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
Scale
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.
