If comfort food and bold flavor had a baby, it would be these Cajun Potato and Cheddar Sausage Hand Pies. Seriously, picture this: golden, flaky pastry pockets bursting with creamy potatoes, spicy Cajun-seasoned sausage, and gooey cheddar cheese. The smell alone will have everyone in your kitchen asking, “What’s cooking?” This recipe is warm, hearty, and totally addictive—the kind of dish that turns an ordinary evening into something a little special.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner, a fun party snack, or something satisfying to stash in the freezer for later, trust me, you’re going to love this. It’s got just the right balance of spicy and savory, crispy and creamy. Plus, it’s just downright fun to eat. Hand pies have a way of making food feel like an adventure—no forks, no fuss, just pure deliciousness in every bite.
Let’s dig into why this one’s a game-changer…
Why You’ll Love Cajun Potato and Cheddar Sausage Hand Pies
Versatile:
Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine biting into one of these after a long day—it’s like a warm hug wrapped in pastry. Or serve them at your next party, and watch them disappear before your eyes.
Budget-Friendly:
Made with everyday ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge. No fancy ingredients required, but the flavor? Total showstopper.
Quick and Easy:
This recipe keeps it simple with clear, easy-to-follow steps. Even if you’re new in the kitchen, you’ll feel like a pro.
Customizable:
Want to kick up the spice? Add a little cayenne or smoked paprika. Need to keep it mild for the kids? Dial it back. You’re in control.
Crowd-Pleasing:
From picky eaters to spice lovers, everyone finds something to love here. It’s that rare unicorn of a recipe that checks all the boxes.
Ingredients in Cajun Potato and Cheddar Sausage Hand Pies
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Potatoes: The creamy base of the filling. Mashed and seasoned to perfection for a hearty, comforting bite.
Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully into the filling, adding a gooey, cheesy richness that makes every bite irresistible.
Sausage: Choose a Cajun-style or spicy sausage for bold flavor that stands out. It brings smoky heat and savory depth.
Onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic base to balance the spice and richness of the other ingredients.
Cajun Seasoning: The real MVP—this spice blend brings that signature Southern kick. Customize the heat to your liking!
Butter: Used to sauté the onions and brush on the pastry for a golden, buttery finish.
Pastry Dough: Flaky, tender, and golden when baked. Whether store-bought or homemade, it’s the perfect vehicle for that savory filling.
Egg Wash: For that golden, bakery-style finish that makes these hand pies look as good as they taste.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment:
Preheat your oven to 375°F. This ensures the hand pies bake evenly and get that irresistible golden crust.
Cook the Sausage and Onions:
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion in a bit of butter until soft and translucent. Add the sausage and cook until browned and cooked through. Stir in the Cajun seasoning and mix well.
Prepare the Potatoes:
In a large bowl, mash your potatoes until smooth. Mix in the cooked sausage and onion mixture and the cheddar cheese until everything is well combined.
Roll Out the Dough:
On a floured surface, roll out your pastry dough and cut into equal-sized circles or rectangles—whatever shape you prefer!
Assemble the Hand Pies:
Spoon the filling onto one half of each dough piece. Fold over and seal the edges with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Brush with Egg Wash:
Brush each hand pie with the egg wash to get that glossy, golden finish.
Bake to Perfection:
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and flaky. Keep an eye on them—they smell so good, it’s easy to get impatient!
Serve and Enjoy:
Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Then, bite in and enjoy that warm, savory filling wrapped in buttery pastry goodness.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 420
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve Cajun Potato and Cheddar Sausage Hand Pies
Fresh Salads: Pair with a simple mixed green salad and vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of warm baguette or cornbread for extra comfort.
Creamy Accompaniments: A side of sour cream or a zesty yogurt dip makes these even more indulgent.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted green beans or sautéed peppers are perfect to lighten things up.
As a Standalone: These are super satisfying on their own—just garnish with chopped parsley or green onions!
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Make the filling a day in advance and refrigerate for easy assembly.
Spice It Up: Add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce if you like it fiery.
Dietary Adjustments: Use plant-based sausage and dairy-free cheese for a vegan-friendly version.
Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Double the Batch: Freeze unbaked pies for up to a month. Bake straight from frozen—just add 5–7 minutes to the bake time.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
A1: Absolutely! Sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spice.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Prepare the filling and dough ahead, assemble, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Freeze the unbaked pies on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen when needed.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! Just make sure you’ve got enough baking trays and freezer space.
Q7: What other cheese can I use?
A7: Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack are great substitutes if you want something extra melty or spicy.
Q8: Can I use puff pastry instead of regular pie dough?
A8: Yes! Puff pastry gives an ultra-flaky, buttery finish—delicious and dramatic.
Q9: Can I serve this cold?
A9: While best served warm, these still taste great at room temperature—perfect for lunchboxes or picnics.
Q10: What dipping sauces pair well?
A10: Try ranch, spicy mayo, chipotle aioli, or even a classic marinara for dipping fun.
Conclusion
So there you have it—your new favorite go-to for when you want something hearty, flavorful, and totally satisfying. These Cajun Potato and Cheddar Sausage Hand Pies are the kind of recipe that becomes a household favorite fast. They’re comforting, customizable, and downright delicious. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself making a double batch next time. Trust me, these little pockets of joy are that good.
Print
Cajun Potato and Cheddar Sausage Hand Pies
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 16 hand pies 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
These Cajun Potato and Cheddar Sausage Hand Pies are the perfect savory snack or appetizer, combining smoky sausage, cheesy goodness, and seasoned vegetables wrapped in flaky pizza dough. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, they’re ideal for game day, parties, or a quick family dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 Eckrich Cheddar Smoked Sausage Links, diced
- 12 oz. diced breakfast potatoes
- 10 oz. diced carrots
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups cheddar, jack and/or mozzarella cheese (any combination)
- 2 refrigerated pizza dough
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine diced sausage, potatoes, carrots, Cajun seasoning, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cheese. Mix well and set aside.
- Roll out 1 pizza dough to a 16×12-inch rectangle on parchment paper. Cut into 16 rectangles (approx. 4×3 inches).
- Space each dough rectangle about 1/2 inch apart on parchment-lined baking sheet. Place 1 heaping tablespoon of the filling in the center of each, leaving a 1 1/4-inch border.
- Roll out and cut the second pizza dough into 16 matching rectangles. Place over filled bottoms and crimp edges with a fork to seal.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Remove from oven and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute sausage with cooked chicken or ground beef for variety.
- To make it spicier, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the filling.
- Brush tops with egg wash for a shinier golden finish.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg