If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful treat that’s bursting with a blend of sweet and savory goodness, this Hand Pies with Maple Sausage Recipe is going to be your new favorite. These golden, flaky pastries envelop a juicy maple breakfast sausage filling mixed with sharp cheddar, tender peppers, and a hint of thyme, creating a perfect bite that’s equally delightful for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack. The comforting aroma alone will have you reaching for seconds before you know it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up this delicious batch of hand pies, you don’t need a lengthy grocery list. Every ingredient plays a crucial role, whether to enhance flavor, add texture, or give that signature golden color you crave. Let’s take a quick look:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a nice base to cook the sausage and soften the veggies without overpowering the flavors.
- 1/2 pound maple breakfast sausage (pork or turkey): The star protein, bringing sweet maple goodness and savory richness.
- 1/2 small onion (finely diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when softened gently.
- 1/2 red bell pepper (finely diced): Brings mild crunch and vibrant color to brighten the filling.
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup: Enhances the natural sweetness in the sausage and binds the filling flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Earthy herb notes that perfectly compliment the sausage and maple.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat to balance the sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Essential for amplifying all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully inside, giving a creamy, tangy richness.
- 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie dough (2 rounds): The buttery, flaky crust that wraps up all the goodness in a perfect handheld package.
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash): Ensures a golden, shiny, and appetizing crust.
- All-purpose flour (for dusting): Keeps the dough from sticking while you roll and shape the pies.
How to Make Hand Pies with Maple Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper so the hand pies don’t stick and cleanup is easy. A hot oven awaits these pastries for a perfectly crisp crust.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Veggies
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add your maple breakfast sausage and use a spoon to break it up as it cooks evenly to a nice golden brown. Once the sausage is cooked through, toss in the finely diced onion and red bell pepper, stirring for 3 to 4 minutes until everything is tender and fragrant.
Step 3: Add Flavor and Cheese
Stir in the maple syrup, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper for a warm, balanced flavor explosion. Remove the skillet from heat and let it cool slightly before folding in the shredded sharp cheddar. This ensures the cheese melds into the filling without melting completely down, keeping each bite delightfully cheesy.
Step 4: Prepare the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and unroll the refrigerated pie dough. Cut each pie dough round into 4 equal sections for a total of 8 hand pies. This portion is ideal for handheld treats that are just the right size for a snack or light meal.
Step 5: Assemble the Hand Pies
Spoon a heaping tablespoon of your sausage and cheese filling onto the center of each dough piece. Fold each into a half-moon shape, then crimp the edges with a fork to seal in all that gooey goodness. This step is key to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking.
Step 6: Egg Wash and Bake
Place the assembled hand pies on your parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the top of each with beaten egg—this will give you that shining golden-brown crust. Don’t forget to cut a small slit in the top of each pie to let steam escape, keeping the crust crisp. Pop them in the oven for about 18 to 20 minutes, until they’re beautifully golden and inviting.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the hand pies to cool just a bit before digging in so the filling sets slightly and won’t burn your mouth. It’s always hard to resist though — the aroma alone is enough to tempt a quick bite!
How to Serve Hand Pies with Maple Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
These hand pies are fantastic on their own, but you can elevate them with simple garnishes like a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. A little drizzle of extra maple syrup on the side adds an indulgent sweet contrast if you’re feeling extra decadent.
Side Dishes
Pair your hand pies with a crisp green salad or some roasted seasonal vegetables to balance out the rich, hearty filling. A light fruit salad also complements the maple notes nicely for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, arrange these hand pies on a rustic wooden board alongside some tangy mustard or apple butter as dipping sauces. You can also serve them sliced in halves or thirds for samplers at brunch gatherings, making them look inviting and easier to share.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep the hand pies stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to three days, making them a perfect grab-and-go snack.
Freezing
This Hand Pies with Maple Sausage Recipe is freezer-friendly! Simply freeze the unbaked pies on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag once firm. You can also freeze baked pies. Either way, they’ll keep well for up to two months, perfect for meal prep or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked taste and crispy crust, reheat your hand pies in a 350°F oven until warmed through, usually about 10-12 minutes. Avoid the microwave to prevent sogginess and keep that delightful flaky texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage works wonderfully in this recipe and offers a leaner alternative without sacrificing the sweet and savory maple flavor.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Hand Pies with Maple Sausage Recipe?
You can swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or seasoned crumbled tofu to keep the texture and flavor profile similar while making it vegetarian-friendly.
Can I make the pie dough from scratch?
Definitely! Homemade pie dough will add a personal touch and incredible flakiness, but the refrigerated dough keeps things quick and simple without compromising taste.
How spicy are these hand pies?
The recipe uses just a hint of black pepper and thyme, keeping the flavor mild and approachable for all palates, with most of the heat coming from the sausage seasoning.
What’s the best way to freeze the hand pies?
Freeze assembled but unbaked hand pies on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready, bake directly from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Hand Pies with Maple Sausage Recipe, it’ll become a go-to for cozy mornings, snacks, or casual get-togethers. The combination of flaky crust with that sweet-savory filling is irresistible. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, invite some friends or family, and make these delightful hand pies that are as fun to share as they are to eat!
Print
Hand Pies with Maple Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 hand pies 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Hand Pies with Maple Sausage are a delicious blend of savory breakfast sausage, sweet maple syrup, and sharp cheddar cheese wrapped in flaky pie dough. Perfectly baked to golden brown, these easy-to-make hand pies serve as a comforting appetizer or snack that can be enjoyed fresh or reheated from frozen.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound maple breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 1/2 small onion, finely diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Dough & Assembly
- 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie dough (2 rounds)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- All-purpose flour, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cook Sausage Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and add the maple breakfast sausage. Break the sausage up with a spoon as it cooks until browned and fully cooked through. Add the finely diced onion and red bell pepper, cooking for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the maple syrup, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. Then, mix in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese thoroughly.
- Prepare Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and unroll the refrigerated pie dough. Cut each round into four equal sections to yield 8 pieces total.
- Fill and Seal Hand Pies: Place a heaping tablespoon of the sausage mixture in the center of each dough piece. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and crimp the edges firmly with a fork to seal the filling inside.
- Apply Egg Wash and Vent: Transfer the filled hand pies onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give a golden glossy finish. Cut a small slit on top of each pie to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until the pies are puffed and golden brown on top.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pies to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Homemade pie dough can be used in place of refrigerated dough if desired.
- These hand pies freeze well; simply reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through for a quick snack.
- For added sweetness and depth, add a small spoonful of apple butter to the filling before sealing the pies.
