Hand pies, pasties, whatever you want to call them are a great alternative to making a sandwich when you’re headed out on a mini-picnic (in March!), so I made these Potato Leek and Cheddar ones before heading out. Bacon would have been a lovely addition but I didn’t have any in the fridge. So yummy. So easy too — just remember to take the puff pastry out of the fridge the night before. And I am off on my mini-adventure!
Ingredients
1 box frozen puff pastry, both sheets, thawed according to the package
1 large egg + 1 teaspoon milk, for the egg wash
for the filling
2-3 medium Yukon gold potatoes (roughly 1 pound)
1 large leek, white and light green parts (roughly 8 ounces)
1 small yellow onion, cut into 3/4-inch dice
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon chopped dried thyme)
1 and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon kosher salt
3 tablespoons heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated sharp white cheddar cheese
Directions
Thaw both sheets of frozen puff pastry according to the package instructions. Preheat the oven to 375F with a rack in the center position. Combine the egg and milk in a small bowl, whisk together, and set aside.
Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. Using a mandolin, slice the potatoes into 1/4-inch thick half-moon slices. Slice the leek lengthwise and rinse well under cold water, separating the leaves with your fingers to remove any sand or grit. Pat dry. Slice the leek halves crosswise into 1/2-inch slices. Place the sliced potatoes, leeks, and diced onion on a half sheet pan and toss with the olive oil, dried thyme, freshly ground black pepper, and salt. Spread into a thin, even layer (the mixture will overlap slightly). Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, carefully flipping the mixture every 10 minutes or so, or until the potatoes, leeks, and onions are lightly caramelized and the potatoes are mostly cooked through. Remove from the oven and transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the heavy cream and gently toss with a spoon to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Line a second sheet pan with parchment paper or silpat. Increase the oven temperature to 400F.
On a well-floured surface, unfold one piece of puff pastry sheet. Using a floured rolling pin, roll the sheet into a 10-inch-wide by 12-inch-long rectangle. Using a sharp knife, cut into four equal-sized rectangles (these will serve as the bottom half of each pastry). Repeat with the remaining piece of puff pastry and set aside. Set the bottom pastry rectangles on the parchment-lined sheet pan. Distribute the potato-leek filling evenly into a thick, even layer onto the bottom half of each pastry rectangle, leaving a 1/2-inch border on all sides. Distribute the grated cheddar evenly on top of each potato-leek filling. Brush the borders lightly with the egg wash.
Using the rolling pin, roll the remaining rectangles so they are slightly larger in size than the bottom pastry rectangles. Place each piece on top of the potato and cheese filling, lining up the edges (avoid stretching the dough if possible). Crimp the borders of each pastry by pressing with a lightly floured fork to seal. Arrange the pasties on the sheet pan, spacing them evenly apart. Brush the top of each pasty with egg wash and cut a slit or two in the top pastry. Sprinkle lightly with salt and black pepper.
Bake the pasties at 400F, rotating the pan halfway through, until the pasties are deep golden brown in color, 25 to 30 minutes. Allow to cool for a few minutes and serve hot from the oven.
