, you could use refrigerated pie crust. Keep in mind it will be less airy but still delicious, just adjust baking time as needed.
How do I ensure the pies don’t leak during baking?
Make sure to seal the pastry edges well by pressing them firmly with a fork and avoid overfilling. Also, chill the assembled pies for 10 minutes before baking to help the pastry set and prevent leaks.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and impressive, you absolutely have to try this Hand Pies with Maple Sausage Recipe. They’re warm, cheesy, sweet, and savory all at once, wrapped in a flaky crust that’s utterly addictive. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a fun snack, these hand pies will become a favorite that you’ll be excited to make again and again. I hope you enjoy every delicious bite as much as I do!
Print
Hand Pies with Maple Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 hand pies
- Category: Breakfast, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and savory hand pies filled with maple breakfast sausage, cream cheese, and sharp cheddar, encased in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for breakfast or as an appetizer, these hand pies combine a sweet and savory flavor profile with a crisp, golden-brown crust baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 pound maple breakfast sausage, casings removed if applicable
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Pastry
- 1 package (2 sheets) puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy clean-up.
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the maple breakfast sausage, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and fully cooked through. Transfer the cooked sausage to a bowl and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Using the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the finely diced onion until softened, about 4–5 minutes. Add minced garlic and thyme leaves, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine with the sautéed aromatics. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly before stirring in softened cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully incorporated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets. Cut each sheet into 4 equal squares, resulting in 8 squares total.
- Fill and Seal Pies: Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the sausage and cheese filling onto the center of each pastry square. Fold each square over to form a triangle or rectangle, pressing the edges firmly with a fork to seal and prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Place the assembled hand pies on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with the beaten egg. This will give the pies a beautiful golden-brown sheen when baked.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown, puffed, and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the hand pies from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- The filling can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making this recipe great for meal prep.
- For a different flavor profile, substitute the maple sausage with a spicy breakfast sausage.
- These hand pies freeze well before baking, making them perfect for make-ahead meals or snacks. Simply thaw and bake when ready.
