Indulge in a savory delight with these Muffin Tin Meat Pies! Perfectly portioned and bursting with flavorful filling, these miniature pies are bound to become a family favorite. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or part of a meal, these individual pies offer convenience without sacrificing taste. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to savor the goodness of homemade meat pies, baked to perfection in a muffin tin!
Ingredients:
- 2 9-inch refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 medium onion, peeled and grated
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, grated onion, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, chopped sage, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a round cookie cutter or a drinking glass, cut out circles from the pie crusts that are slightly larger than the muffin tin cups.
- Press each pie crust circle into the greased muffin tin cups, making sure to form them into small bowls.
- Spoon the pork mixture evenly into each pie crust cup, filling them to the top.
- If desired, you can cut out smaller circles from the remaining pie crust and place them on top of the filled pies as decorative lids. Alternatively, you can leave them open-faced.
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is cooked through.
- Once done, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the meat pies cool for a few minutes before serving.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Feel free to customize the filling by using ground beef, turkey, chicken, or a combination of meats.
- Add your favorite seasonings and herbs to the filling for extra flavor. Experiment with options like thyme, rosemary, or garlic powder.
- For a touch of sweetness, consider adding a tablespoon of tomato paste or barbecue sauce to the filling mixture.
Keto Versions: For those following a keto diet, you can make these Muffin Tin Meat Pies keto-friendly by making a few simple substitutions:
- Replace the pie crusts with a homemade or store-bought keto-friendly crust made with almond flour or coconut flour.
- Use ground pork, beef, or chicken without any added fillers or breadcrumbs.
- Increase the amount of eggs or use a low-carb binder such as almond flour or flaxseed meal.
In conclusion, these Muffin Tin Meat Pies are a versatile and delicious addition to any mealtime spread. With their flaky crust and savory filling, they are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether enjoyed as a snack on the go or served alongside your favorite sides for a hearty meal, these individual pies are bound to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. So, gather your ingredients and let the aroma of freshly baked pies fill your kitchen today
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use a different type of meat for these pies? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of ground meat such as beef, turkey, chicken, or even lamb. You can also mix and match different meats to create unique flavor combinations.
- Can I make these pies ahead of time and freeze them? Yes, you can prepare these meat pies ahead of time and freeze them for later use. Once baked and cooled, individually wrap the pies in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
- What can I serve with these meat pies? These meat pies are versatile and can be served in various ways. They can be enjoyed on their own as a snack or appetizer, or served as part of a meal with sides such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a crisp salad.
- Can I make these pies in advance and reheat them? Yes, you can make these pies in advance and reheat them when ready to serve. Simply store the cooled pies in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Can I add vegetables to the filling? Absolutely! You can add diced vegetables such as carrots, peas, corn, or bell peppers to the filling mixture for added texture and flavor. Simply sauté the vegetables until tender before adding them to the meat mixture.
- Can I make these pies in mini muffin tins for bite-sized appetizers? Yes, you can adapt this recipe to make mini meat pies using a mini muffin tin. Simply use smaller circles of pie crust and adjust the baking time accordingly, as mini pies will cook faster than regular-sized ones.
More Tips and Suggestions:
- Brush the tops of the pies with beaten egg before baking to achieve a shiny, golden crust.
- For a flavor boost, you can add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the filling mixture.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, you can blind bake the pie crusts before adding the filling.
- These meat pies are perfect for packing in lunches or picnics and can be enjoyed hot or cold.
With these additional tips and FAQs, you’re all set to whip up a batch of these$$$$$$ irresistible Muffin Tin Meat Pies and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills$$$$$$
