Cajun Potato and Cheddar Sausage Hand Pies

Craving something handheld, crispy on the outside, and bursting with flavor on the inside? Let me introduce you to Cajun Potato and Cheddar Sausage Hand Pies! These little pies are a delicious combo of spicy Cajun sausage, creamy mashed potatoes, and melty cheddar cheese, all wrapped up in a golden, flaky crust. It’s like a party in every bite, with the perfect balance of heat and comfort. Whether you’re snacking, hosting a party, or need something easy to grab for lunch, these hand pies are a surefire hit. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you won’t be able to stop.

Why You’ll Love Cajun Potato and Cheddar Sausage Hand Pies

There’s so much to love about these hand pies. Here’s why they should be your new go-to snack:

Versatile: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a tasty appetizer for your next party. They’re also a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes.

Budget-Friendly: You’re using simple, affordable ingredients like sausage, potatoes, and cheese to create a meal that feels fancy!

Quick and Easy: Making hand pies might sound complicated, but it’s actually super simple. The filling comes together quickly, and the dough is easy to work with.

Customizable: You can add extra veggies, switch up the cheese, or even adjust the spice level to make it your own.

Crowd-Pleasing: With the combination of sausage, potatoes, and cheese, it’s nearly impossible not to love these hand pies. They’re guaranteed to disappear in no time!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these flavorful hand pies:

Sausage: The Cajun sausage is the star here, packed with bold spices that bring heat and flavor to the filling. You can use chicken sausage or pork sausage depending on your preference.

Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes form the base of the filling, providing a comforting texture that pairs beautifully with the sausage and cheese.

Cheddar Cheese: You can’t go wrong with sharp cheddar. It melts wonderfully and adds that rich, cheesy flavor that ties everything together.

Onions and Garlic: A bit of sautéed onion and garlic will bring depth to the filling, adding a nice savory note.

Cajun Seasoning: This is what gives the hand pies that signature spicy kick. If you like it hotter, feel free to add a bit more!

Pie Dough: You can either make your own dough or use store-bought to save time. Either way, it will be the perfect crispy wrapper for all that tasty filling.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to dive into making these delicious hand pies? Here’s how you do it:

Prepare the Filling:
In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove the sausage and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the onions and garlic until soft and fragrant. Add the cooked potatoes, sausage, Cajun seasoning, and cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until the cheese is melted and the mixture is fully combined.

Preheat Your Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure the pies bake evenly and get nice and golden.

Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pie dough to about 1/8-inch thick. Using a round cutter (or a glass), cut out circles of dough that are about 4-5 inches in diameter.

Assemble the Hand Pies:
Spoon a generous amount of the filling into the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a nice, decorative finish.

Bake to Perfection:
Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with a little bit of melted butter or egg wash for a golden finish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the hand pies are golden brown and crispy.

Serve and Enjoy:
Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them on their own, or dip them in your favorite sauce (a little ranch or hot sauce would be perfect!).

Nutrition Facts:

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 320

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Cajun Potato and Cheddar Sausage Hand Pies

These hand pies are perfect on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a side of fresh salad or a bowl of creamy soup. You can even serve them with a dipping sauce – hot sauce, ranch, or even a spicy aioli – to really elevate the flavor.

Additional Tips

• Make-ahead Tip: You can make the filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready, just assemble and bake the pies.
• Crispier Crust: For an extra crispy crust, brush the tops with a little melted butter before baking.
• Add More Spice: If you like things extra spicy, add some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use a different type of sausage?
   Yes! You can use any type of sausage you prefer. If you don’t want it spicy, a mild sausage or even chicken sausage would work well.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just roll it out when you’re ready to assemble the pies.
3. Can I freeze the hand pies?
   Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked hand pies. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze them until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
4. How can I make these dairy-free?
   Simply use dairy-free cheese and swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative. The flavor will still be delicious!
5. Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
   For the best flavor and texture, homemade mashed potatoes are ideal, but instant mashed potatoes will work in a pinch if you’re short on time.
6. Can I add other veggies to the filling?
   Yes, feel free to add chopped bell peppers, spinach, or even mushrooms to the filling for added texture and flavor.
7. What’s the best way to store leftover hand pies?
   Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven to get the crust crispy again.
8. Can I use puff pastry instead of pie dough?
   Absolutely! Puff pastry will give the hand pies a lighter, flakier texture.
9. What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
   You can make your own by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Adjust to taste for the desired spice level.
10. Can I make these without cheese?
    Yes, you can omit the cheese for a lighter filling, but it will lose that gooey, comforting texture that the cheese adds.

Conclusion

Cajun Potato and Cheddar Sausage Hand Pies are the perfect blend of bold flavors, creamy comfort, and a crispy, golden crust. These little handheld wonders are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a quick meal or a delicious party snack. Give them a try, and you’ll see why they’re a new favorite! Enjoy every flavorful bite – they’re sure to become a go-to recipe in your rotation.

Print