Potato, Cheese and Onion Pasties

Potato, Cheese, and Onion Pasties are a comforting, golden-baked delight filled with creamy potatoes, melted cheese, and sweet caramelized onions, all wrapped in a flaky, buttery pastry. These handheld pies are packed with flavor and perfect for a quick meal, snack, or lunch on the go.

I first made these pasties on a chilly afternoon, craving something warm and satisfying. The aroma of buttery pastry baking in the oven, combined with the rich, cheesy filling, made them an instant favorite. What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is—you can switch up the cheese, add herbs for extra flavor, or even toss in a few veggies for a twist.

What’s great about Potato, Cheese, and Onion Pasties is how simple yet delicious they are. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven, packed for a picnic, or reheated for a quick bite, these savory pastries are always a comforting treat!

Perfect for:

• Lunchboxes
• Picnics
• Quick dinners
• Comfort food cravings
• Vegetarian meal options

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these Potato, Cheese, and Onion Pasties will become a staple in your kitchen:

• Rich and Savory Filling: The creamy mashed potatoes, gooey cheese, and sweet caramelized onions create a perfect balance of flavors.
• Crispy, Flaky Pastry: The buttery crust bakes to golden perfection, offering the perfect contrast to the soft filling.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and a straightforward process make this a beginner-friendly recipe.
• Great for Meal Prep: These pasties can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment.
• Versatile and Customizable: Add herbs, spices, or extra vegetables to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Any Time of Day: Enjoy them for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even as a late-night snack.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a batch and freeze them for a quick and easy meal option.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will love these cheesy, savory pockets of goodness.
• Portable and Convenient: Ideal for packed lunches, road trips, or on-the-go snacking.
• Vegetarian Comfort Food: A hearty and satisfying option for those looking for a meat-free dish.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6 pasties
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 10g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

For the Pastry:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 6 tablespoons cold water

the Filling:

• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

For Assembly:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Ingredient Highlights

• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully for a creamy, flavorful filling.
• Caramelized Onions: Add a hint of sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Flaky Pastry Dough: Made with butter for a rich, golden crust.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pastry:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
2. Incorporate Butter: Add chilled butter cubes and rub into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Water: Gradually mix in cold water, a tablespoon at a time, until a dough forms.
4. Chill Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling:

5. Boil Potatoes: Cook diced potatoes in salted boiling water until tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and mash with butter.
6. Caramelize Onions: In a small pan, sauté onions in butter over medium heat until soft and golden, about 8-10 minutes.
7. Mix Filling: Combine mashed potatoes, caramelized onions, shredded cheese, salt, pepper, and thyme. Let cool.

Assemble the Pasties:

8. Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to ⅛-inch thickness. Cut into 6-inch circles.
9. Fill and Seal: Spoon filling onto one half of each circle, leaving a small border. Fold over and crimp edges with a fork to seal.
10. Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.

Bake:

11. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
12. Bake Pasties: Place pasties on the prepared sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes, until golden brown.

Serve:

13. Cool Slightly: Let pasties rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!

How to Serve

Here are 10 ways to enjoy Potato, Cheese, and Onion Pasties:

• With a Side Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
• Dipped in Gravy: Serve with warm onion or mushroom gravy for extra indulgence.
• As a Lunchbox Treat: Pack a pasty for a satisfying midday meal.
• With Pickles or Chutney: Add a tangy kick with your favorite pickle or chutney.
• For Breakfast: Pair with scrambled eggs for a hearty morning meal.
• Alongside Soup: Enjoy with a bowl of tomato or vegetable soup.
• As a Party Snack: Serve mini versions for an appetizer spread.
• With a Cup of Tea: Perfect for an afternoon tea break.
• Topped with Sour Cream: Add a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
• As a Make-Ahead Dinner: Prepare in advance and reheat for an easy meal.

Additional Tips

• Keep the Dough Cold: Chilled dough ensures a flaky, tender crust.
• Prevent Leaks: Seal the edges well to keep the filling from spilling out.
• Use a Fork to Crimp Edges: This helps secure the pasties and gives them a classic look.
• Adjust the Filling: Feel free to add extra vegetables like carrots or peas.
• Brush with Milk Instead of Egg Wash: For a softer crust, use milk instead of egg.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Cheese and Onion Pasties: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
• Vegan Pasties: Use plant-based butter, non-dairy cheese, and a flax egg wash.
• Mushroom and Potato Pasties: Mix sautéed mushrooms into the filling.
• Garlic and Herb Pastry: Add minced garlic and dried herbs to the dough for extra flavor.
• Sweet Potato Version: Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a unique twist.
• Meaty Option: Add cooked bacon or ham for a non-vegetarian version.
• Cheese-Free Pasties: Skip the cheese and add extra caramelized onions for a dairy-free alternative.
• Mini Pasties: Make smaller, bite-sized versions for appetizers.
• Herb and Cheese Variation: Try a mix of different cheeses like Gruyère or feta.
• Whole Wheat Pastry: Use whole wheat flour for a more wholesome crust.

Special Equipment

• Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough evenly.
• Pastry Cutter or Knife: To cut uniform circles of dough.
• Baking Sheet: For baking the pasties to golden perfection.
• Fork: For sealing the edges.
• Pastry Brush: To apply the egg wash evenly.
• Mixing Bowls: For preparing the dough and filling.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient portions.

FAQ Section

1. What are Potato, Cheese, and Onion Pasties?
   Potato, Cheese, and Onion Pasties are savory pastries filled with a mixture of mashed or diced potatoes, cheese, and sautéed onions, encased in a flaky pastry crust.
2. What type of cheese is best for pasties?
   Cheddar cheese is commonly used due to its strong flavor and good melting properties, but you can also use Red Leicester, Gruyère, or a combination of cheeses for extra depth.
3. Can I make these pasties ahead of time?
   Yes! You can prepare and assemble the pasties in advance, then store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze them for up to three months.
4. How do I prevent my pasties from going soggy?
   Make sure the filling is not too wet, and allow cooked ingredients to cool before sealing them in the pastry.
5. Can I use store-bought pastry?
   Absolutely! While homemade shortcrust or puff pastry is ideal, store-bought pastry works just as well for a quicker option.
6. What is the best way to seal pasties?
   Press the edges together firmly and crimp them using a fork or a traditional hand-crimping method to create a secure seal and prevent filling leakage.
7. How long do pasties take to bake?
   Typically, they bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until the pastry turns golden brown and crisp.
8. Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
   Yes! You can add leeks, herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even a bit of mustard or garlic for extra flavor.
9. How should I store leftover pasties?
   Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
10. Can I make these pasties vegan?
    Yes! Substitute dairy cheese with a vegan alternative, use plant-based butter, and ensure your pastry is dairy-free for a fully vegan version.

Conclusion

Potato, Cheese, and Onion Pasties are a comforting, savory treat with a golden, flaky pastry shell wrapped around a creamy, cheesy potato and onion filling. These classic hand pies are perfect for a quick lunch, a satisfying snack, or even a cozy dinner.

Customize them by adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, swapping in different cheeses for a unique flavor, or incorporating a pinch of mustard or paprika for an extra kick. Serve them warm with a side of chutney or a crisp salad for a delicious meal!

I can’t wait to see how your Potato, Cheese, and Onion Pasties turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations! And don’t forget to leave a comment letting me know how you made this recipe your own!