Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Cajun Potato and Cheddar Sausage Hand Pies are packed with bold, comforting flavors. The combination of smoky sausage, zesty Cajun seasoning, and rich cheddar cheese gives these hand pies a deliciously savory profile. The crispy puff pastry or pie crust creates the perfect crunchy texture, while the mashed potatoes inside offer a creamy and satisfying filling. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, part of a meal, or just as a snack, they are guaranteed to be a hit!
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry or pie crust, thawed
- 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
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- All-purpose flour (for dusting)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, diced sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 4–6 rectangles or circles, depending on your preference.
- Place 2–3 tablespoons of the filling on one half of each pastry piece. Fold the other half over and press the edges together to seal, crimping with a fork to ensure they are properly sealed.
- Beat the egg and brush it over the top of each hand pie for a golden, glossy finish.
- Arrange the pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as spicy mustard, ranch, or remoulade.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4–6 hand pies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Meatless Version: Replace the smoked sausage with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for a vegetarian alternative.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper to spice things up further.
- Different Cheese: Swap the sharp cheddar cheese with other varieties such as mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftover hand pies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the hand pies in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a microwave, though the crust may lose some crispiness.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of sausage for these hand pies?
Yes, you can use any smoked sausage you prefer, such as turkey sausage, andouille, or even Italian sausage. Just make sure it’s diced into small pieces.
2. Can I use a homemade pie crust instead of puff pastry?
Yes, you can definitely use homemade pie crust if you prefer. Just make sure it’s rolled out thinly and is fully thawed before assembling the pies.
3. How can I make these hand pies spicier?
To make them spicier, you can add extra Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick.
4. Can I freeze these hand pies?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked hand pies. Lay them flat on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an additional 5–7 minutes to the baking time.
5. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the hand pies a day in advance. Assemble the pies and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them.
6. What dipping sauces go well with these hand pies?
These hand pies pair well with spicy mustard, ranch dressing, remoulade, or even a tangy barbecue sauce.
7. How can I make these hand pies more crispy?
If you prefer a crispier crust, you can brush the hand pies with a bit of melted butter before baking, or bake them on a preheated baking stone for extra crunch.
8. Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, leftover mashed potatoes are perfect for this recipe and will save you time during preparation.
9. How long will the hand pies last in the fridge?
These hand pies can last for up to 3 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.
10. Can I use a different type of cheese?
You can substitute sharp cheddar with other types of cheese, such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or even gouda, depending on your preference.
Conclusion
Cajun Potato and Cheddar Sausage Hand Pies are a perfect combination of bold flavors and flaky texture. Whether you’re making them as a snack, appetizer, or quick meal, these hand pies are sure to please. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow directions, they’re a fun and delicious way to enjoy a Southern-inspired treat that’s packed with flavor. Don’t forget to experiment with different variations and dipping sauces to make them your own!
Cajun Potato and Cheddar Sausage Hand Pies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 hand pies
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Cajun Potato and Cheddar Sausage Hand Pies are a savory treat that combines smoked sausage, spicy Cajun seasoning, creamy mashed potatoes, and melty cheddar cheese, all wrapped in a golden, flaky pastry. Perfect for a snack, appetizer, or quick lunch.
Ingredients
1 sheet puff pastry or pie crust, thawed
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
1 egg (for egg wash)
All-purpose flour (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, diced sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 4–6 rectangles or circles, depending on your preference.
- Place 2–3 tablespoons of the filling on one half of each pastry piece. Fold the other half over and press the edges together to seal, crimping with a fork to ensure they are properly sealed.
- Beat the egg and brush it over the top of each hand pie for a golden, glossy finish.
- Arrange the pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as spicy mustard, ranch, or remoulade.
Notes
Leftover mashed potatoes work great for this recipe.
Feel free to use a different type of cheese such as mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack.
For extra crispiness, brush the pies with melted butter before baking or bake on a preheated baking stone.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
