Turkey And Cheese Breakfast Hand Pies With Herb Cream Cheese Swirl

Looking for a delicious and portable breakfast option? These Turkey and Cheese Breakfast Hand Pies with a delightful Herb Cream Cheese Swirl are the answer! Packed with savory turkey, melted cheddar, and a creamy, herbaceous swirl, these hand pies are perfect for busy mornings, brunch gatherings, or a satisfying snack. The flaky, buttery pastry adds the perfect textural contrast to the rich filling, making each bite a truly comforting experience. This recipe combines convenience with gourmet flavor, and we’re excited to share it with you!

What You’ll Need

• 250g (2 cups) All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our flaky pastry. All-purpose flour provides the structure needed for a tender yet sturdy crust. Be sure to measure accurately – spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag, to avoid packing it too tightly.
• 150g (2 ⅓ cups) Cold Unsalted Butter, Cubed: Using *cold* butter is absolutely crucial for creating those beautiful, flaky layers in the pastry. The cold butter creates pockets of steam when baking, resulting in a light and airy texture. Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level in the recipe.
• 4 – 5 tbsp (60-70 ml) Ice-Cold Water: Again, temperature is key! Ice-cold water prevents the gluten in the flour from developing too much, which would result in a tough pastry. Add the water gradually, as you may not need the full amount.
• 1 tsp (5g) Salt: Enhances the flavors of the pastry and balances the richness of the butter. We’re using fine sea salt for even distribution.
• 200g (7 oz) Cooked Turkey Breast, Finely Diced: The star protein of our hand pies! Using pre-cooked turkey breast saves time and ensures a consistent flavor. Finely dicing the turkey ensures it distributes evenly throughout the filling. Leftover Thanksgiving turkey works wonderfully here!
• 150g (5 oz) Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Grated: Sharp cheddar provides a bold, tangy flavor that complements the turkey beautifully. Grating the cheese yourself ensures a better melt and more even distribution.
• 2 Large Eggs, Lightly Beaten: Acts as a binder for the turkey and cheese filling, holding everything together.
• 60 ml (¼ cup) Whole Milk: Adds moisture to the filling, preventing it from becoming dry during baking. Whole milk provides a richer flavor and texture.
• ½ tsp (2g) Black Pepper: Adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor to the filling. Freshly ground black pepper is always best!
• ¼ tsp (1g) Salt: Seasoning for the filling, complementing the cheddar cheese and turkey.
• 150g (5 oz) Cream Cheese, Softened: The base for our flavorful swirl. Softening the cream cheese ensures a smooth and creamy texture.
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) Milk: Used to loosen the cream cheese, making it easier to blend and swirl.
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) Fresh Chives, Finely Chopped: Adds a delicate oniony flavor and vibrant green color to the swirl.
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) Fresh Parsley, Finely Chopped: Provides a fresh, herbaceous note to the swirl, complementing the chives.
• ½ tsp (1g) Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor and beautiful color to the swirl.
• 1 Egg, Beaten with 1 tbsp (15 ml) Water (Egg Wash): Brushing the hand pies with egg wash creates a golden-brown, glossy finish.
• Extra Fresh Chives for Garnish: Adds a final touch of freshness and visual appeal.
• Pinch of Smoked Paprika for Garnish: Enhances the color and smoky flavor.

Substitutions & Variations

Feel free to customize these hand pies to your liking! Here are a few ideas:

• Turkey: Chicken or ham can be substituted for turkey.
• Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or a blend of cheeses would also work well.
• Herbs: Dill, tarragon, or thyme can be used in place of or in addition to the chives and parsley.
• Pastry: You can use store-bought puff pastry for a quicker option, though the texture will be slightly different.

Crafting the Perfect Hand Pie: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Pastry: In a food processor, combine the flour, salt, and cubed cold butter. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This creates the flaky texture we’re after – cold butter is key! Don’t over-process; you want visible bits of butter.
2. Hydrate the Dough: Add the ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing after each addition. Stop when the dough *just* comes together. Overworking the dough will develop the gluten too much, resulting in a tough pastry.
3. Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, making it easier to roll out.
4. Make the Turkey & Cheese Filling: While the dough chills, combine the diced turkey, grated cheddar, beaten eggs, milk, black pepper, and salt in a bowl. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
5. Prepare the Herb Cream Cheese Swirl: In a separate bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, milk, chopped chives, parsley, and smoked paprika until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate briefly to help it firm up slightly, making it easier to swirl.
6. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
7. Roll & Cut the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to approximately 3mm (⅛ inch) thickness. Use a 10cm (4-inch) cutter to create circles. Re-roll scraps as needed, but avoid overworking the dough.
8. Assemble the Hand Pies: Place a heaping tablespoon of the turkey-cheese mixture in the center of each dough circle. Add a small dollop (about ½ teaspoon) of the herb cream cheese on top. Using a toothpick, gently swirl the cream cheese through the filling to create a beautiful ribbon effect.
9. Seal & Crimp: Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal, ensuring no filling escapes during baking. Crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
10. Egg Wash & Season: Brush each hand pie with the beaten egg wash. This gives them a golden-brown color and a lovely sheen. Sprinkle lightly with smoked paprika for added flavor and visual appeal.
11. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the hand pies are golden brown and the pastry is crisp.
12. Cool & Garnish: Allow the pies to rest for 5 minutes before transferring them to a serving board. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chives and a final dusting of smoked paprika.

Why Herb Cream Cheese Swirls Elevate These Hand Pies

The addition of the herb cream cheese swirl isn’t just for aesthetics; it adds a delightful tang and creaminess that perfectly complements the savory turkey and cheddar. The herbs provide a fresh, aromatic counterpoint to the richness of the cheese and meat, creating a more complex and satisfying flavor profile. The swirl also helps to keep the filling moist during baking.

Tips for Flaky Pastry Success

Achieving a truly flaky pastry is all about keeping the butter cold. Use ice-cold water, and work quickly to prevent the butter from melting. Don’t overwork the dough, and chilling it properly is crucial. If your kitchen is warm, consider chilling the flour and food processor bowl beforehand.

Make-Ahead Options for Busy Mornings

These hand pies are perfect for meal prepping! You can assemble the hand pies ahead of time, up to the point of baking. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, brush with egg wash and bake as directed. You can also make the pastry dough and the filling separately and store them in the refrigerator for a day or two.

Variations & Customization

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a little pepper jack would be delicious. You can also swap out the turkey for cooked chicken, ham, or even leftover roast beef. For a vegetarian option, try using sautéed mushrooms and spinach. Adjust the herbs in the cream cheese swirl to your liking – dill, tarragon, or thyme would all be wonderful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze these hand pies?

Yes! Baked hand pies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) until warmed through. Unbaked hand pies can also be frozen; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What if I don’t have a food processor?

You can make the pastry dough by hand. Cut the cold butter into the flour using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Then proceed with the recipe as directed.

Can I use pre-made pastry dough?

Absolutely! Using pre-made pastry dough will save you time. Just make sure to use a good-quality all-butter pastry for the best flavor and texture.

Enjoy Your Delicious Creation!

These Turkey and Cheese Breakfast Hand Pies with Herb Cream Cheese Swirl are a delightful way to start your day or enjoy a satisfying snack. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for easy access later!

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