Imagine biting into a flaky, golden crust that gives way to a rich, savory filling of crispy bacon, sweet onions, and a hint of tangy apple cider vinegar. These Bacon Jam Hand Pies are not just a treat for your taste buds; they are the ultimate comfort food that will have your friends and family begging for more! Perfect for parties, game day, or just a cozy night in, these hand pies are sure to impress. Ready to elevate your snacking game? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 package pie crusts
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop the bacon into small pieces and dice the onion. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the bacon is crispy, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Sauté over medium heat until the onion is translucent and softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the brown sugar and apple cider vinegar. Cook the mixture for another 5 minutes, allowing the sugar to dissolve and the vinegar to reduce slightly.
- Add the cooked bacon back into the skillet, stirring to combine all ingredients. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the mixture is thick and sticky. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is preheating, roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface to ensure they are thin and even.
- Using a round cutter or a glass, cut out circles from the pie crusts, about 4-5 inches in diameter. Gather the scraps and re-roll to cut out more circles as needed.
- Place about 1 tablespoon of the bacon jam filling in the center of each pie crust circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing difficult.
- Fold the pie crust over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal, and use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
- Transfer the hand pies to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops of the pies with the beaten egg to give them a golden color when baked.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the hand pies are golden brown and flaky.
- Once baked, remove the hand pies from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious Bacon Jam Hand Pies warm or at room temperature as a savory snack or appetizer!
Tips
- Choose Quality Bacon: For the best flavor, opt for thick-cut bacon. It adds a hearty texture and a richer taste to your bacon jam.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking: Allow the bacon to cook slowly until it’s crispy. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect texture and flavor.
- Cool the Filling: Let the bacon jam cool slightly before filling the pie crusts. This prevents the dough from becoming soggy and makes it easier to seal the pies.
- Seal Properly: Make sure to crimp the edges well with a fork to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the filling for an extra kick!
- Bake in Batches: If you’re making a large batch, consider baking them in batches to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: These hand pies pair wonderfully with a side of mustard or a tangy dipping sauce for an added flavor boost.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 55mg
