Creepy Halloween Chorizo Hand Pies

Welcome to a whimsical culinary adventure with a twist – Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies! These savory delights are the star of any autumn gathering, charming both young and old with their flaky pastry crusts and mouthwatering chorizo and cheese filling. As Halloween approaches, these hand pies take on a playful pumpkin shape, making them a festive addition to your seasonal table.

Every year, my family eagerly anticipates the arrival of October, not just for the changing leaves and crisp air, but for the tradition of creating these magical pumpkin hand pies together. From cutting silly faces into each pie to setting up a lively assembly line, baking these Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies has become a cherished ritual that brings us closer as a family.

Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or simply craving a cozy autumn snack, these hand pies are sure to delight. With a crispy exterior, gooey cheese, and a hint of spice from the chorizo, they offer a tantalizing blend of flavors and textures. So gather your loved ones, don your favorite costumes, and get ready to bake up a batch of these enchanting Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies that are as fun to make as they are to eat!

Quick Benefits

• Perfect for autumn gatherings or Halloween parties
• Versatile – can be made with different types of meat or even vegetarian options
• Easy to store and reheat, making them a convenient make-ahead appetizer
• Offers a modern twist on traditional hand pies with Mexican chorizo and melting cheeses

Why You’ll Love This Creepy Halloween Chorizo Hand Pies Recipe

• Delightful Flavors: The combination of smoky chorizo and melty cheeses inside buttery homemade pastry creates a savory and flavorful filling that will leave you craving more.
• Fun and Whimsical: The pumpkin faces cut into each hand pie add a charming and festive touch, making them a hit at any Halloween gathering or party.
• Family Bonding: Making these hand pies can become a fun family tradition, where everyone can get involved in cutting silly faces or crimping the pies, creating lasting memories.
• Versatile Options: You can easily customize the recipe by swapping ingredients like the cheeses or meat, making it adaptable to different preferences or dietary restrictions.
• Make-ahead Convenience: These hand pies can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days or frozen for later enjoyment, making them a convenient and delicious snack or meal option.
• Cultural Fusion: The blend of Mexican chorizo and cheeses in a handheld pie format offers a modern twist on traditional handheld treats from various cultures, adding a spicy and unique flavor profile.
• Seasonal Variations: You can experiment with different fillings like roasted sweet potato and black beans or apple and thyme for a fall-inspired twist, catering to different tastes and occasions.
• Serve with Style: Whether as an appetizer, main dish, or party snack, these hand pies can be paired with various dips like chipotle sauce or avocado crema, adding extra flavor and flair to your meal.
• Memorable Gatherings: Baking and enjoying these hand pies with loved ones can create a sense of magic and togetherness, making every autumn gathering special and memorable.

Ingredients for Creepy Halloween Chorizo Hand Pies

Dough

• 1/2 cup chilled water, plus 2 to 3 tablespoons more if needed
• 4 cups all-purpose flour, chilled
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 large egg
• 6 ounces unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

Filling

• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 10 ounces minced pork
• 9 ounces ground chorizo
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Cheese

• 6 ounces Oaxaca cheese, shredded
• 6 ounces Manchego cheese, shredded

Assembly

• Room temperature water, as needed to seal pastry edges
• 1 large egg, for egg wash

Pro Tips for Creepy Halloween Chorizo Hand Pies

To ensure flaky pastry, remember to keep your butter and water well-chilled throughout the process. Work quickly and avoid overworking the dough to maintain those desirable layers in your hand pies.

Feel free to experiment with different melting cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack if Oaxaca and Manchego are not available. These substitutions will still provide that creamy texture to complement the savory chorizo filling.

For a secure seal, moisten the edges of the pastry with water, press gently to adhere the edges together, and use a fork to crimp the edges. This step will help keep the delicious filling intact while the hand pies bake to golden perfection. Adjust the spiciness level by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper or omitting it entirely for a milder flavor profile.

How to Make Creepy Halloween Chorizo Hand Pies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together chilled flour and sea salt. Add cubed, chilled butter and use your fingertips to work it into the flour until the mixture forms coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces.

Step 2: Integrate Wet Ingredients

Whisk together chilled water, vinegar or lemon juice, and egg in a separate bowl. Create a well in the flour mixture, then pour in the wet ingredients. Use a fork to combine, adding more water as needed until the dough forms.

Step 3: Shape and Rest Dough

Shape dough into a ball. Adjust texture with water or flour as needed. Flatten into a rectangle, fold into thirds, repeat once for layers, then shape into a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 4: Cook the Filling

In a non-stick pan over medium-high heat, warm 2 teaspoons of oil. Sauté onions until softened, then add chorizo, minced pork, paprika, garlic, cayenne pepper, and salt. Brown the meat while breaking it apart for 15 to 20 minutes until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed and refrigerate the filling.

