Crispy Homemade Crawfish Hand Pies Recipe: A Cajun Delight

Louisiana’s vibrant crawfish hand pies spark memories of bayou kitchens and festive gatherings.

Generations of cooks have perfected these delectable parcels of pure comfort.

Crispy pastry envelops succulent seafood with a spicy kick that dances across your palate.

Passionate home chefs can easily master this classic southern treat.

Small pockets packed with rich, bold flavors tell a story of culinary tradition.

Culinary adventurers will adore how simple ingredients create something truly spectacular.

Dive into this recipe and let your taste buds celebrate the magic of louisiana cooking.

Hand Pies That Stuff Cajun Crawfish Into Golden Pockets

• Quick and Easy Meal: Whip up delicious hand pies with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for busy home cooks wanting a tasty Louisiana-inspired treat.
• Party-Perfect Appetizer: Impress guests with these handheld delights that showcase authentic Creole flavors, ideal for gatherings, game days, or casual dinner parties.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Transform classic Crawfish Étouffée into portable pockets that combine rich seafood goodness with crispy, buttery pastry, making it a crowd-pleasing comfort dish for all ages.
• Customizable Culinary Adventure: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting Creole seasoning levels or adding personal touches to create a unique flavor profile that suits individual taste preferences.

Crawfish Hand Pies Ingredient List

Main Ingredients:

• Empanada Dough Rounds: Soft pastry perfect for hand pies.
• Crawfish Étouffée: Rich, spicy Louisiana seafood stew.

• Egg, Water: Creates a seal and golden shine.
• Melted Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps browning.
• Creole Seasoning: Adds signature Louisiana spice.

• Creole Mayonnaise: Tangy, spicy dipping sauce.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking during baking.
• Flour: Helps prevent dough from sticking.

Baking Crawfish Hand Pies with Southern Flair

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Mixtures

Whip up a quick egg wash by whisking egg with water in one bowl. In another bowl, stir melted butter with zesty Creole seasoning to add a punch of flavor.

Step 3: Build Your Delicious Hand Pies

Dust your countertop with a light sprinkle of flour. Roll out each empanada dough round slightly larger than its original size. Center a hearty scoop of Crawfish Étouffée in the middle of each round. Use the egg wash to paint the dough’s edges, then fold and seal the pie. Give the edges a friendly crimp with a fork for that classic homemade look.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet. Generously brush the tops with the seasoned butter mixture. Slide into the oven and bake for 30 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Pull out and let cool briefly before serving alongside some tangy Creole Mayonnaise for dipping.

Crawfish Hand Pie Tips That Keep Filling Just Right

• Stretch the Dough: Roll empanada rounds slightly larger than standard size to ensure enough space for filling without overstuffing.
• Seal Securely: Use egg wash along pie edges and press firmly with a fork to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
• Control Seasoning: Adjust Creole seasoning intensity in butter mixture based on personal spice preference, tasting before brushing.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Place pies on parchment paper and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to ensure crisp, golden crust all around.
• Enhance Flavor Profile: Consider adding fresh chopped herbs like parsley or green onions into crawfish filling for extra depth and brightness.

Save Crawfish Hand Pies for Reheating and Serving

• Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring they're completely cooled before sealing to prevent sogginess.
• Wrap individual pies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining best quality and taste.
• Thaw frozen pies in the refrigerator overnight, then warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Reheat refrigerated pies for 30-45 seconds, but be cautious as microwaving can make the crust less crisp compared to oven reheating.

Crawfish Hand Pies Match Ideas

• Pair with Bold Cajun Cocktails: Whip up a zesty Sazerac or Hurricane to complement the spicy crawfish hand pies, matching the Louisiana flavor profile with a spirited drink.
• Complement with Fresh Slaw: Create a tangy coleslaw with vinegar-based dressing to cut through the richness of the hand pies, providing a crisp and refreshing side.
• Match with Bright White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the spicy Creole seasoning and crawfish filling, offering a light and refreshing contrast.
• Serve with Creamy Dipping Sauce: Prepare a homemade Creole mayonnaise or rémoulade sauce to enhance the hand pies' flavors, adding an extra layer of creamy, zesty goodness.

Crawfish Hand Pie Flavor Combos

• Seafood Medley Pies: Replace crawfish with a mix of shrimp, crab, and lobster for a gourmet seafood variation.
• Vegetarian Étouffée Pies: Swap crawfish with roasted bell peppers, mushrooms, and plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for a meat-free option.
• Gluten-Free Hand Pies: Use gluten-free empanada dough or make your own with alternative flour blends like almond or rice flour to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Cajun Pies: Increase Creole seasoning or add cayenne pepper for extra heat, perfect for those who love bold, spicy flavors.

FAQs

• What are crawfish hand pies?

Crawfish hand pies are portable pastries filled with spicy crawfish étouffée, wrapped in a flaky dough and baked until golden brown, originating from Louisiana’s Cajun cuisine.

• Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, you can use pre-made empanada or pie dough to save time and make the recipe easier, which works perfectly for this hand pie recipe.

• How do I prevent the filling from leaking?

Ensure you seal the edges properly by brushing with egg wash and crimping with a fork, which creates a tight seal and prevents filling from escaping during baking.

• Is crawfish étouffée spicy?

Crawfish étouffée typically has a mild to moderate spice level depending on the Creole seasoning used, but you can adjust the heat by choosing a milder or spicier seasoning blend.

Crawfish Hand Pies Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Spicy Crawfish Hand Pies bring Louisiana’s coastal charm straight to your kitchen, wrapping zesty seafood in buttery, flaky pastry. Crisp golden shells cradle succulent crawfish, promising a delectable journey through southern culinary traditions you won’t want to miss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups Crawfish Etouffee
• 1 (14-ounce) package empanada dough (such as Goya)

Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning

Binding and Egg Wash:

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon water
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and cover a baking sheet with parchment paper to create a non-stick surface for the hand pies.
2. Whisk the egg with water in a small mixing bowl, creating a smooth egg wash for sealing and glazing the pastry.
3. Separately combine melted butter with Creole seasoning to develop a flavorful brushing mixture that will enhance the pie’s exterior.
4. Dust the work surface with flour and gently roll each empanada dough round to expand its diameter and thin the edges for easier folding.
5. Position two tablespoons of Crawfish Étouffée precisely in the center of each dough round, ensuring even distribution of the filling.
6. Apply the egg wash along the dough’s perimeter using a pastry brush to help create a secure seal.
7. Carefully fold the dough over the filling, forming a half-moon shape, and press the edges firmly to prevent leakage during baking.
8. Use a fork to crimp the edges, adding a decorative touch and reinforcing the seal of each hand pie.
9. Arrange the assembled pies on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining adequate spacing between them.
10. Generously brush the pie tops with the seasoned butter mixture to promote a golden, glossy finish.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, monitoring until the pies achieve a rich, golden-brown color.
12. Remove from the oven and allow a brief cooling period before serving alongside Creole Mayonnaise for dipping.

Notes

• Gently roll out empanada dough to avoid tearing and ensure even thickness for consistent baking.
• Press edges firmly and use fork crimping to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
• Swap traditional wheat dough with gluten-free alternatives like almond or cassava flour for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Prepare hand pies in advance, freeze unbaked, and bake directly from frozen state, adding extra 5-10 minutes to cooking time.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern (American)

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg