Ingredients:
For the filling:
- 1 cup broccoli florets, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the crust:
- 1 package (2 sheets) puff pastry, thawed (or use homemade pie dough)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the filling:
- Steam or blanch the broccoli for about 2-3 minutes until tender but still bright green. Drain well and chop finely.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the ingredients are well combined.
3. Prepare the puff pastry:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets to smooth them out. If you’re using homemade pie dough, roll it out to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut the puff pastry into 6-inch squares (you can adjust the size to your liking). You should be able to get about 8 squares from two sheets of puff pastry.
4. Assemble the hand pies:
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the broccoli-cheddar filling into the center of each square, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Fold the pastry square diagonally to form a triangle. Press the edges together with your fingers, then crimp them with a fork to seal completely.
- Place the assembled hand pies on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Egg wash:
- Brush the tops of each hand pie with the beaten egg to give them a shiny, golden finish once baked.
6. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
7. Serve:
- Let the hand pies cool for a few minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Tips:
- For added flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to the filling.
- Make ahead: These hand pies can be assembled in advance and frozen before baking. Simply bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Vegetarian variation: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced bell peppers or sautéed mushrooms for a heartier filling.
These Broccoli Cheddar Hand Pies are savory, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making them perfect for an on-the-go snack or a light meal. Enjoy their flaky goodness!