Step 5: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a large baking tray with parchment paper.

Step 6: Roll and Cut Dough

Roll out chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut out approximately 30 shapes using a 4-inch pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter, rerolling scraps as necessary.

Step 7: Decorate Tops

Use small cookie cutters or a paring knife to create faces on 15 of the pumpkin cutouts.

Step 8: Assemble Hand Pies

Place cheese and a generous spoonful of chilled filling on each plain pumpkin-shaped dough base. Moisten edges with water, place a decorated dough face on top, and press edges together to seal. Crimp edges with a fork.

Step 9: Apply Egg Wash

Place the hand pies on the baking sheet and brush the tops with beaten egg.

Step 10: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 20-30 minutes until pastry is golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving warm.

Storage Tips

After baking the Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies, it is best to store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate the hand pies and reheat gently in the oven when ready to serve to maintain their crisp texture. If you prefer to freeze the hand pies, allow them to cool completely, wrap them well, and then freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the hand pies in the refrigerator and reheat them in a hot oven to restore their crispness.

If you decide to make some ingredient substitutions, such as using mozzarella instead of Oaxaca cheese or mild cheddar instead of Manchego, the hand pies will still turn out delicious. Additionally, you can customize the filling by using turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork for a lighter option or by incorporating roasted peppers and beans for a vegetarian version. Remember to seal the pastry edges properly by moistening them with water, pressing gently, and crimping with a fork to ensure the filling stays secure during baking. Adjust the spiciness of the hand pies by varying the chorizo and cayenne pepper amounts or omitting the cayenne for a milder flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a cheese substitution, you can easily swap out the Oaxaca and Manchego cheeses with more common alternatives like mozzarella or mild cheddar. These cheeses will still provide a creamy and melty texture to the hand pies while offering a familiar taste profile. Feel free to use whichever melting cheese you have on hand to customize the filling to your preference.

If you prefer a lighter meat option or are looking to make a vegetarian version of the hand pies, consider using turkey or chicken sausage as a substitute for the minced pork. These alternatives will still provide a flavorful and protein-rich filling while offering a lighter twist to the traditional chorizo and pork combination. Additionally, for a vegetarian option, you can increase the cheese amount and incorporate roasted peppers and beans to add texture and depth to the filling.

Remember to keep the butter and water chilled, work efficiently, and avoid overworking the dough to achieve a flaky pastry crust. Adjust the spiciness of the hand pies by modifying the chorizo used or omitting the cayenne pepper for a milder flavor profile. Whether assembling and refrigerating before baking or freezing for later enjoyment, these spooky chorizo hand pies are versatile and can be tailored to suit different dietary preferences and spice levels.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, arrange the Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies on a large platter in a whimsical pumpkin patch design. Use fresh herbs like parsley or chives to create vines and leaves around the pies. This visually appealing display will add a festive touch to your Halloween spread and bring a touch of magic to the table.

Another fun idea is to serve the hand pies in individual mini cauldrons or Halloween-themed plates. Scatter some edible “eyeballs” made from olives or cherry tomatoes around the pies for a spooky effect. This presentation will delight both kids and adults alike and add to the Halloween spirit of the dish.

FAQs for Creepy Halloween Chorizo Hand Pies

Can I use a different type of melting cheese if I don’t have Oaxaca or Manchego?

Yes, any melting cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack works well for a creamy texture.

How do I ensure the filling stays secure inside the hand pies during baking?

Moisten the edges with water, press gently, and crimp with a fork to keep the filling secure during baking.

Can I adjust the spiciness of the hand pies?

The spiciness can be adjusted based on the chorizo and amount of cayenne pepper used. Omit cayenne for milder pies.

Can I prepare the hand pies ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate before baking, or bake and reheat gently when ready to serve.

Conclusion

I hope this recipe for Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies brings as much joy and laughter to your family gatherings as it does to mine. The process of creating these whimsical pumpkin-faced treats has become a cherished tradition, filled with fun and delicious moments. Whether you are baking these hand pies in costume with loved ones or simply enjoying them as a cozy autumn snack, the magic of these savory pastries truly shines through.

Remember, you can customize these hand pies to suit your taste preferences, whether by swapping out cheeses, trying different fillings, or adjusting the level of spiciness. Get creative with shapes and flavors, and make each batch of hand pies uniquely yours. Embrace the spirit of the season and let the warm, flaky goodness of these Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies bring smiles to all who enjoy them. Happy baking and happy eating!