Savoury Pumpkin Pasties Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, comforting treat that perfectly balances sweetness and spice, these Savoury Pumpkin Pasties are exactly what you need. These delightful hand pies bring together tender roasted pumpkin, sharp cheddar cheese, and aromatic herbs all wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust. Baking up a batch is like inviting the warm flavors of autumn straight into your kitchen, and once you taste them, you’ll understand why these pasties become an instant favorite for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or a special snack that feels like a warm hug.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward and accessible, yet each one plays an essential role in crafting the layers of flavor and texture that make Savoury Pumpkin Pasties so irresistible. From the earthy pumpkin to the flaky dough, every element combines seamlessly.

• Pumpkin (4 cups, diced small): The star ingredient, roasting it to tender perfection develops its natural sweetness and deep flavor.
• Extra virgin olive oil (3 tbsp, divided): Adds richness and helps in roasting the pumpkin and sautéing the onions.
• Kosher salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance the flavors throughout the dish.
• Butter (1 tbsp): Provides a luscious base for caramelizing the onions.
• Large onion (1, sliced): Slowly cooked to sweet, golden perfection to create depth in the filling.
• Garlic cloves (2, minced): A subtle punch of flavor that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
• Fresh thyme (2 tbsp, chopped): The herbaceous note that adds warmth and complexity.
• Sharp cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups, shredded): A melty, tangy component that makes the filling irresistibly creamy.
• Egg (1, for egg wash): Ensures a shiny golden-brown crust with a lovely crunch.
• Coarse sea salt (for garnish): Adds texture and a burst of salty contrast on top of the pasties.
• Flour (2 ½ cups): The foundation of the dough, creating that tender, flaky crust everyone loves.
• Cold butter (1 cup, diced): Crucial for flakiness, adding delicate layers to the pastry.
• Ice water (½ cup): Helps bring the dough together without melting the butter, ensuring the right texture.

How to Make Savoury Pumpkin Pasties

Step 1: Roast the Pumpkin

The key to building deep flavor in your Savoury Pumpkin Pasties starts with roasting the pumpkin. After peeling and dicing it into small pieces, toss the pumpkin with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread it on a baking sheet. Roasting at 400℉ for 30 to 40 minutes softens the pumpkin and caramelizes the edges, which brings out a beautiful depth of sweetness and a satisfying bite you won’t get from raw pumpkin.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

Next comes the onions, which require a gentle touch and a bit of patience. Heating butter and olive oil together creates a rich base to soften and caramelize the sliced onions slowly. This step is where your kitchen will start smelling incredible! The onions should turn golden brown and sweet, providing an essential balance to the savory pumpkin mixture.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Thyme

Quickly sauté the minced garlic and fresh thyme just until fragrant—the perfect finishing aromatic layer for your filling. Combine this with the roasted pumpkin and caramelized onions, then set the mix aside to cool before stirring in the shredded cheddar cheese. Chilling the filling at this point helps the flavors meld beautifully and makes it easier to handle during assembly.

Step 4: Prepare the Pastry Dough

Making the pie dough from scratch is simpler than you might think and truly worth the effort. By pulsing flour and salt with cold diced butter in a food processor until it looks like small peas, then adding ice water carefully to bind the dough, you create a tender, flaky crust. Press the dough into two discs, wrap, and chill for at least an hour—this rest is essential for the dough to relax and hold together well when rolled out.

Step 5: Assemble the Pasties

With everything cooled and chilled, it’s time to assemble. Roll out each dough piece into 6-inch circles, spoon in the pumpkin filling on one half, then fold over to form a half-moon shape. Be generous with an egg wash on the edges to seal the pasties, then crimp the edges for a pretty finish and extra seal. Don’t forget to brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle coarse sea salt before scoring a few slits for steam to escape during baking.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the pasties at 400℉ for 25 to 35 minutes until the crust is beautifully golden and flaky. This stage brings everything together—the flaky crust, melty cheese, and warmly spiced pumpkin make every bite a little celebration of autumnal goodness. Let them cool slightly so the filling settles, then dive in!

How to Serve Savoury Pumpkin Pasties

Garnishes

These pasties are lovely just as they come, but a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can brighten their appearance and add a fresh burst of flavor. A light drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of sour cream on the side can also round out the richness and add a cooling touch.

Side Dishes

Pair your Savoury Pumpkin Pasties with simple greens dressed in a zesty vinaigrette, or a bowl of creamy soup like roasted tomato or butternut squash. These combinations make for a hearty meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome, perfect for a chilly evening.

Creative Ways to Present

Make them a star at any gathering by serving the pasties on a rustic wooden board with an assortment of pickles, chutneys, or a sharp cheese platter. You can also slice them into smaller portions to create fun appetizer bites that everyone can enjoy grazing on throughout the event.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your fresh batch, store any leftover Savoury Pumpkin Pasties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They remain delicious and can be eaten cold or reheated gently for that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, freeze the assembled but unbaked pasties by placing them on a lined tray and chilling until solid, then transferring them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When ready, bake them straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

The best way to reheat your pasties is in the oven at 350℉ for about 15 minutes, which crisps up the crust while warming the filling evenly. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the pastry soggy and diminish that perfect flaky texture.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh?

While canned pumpkin is convenient, fresh roasted pumpkin offers a better texture and more vibrant flavor for these pasties. If you must use canned, choose plain pumpkin puree without spices and adjust moisture by cooking down the filling to prevent sogginess.

Is there a vegetarian or vegan way to make these pasties?

Absolutely! The recipe is naturally vegetarian. To make it vegan, substitute the butter with plant-based margarine and use a vegan cheese alternative. Replace the egg wash with a mixture of plant milk and maple syrup for a lovely golden crust.

What cheese works best if I don’t have sharp cheddar?

Sharp cheddar provides a nice tang and melting quality, but you can experiment with Gruyère, mozzarella, or even a combination of cheeses to suit your taste. Just aim for a cheese that melts well and balances the sweetness of the pumpkin.

Can I make the dough by hand instead of a food processor?

Yes, you can! Use a pastry cutter or two knives to cut cold butter into the flour and salt until it resembles peas. Then, slowly add ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. The technique remains the same, and the results will still be fantastic.

How long do these pasties keep once baked?

Baked Savoury Pumpkin Pasties are best enjoyed within 2-3 days when stored properly in the fridge. Beyond that, their texture and flavor may start to decline, so enjoy them fresh for the most delicious experience.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about Savoury Pumpkin Pasties—from the golden, flaky crust to the cozy, flavorful filling. They are perfect for sharing with loved ones or simply savoring on your own with a warm drink in hand. Give this recipe a try and discover how these humble pasties can become a cherished recipe in your kitchen, offering comfort and joy bite after bite.

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