Sweet & Savory Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Introduction:
Celebrate Halloween with these adorable and tasty Sweet & Savory Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies. These hand pies feature a delightful combination of sweet and savory fillings, all encased in a flaky, golden crust with a fun jack-o-lantern design. They’re perfect for parties or as a spooky snack!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Dual flavors: A delicious mix of sweet and savory in every bite.
• Festive and fun: The jack-o-lantern design makes these hand pies perfect for Halloween.
• Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions.

Ingredients:

• 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup cooked, crumbled bacon (optional)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a small bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
   • Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon (if using).
3. Prepare the Pie Crusts:
   • Roll out one of the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a jack-o-lantern-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Alternatively, you can use a round cutter and then use a knife to cut out jack-o-lantern faces later.
   • Place the cut-out shapes onto the prepared baking sheet.
4. Assemble the Hand Pies:
   • Spoon a small amount of the pumpkin filling onto the center of each cut-out shape.
   • Roll out the second pie crust and cut out matching shapes. Place these shapes over the filled ones.
   • Press the edges together with a fork to seal the pies. Use a knife to cut out small jack-o-lantern faces on the top layer of the pies.
5. Prepare the Egg Wash:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush the egg wash over the top of each hand pie.
   • Sprinkle a little sugar over the top for extra sweetness and a slight crunch.
6. Bake the Hand Pies:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown and the filling is heated through.
7. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the hand pies to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

Tips for Success:

• Crust: Keep the pie crusts cold before rolling out to ensure a flaky texture.
• Filling: Don’t overfill the pies to prevent spillage during baking.

Recipe Variations:

• Sweet Filling: Swap out the savory ingredients for additional sweet components, such as mini marshmallows or chocolate chips.
• Different Shapes: Use different Halloween-themed cookie cutters to create a variety of shapes.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve these hand pies with a side of apple cider or a Halloween-themed punch.
• Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Freezing and Storage:

• Storage: Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked hand pies on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen for about 20-25 minutes.

Special Equipment:

• Jack-o-lantern-shaped cookie cutter (or round cutter and knife for faces)
• Cookie sheet or baking sheet

FAQ:

• Can I use homemade pie crust?
  Yes! Feel free to use your favorite homemade pie crust recipe.
• Can I make these ahead of time?
  Yes, you can prepare and freeze the unbaked hand pies, then bake them fresh when needed.

Preparation Time:

• 15 minutes to prepare the filling and cut out shapes.

Cook Time:

• 15-20 minutes for baking.

Total Time:

• 35 minutes (including prep and bake time).

Nutrition Information (per hand pie, assuming 8 pies):

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 250mg
• Sugar: 11g

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Closing Notes:
These Sweet & Savory Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are a fun and festive way to celebrate Halloween. With a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors, they’re sure to be a hit at your next spooky gathering!