If you’re on the hunt for a cozy breakfast that delivers savory goodness with just the right hint of sweetness, you’re going to love this Hand Pies with Maple Sausage Recipe. Each golden, flaky pocket is bursting with seasoned maple sausage, melted cheddar, and a touch of Dijon mustard that ties all the flavors together in a way that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Perfectly handheld and utterly delicious, these hand pies are a fantastic crowd-pleaser for brunches, busy mornings, or anytime you need a comforting bite that’s as portable as it is tasty.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to nailing this recipe. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building the rich flavor, tender texture, and inviting color that make these hand pies unforgettable.
- Olive oil: This adds a subtle richness and helps brown the sausage evenly without sticking.
- Maple breakfast sausage: The star of the filling, providing that signature sweet-savory flavor.
- Finely chopped onion: Brings a gentle sweetness and aromatic depth when sautéed.
- Finely chopped red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and a hint of crunch to the filling.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melted cheddar provides creamy, sharp notes and binds the filling.
- Dijon mustard: A subtle tang that brightens the overall taste.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right touch of spice to balance flavors.
- Refrigerated pie crusts: These create the perfect flaky, buttery casing that’s easy to work with.
- Beaten egg (for egg wash): Brushed on top to achieve a golden, glossy finish.
How to Make Hand Pies with Maple Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Sausage Filling
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the maple breakfast sausage and break it up with a spoon as it browns, ensuring it cooks evenly. Once fully browned, toss in the finely chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables soften and their natural sweetness comes forward. Then remove the pan from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Combining the Filling
Once the cooked sausage mixture has cooled just enough to handle, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and a sprinkle of black pepper. The cheese melts gently into the savory sausage, while the mustard adds a lovely tang that makes every bite sing. Give everything a good mix to ensure the filling is evenly combined.
Step 3: Preparing the Dough
Unroll your refrigerated pie crusts on a clean surface and cut each crust into four equal squares, giving you eight pieces total. These will become the individual hand pies. Make sure the dough is softened but cool—this makes it easier to fold without tearing.
Step 4: Assembling the Hand Pies
Spoon about a heaping tablespoon of the sausage filling onto one half of each dough square, leaving space around the edges for sealing. Carefully fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon or rectangle shape, depending on your preference. Use a fork to press down and crimp the edges firmly; this seals the juicy filling inside and prevents leaks during baking.
Step 5: Baking to Golden Perfection
Place the assembled hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to create a beautiful golden crust once baked. Don’t forget to cut a small slit on top of each pie to allow steam to escape while baking, which keeps the crust crisp. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the exterior is lovely and golden brown. Let them cool for a few minutes before digging in!
How to Serve Hand Pies with Maple Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a little shredded sharp cheddar on top after baking adds a fresh, flavorful touch and a greeting of color. You can also serve alongside a small ramekin of tangy mustard or maple syrup for dipping, to enhance the savory-sweet balance that makes these hand pies so irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair your hand pies with a crisp green salad or some roasted breakfast potatoes for a complete meal. Fresh fruit like orange slices or a simple fruit salad is fantastic, too, providing a juicy contrast to the hearty pies.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch buffet, arrange the hand pies on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of various mustards, hot sauces, and maple syrup for guests to personalize their bites. You can also serve them with a warm, homemade apple cider or a creamy latte to elevate the experience even further.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days, making for a quick grab-and-go breakfast or snack.
Freezing
You can absolutely make these hand pies ahead of time and freeze them before baking. Simply assemble, seal, and place them on a parchment-lined tray to freeze individually. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time and you’ll have fresh, golden hand pies whenever you want.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the hand pies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and the crust is crisp. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that flaky texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use regular breakfast sausage instead of maple sausage?
Absolutely! If you swap in regular breakfast sausage, just add a teaspoon of maple syrup to the filling to keep that sweet-savory flavor profile that makes this Hand Pies with Maple Sausage Recipe so special.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
For vegetarians, you can substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or cooked diced mushrooms and add a touch of maple syrup and smoked paprika to mimic the flavor. It’s a delicious spin that keeps the spirit of the recipe alive.
Can I make these hand pies smaller or larger?
Definitely! The squares can be cut smaller for bite-sized appetizers or larger for a more filling breakfast. Just keep in mind that baking times may vary slightly depending on the size you choose.
What’s the best type of cheddar cheese to use?
A sharp or extra-sharp cheddar works wonders here, providing richness and depth of flavor that balances beautifully with the sweet maple sausage. But feel free to experiment with mild cheddar if you prefer a gentler taste.
Can I prepare these the night before and bake in the morning?
Yes! Assemble the pies, cover them lightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Bring them to room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking as directed for the best results.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying this Hand Pies with Maple Sausage Recipe enough—it’s the perfect way to add a little homemade magic to your mornings. With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll create a breakfast treat that feels both indulgent and comforting. Whether you’re feeding family, impressing brunch guests, or simply treating yourself, these hand pies are sure to become a beloved favorite on your recipe list. So grab that pie crust and get baking—you’re in for a tasty adventure!
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Hand Pies with Maple Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 hand pies
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
Delicious and savory hand pies filled with maple breakfast sausage, cheddar cheese, and a blend of vegetables, perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch. These easy-to-make hand pies combine flaky pie crust with a flavorful filling, baked to golden perfection for a satisfying start to your day.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound maple breakfast sausage
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Dough and Topping
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts, softened as directed)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.
- Cook Sausage and Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the maple breakfast sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, cooking until browned and fully cooked. Then add the finely chopped onion and red bell pepper, cooking for an additional 3–4 minutes until softened. Remove from heat to cool slightly.
- Mix Filling: Once slightly cooled, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, and black pepper until everything is well combined, creating a flavorful filling.
- Prepare Pie Crusts: Unroll the softened pie crusts and cut each into 4 equal pieces, yielding 8 squares total. These will form the base of each hand pie.
- Assemble Hand Pies: Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the sausage filling onto one half of each dough piece, leaving space around the edges. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon or rectangular shape. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal the pies completely to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash and Vent: Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops of each with the beaten egg to help achieve a golden, glossy finish after baking. Cut a small slit in the top of each pie for steam to vent while baking.
- Bake: Bake the hand pies in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pies from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving to avoid burning and to let the filling set.
Notes
- You can substitute maple sausage with regular breakfast sausage and add a teaspoon of maple syrup to the filling for sweetness.
- These hand pies can be prepared ahead and frozen before baking. When baking from frozen, add an extra few minutes to the bake time to ensure they cook through.
