Spicy Pepper Jack Crawfish Hand Pies

• Prep Time: 25 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

• Yield: 8 hand pies

 Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• ½ cup onion, finely diced

• ½ cup red bell pepper, finely diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

• ½ lb (8 oz) cooked crawfish tails, roughly chopped

• ½ cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For the Pastry:

• 1 box refrigerated pie dough (2 crusts) or homemade pie dough

• 1 egg + 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)

 Instructions

Step 1: Make the Filling

1. In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.

2. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes, until soft.

3. Stir in the garlic, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Add the chopped crawfish tails and cook for 2–3 minutes to warm through and blend the flavors.

5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before stirring in the Pepper Jack cheese and parsley.

6. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Pro Tip: Make sure the filling is cooled before adding cheese—this prevents the cheese from melting prematurely and separating.

Step 2: Assemble the Hand Pies

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Unroll your pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a 4-5 inch round cutter (or a bowl) to cut out circles. Reroll dough scraps if needed to make 8 circles.

3. Spoon about 1½ tablespoons of filling into the center of each dough circle.

4. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal.

5. Place the hand pies on the baking sheet. Brush the tops with egg wash (beaten egg + water) for a golden finish.

6. Use a small knife to cut a vent slit on top of each pie to allow steam to escape.

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Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

1. Bake the hand pies for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and flaky.

2. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Serving Hot Tip: These are best served warm, when the cheese is perfectly melty and the crust is crisp.

 Nutritional Information (Per Hand Pie)

 Nutrition is estimated and will vary depending on ingredients and pastry choice (store-bought vs. homemade).

 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator:

Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer:

Freeze unbaked or baked hand pies in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months.

To Reheat:

• Oven: Reheat baked pies at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until warmed through and crisp.

• Air fryer: Perfect for reviving a crispy crust! 350°F for 6–8 minutes.

 Variations & Add-Ons

Make this recipe your own with these fun variations:

 Extra Flavor Boosts:

• Add green onions or jalapeños to the filling.

• Mix in a tablespoon of cream cheese for extra richness.

• Stir in hot sauce for even more heat.

 Cheese Options:

• Swap Pepper Jack with smoked gouda, cheddar, or Monterey Jack.

• Add a small cube of cheese to the center for a molten middle.

 Alternative Doughs:

• Try empanada wrappers, crescent roll dough, or puff pastry for different textures.

• Use gluten-free pie crust to make it GF-friendly.

 Serving Suggestions

These hand pies are perfect for a variety of occasions:

• Party Appetizer: Serve with a spicy aioli, remoulade, or Cajun ranch dip.

• Game Day Snack: Make a batch for the big game and pair with cold beer or sweet tea.

• Lunch Box Favorite: Great for meal prepping and packing for work or school.

• Southern Dinner: Pair with collard greens, mac & cheese, or red beans and rice.

🇺🇸 Southern Roots, Bold Flavor

Hand pies have long been a part of Southern culinary tradition—portable, practical, and packed with flavor. This version, featuring Louisiana crawfish and Pepper Jack cheese, draws heavily on Cajun and Creole flavor profiles. The result is a fusion of comfort and spice that feels right at home on a holiday buffet or backyard grill.

Fun Fact: Crawfish are a cornerstone of Louisiana cooking and are often referred to as “mudbugs.” Despite their humble nickname, they bring sweet, tender seafood flavor to any dish they’re in!

 Final Thoughts

These Spicy Pepper Jack Crawfish Hand Pies are the perfect combination of Southern comfort and spicy indulgence. They’re easy to make, freezer-friendly, and guaranteed to get rave reviews at your next gathering.

Whether you’re a seasoned Southern cook or just discovering the joy of crawfish, this recipe delivers big-time flavor in every bite. Flaky crust, melty cheese, a kick of Cajun heat—it’s everything you want, all wrapped in one handheld pie.