Crawfish Hand Pies Recipe

There’s something so satisfying about a handheld treat, especially when it’s filled with the comforting flavors of Crawfish Étouffée! These Crawfish Hand Pies are a true Southern-inspired delight, combining the rich, savory filling of crawfish in a flaky, buttery crust. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a cozy night in, these little pies are big on flavor and super easy to make!

Why You’ll Love These Crawfish Hand Pies

These hand pies bring a taste of classic Cajun cooking with every bite. The flaky pastry contrasts beautifully with the creamy, spiced crawfish filling, making these pies irresistible! Plus, they’re served with a tangy Creole Mayonnaise that adds just the right touch of heat and zest to complement the crawfish.

What Do Crawfish Hand Pies Taste Like

Imagine a savory, buttery crust surrounding a filling that’s rich with the earthy, umami taste of crawfish, simmered in a blend of Cajun spices and tender vegetables. The Creole seasoning, along with the hot sauce, adds a mild kick that’s balanced by the creamy, flavorful Crawfish Étouffée. With a bit of Creole Mayonnaise on the side, each bite is a little explosion of flavor!

Benefits of Making These Crawfish Hand Pies

• Portable and Convenient: These hand pies are perfect for on-the-go meals, parties, or even as an appetizer for your next gathering.
• Customizable Filling: Use crawfish or other seafood, such as shrimp, to make this recipe your own.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The spicy, creamy filling and flaky crust make these pies a hit with just about everyone.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the Crawfish Étouffée ahead of time, and assemble the pies when you’re ready to bake.

Ingredients for Crawfish Hand Pies

For the Hand Pies

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tsp water
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp Creole seasoning
• 1 (14-oz) package empanada dough (such as Goya)
• 2 cups Crawfish Étouffée (recipe below)

For the Creole Mayonnaise

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp Creole seasoning
• 2 tsp red wine vinegar

Tools You’ll Need

• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
• Pastry brush for egg wash and butter
• Fork for crimping edges
• Mixing bowls for egg wash and butter mix
• Skillet for cooking the Crawfish Étouffée

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

• Shrimp or Crab: If you can’t find crawfish, try using shrimp or crab meat instead for a similar texture and flavor.
• Homemade Dough: For a more homemade touch, you can use pie dough or puff pastry if empanada dough isn’t available.
• Spiciness Level: Adjust the hot sauce in both the Creole Mayonnaise and Crawfish Étouffée to dial the heat up or down as you like.

this Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crawfish Hand Pies

Crawfish Hand Pies

1. Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare Egg and Butter Mixes: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter with the Creole seasoning.
3. Assemble the Pies: Lightly flour your work surface and roll each empanada dough round slightly to make it larger. Place about 2 tablespoons of Crawfish Étouffée in the center of each dough round. Brush the edges with the egg mixture, fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, and press to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish if you like.
4. Bake the Hand Pies: Place each pie on the prepared baking sheet, brush the tops with the butter mixture, and bake for around 30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Serve warm with Creole Mayonnaise for dipping.

Crawfish Étouffée

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
2. Create the Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the vegetable mixture, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes. Gradually add sherry (or seafood broth) and cook for 3 minutes, allowing it to reduce by half.
3. Simmer with Seasonings: Add seafood stock, tomato paste, hot sauce, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the crawfish. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 8 minutes. Remove bay leaves before filling the hand pies.

Creole Mayonnaise

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, hot sauce, Creole seasoning, and red wine vinegar.
2. Chill: Cover and refrigerate until serving time. This tangy, spicy mayo is a perfect dipping sauce for the hand pies!

Serving Suggestions

These Crawfish Hand Pies pair beautifully with a simple green salad or a side of coleslaw for a refreshing contrast. If you’re planning a Cajun-themed meal, serve these with other Southern favorites like jambalaya, red beans and rice, or a hearty gumbo.

Tips for Perfect Crawfish Hand Pies

• Seal Tightly: Be sure to seal the edges well with the egg wash and press them together firmly. This prevents any filling from leaking out.
• Don’t Overfill: While tempting, overfilling can cause the dough to tear. Stick to about 2 tablespoons per hand pie for the best results.
• Chill the Dough: If your dough is getting too warm, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes. Cold dough is easier to work with and will hold its shape better in the oven.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes until warm and crisp.

Freezing: These hand pies freeze well! Place them on a baking sheet and freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat from frozen at 350°F for 20–25 minutes or until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these Crawfish Hand Pies ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the Crawfish Étouffée filling a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to assemble, simply fill, bake, and serve.

What if I can’t find crawfish?

Shrimp or crab make excellent substitutes for crawfish and still bring a wonderful seafood flavor to the hand pies.

Can I use homemade dough instead of store-bought?

Absolutely. You can use homemade pie dough or puff pastry if you prefer a more hands-on approach.

How spicy are these hand pies?

The level of spice can be adjusted. The Creole seasoning and hot sauce add a mild to moderate heat, but feel free to add more or less according to your taste.

Conclusion

Crawfish Hand Pies are a Southern comfort wrapped up in a perfectly portable treat! Whether you’re new to Cajun cuisine or a longtime fan, these savory, flaky pies bring a taste of Louisiana that’s hard to beat. Gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try—you’ll love having these hand pies on hand for any occasion!

Try More Cajun-Inspired Recipes!

Love this recipe? Here are a few more crawfish dishes to keep the Cajun vibes going:

• Crawfish Cheesecake: A savory twist on a classic dessert, combining creamy cheesecake with crawfish and spices.
• Shrimp and Crawfish Cakes: Light, crispy cakes packed with seafood flavor, perfect for appetizers or a main course.
• Fried Crawfish Étouffée Balls: These bite-sized crawfish balls are crunchy, spicy, and great for snacking or as a party appetizer.

Give it a try and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest. Happy baking!

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