Description
These Brisket & Smoked Cheese Pies combine tender shredded brisket with smoky cheese, wrapped in flaky puff pastry for an irresistible handheld treat. Perfect as a savory snack or a hearty main course, these pies are packed with rich flavors enhanced by smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and a hint of tomato paste. Easy to prepare and bake, they are ideal for casual gatherings or make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups cooked brisket, shredded
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese & Pastry
- 1 cup smoked cheddar or smoked gouda, grated
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Flour, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to preheat while you prepare the filling and assemble the pies.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it softens, about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Prepare Filling: Stir in the shredded brisket, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and beef broth. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes until the liquid thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste and remove from heat to cool slightly.
- Roll Out Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet. Cut the dough into equal-sized squares or circles based on your preferred pie shape.
- Assemble Pies: Spoon a generous amount of the brisket mixture onto each pastry piece. Top with grated smoked cheese. Fold the pastry over to form a pie and seal the edges securely by pressing with a fork.
- Apply Egg Wash: Arrange the pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops of each pie with the beaten egg to promote a golden, glossy finish during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the pies are puffed, golden, and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the pies cool slightly before serving to allow the filling to set.
Notes
- The pies can be made ahead and frozen before baking; to reheat from frozen, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes.
- For extra flavor, add chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of barbecue sauce to the brisket mixture before assembling.
- Use smoked cheddar or smoked gouda to enhance the smoky profile of the filling.
- Ensure the puff pastry is well chilled before rolling for best puff and texture.
