If cozy had a flavor, it might just taste like these Chorizo, Pumpkin & Caramelised Onion Hand-Pies. Golden, flaky pastry wrapped around a savory, slightly sweet filling that’s bursting with bold flavors this recipe is the ultimate comfort food hug in hand-held form. You get the smokiness of chorizo, the sweetness of caramelised onions, and the earthy warmth of roasted pumpkin all dancing together in perfect harmony.

These little beauties are perfect for everything from lunchboxes to cozy dinners, picnic spreads, or just those times when you want something hearty and satisfying but totally portable. They’re rustic, charming, and honestly? Kind of addictive. Let’s just say: once you try them, there’s no going back.

Why You’ll Love Chorizo, Pumpkin & Caramelised Onion Hand-Pies

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Great for lunch, dinner, or an on-the-go snack. Dress them up with a side salad or enjoy them solo.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients that go a long way, especially when stretched with pastry.
Quick and Easy: With pre-made pastry and roasted pumpkin, these come together in no time.
Customizable: Don’t eat meat? Swap the chorizo for mushrooms or lentils and you’ve got a delicious vegetarian version.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Chorizo, Pumpkin & Caramelised Onion Hand-Pies

Each element in these hand-pies brings something unique, and together they create magic. Here’s the delicious rundown:

Puff Pastry

Flaky, buttery, and golden when baked the perfect vessel for that rich filling.

Chorizo

Spicy, smoky sausage that infuses the filling with tons of flavor and just the right kick.

Roasted Pumpkin

Soft, slightly sweet, and earthy. Roasting brings out the natural sugars and gives a caramelized edge that plays beautifully with the chorizo.

Caramelised Onions

Deeply golden and sweet — they mellow everything out and give the pies a rich, luxurious taste.

Garlic

Because everything savory tastes better with a little garlic depth.

Olive Oil

Used to sauté and bring everything together with a silky finish.

Thyme

A fragrant herb that adds a touch of warmth and pairs beautifully with both pumpkin and sausage.

Salt & Pepper

To enhance all the flavors without overwhelming them.

Egg (for Egg Wash)

Brushed over the pastry for that irresistible golden, glossy finish.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (390°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and a crisp pastry base.

Combine Ingredients

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chorizo and cook until just starting to crisp. Stir in the garlic and caramelised onions, then add roasted pumpkin and thyme. Cook for a few more minutes until everything is combined and warmed through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel

Roll out the puff pastry and cut into equal-sized rectangles or circles, depending on your preferred hand-pie shape.

Assemble the Dish

Spoon the filling onto one half of each pastry piece, leaving a border around the edges. Fold over and crimp the edges with a fork to seal. Use a knife to cut a small steam vent in the top of each pie.

Cook to Perfection

Brush each pie with the beaten egg and bake for 20–25 minutes or until puffed, golden, and crisp.

Finishing Touches

Let the pies cool for a few minutes on a wire rack. This helps the filling set a bit and keeps the bottoms crisp.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm with a side salad, a bowl of soup, or just as is with your favorite dipping sauce. They’re delicious hot, warm, or even at room temp!

Nutrition Facts: Servings: 6–8 hand-pies Calories per serving: ~350–400

Preparation Time Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Chorizo, Pumpkin & Caramelised Onion Hand-Pies

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• A crisp arugula or spinach salad with balsamic glaze
• Roasted tomato soup for dunking
• A side of tangy yogurt or garlic aioli
• Pickles or chutney for a fun, zesty contrast
• Warm apple cider or a chilled glass of white wine, depending on the season

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Make a big batch and freeze unbaked pies for future cravings
• Use leftover roasted veggies like sweet potato or squash if you’re out of pumpkin
• Add a little cheese (like feta or mozzarella) for extra indulgence
• You can caramelize a big batch of onions in advance and refrigerate them
• Try it with spicy harissa for a North African twist
• Don’t skip the egg wash it’s what gives that irresistible golden crust
• Let filling cool slightly before adding it to the pastry to avoid soggy bottoms
• Experiment with shapes triangles, circles, or even mini pies
• Serve with a little hot sauce if you love spice
• These make an excellent grab-and-go lunch or picnic star

FAQ’s

1. Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
Yes, it works beautifully and saves time.

2. Can these be made vegetarian?
Absolutely swap the chorizo for mushrooms, lentils, or more veggies.

3. Can I freeze the hand-pies?
Yes, freeze them before baking, then bake from frozen, adding 5–10 extra minutes.

4. What kind of pumpkin works best?
Butternut or sugar pumpkin are great options for flavor and texture.

5. Can I use shortcrust pastry instead?
You can! It’ll be less flaky, more pie-like, but still delicious.

6. How do I prevent soggy pastry?
Cool the filling slightly before assembling, and don’t overfill the pies.

7. Can I make these ahead?
Yes, assemble in advance and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

8. What dipping sauces go well with these?
Garlic aioli, sour cream, or spicy tomato chutney are all amazing options.

9. Can I make mini versions for appetizers?
Totally! Just reduce the filling amount and baking time accordingly.

10. How do I reheat leftovers?
Pop them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10–15 minutes to crisp back up.

Conclusion

These Chorizo, Pumpkin & Caramelised Onion Hand-Pies are the kind of recipe that hits all the right notes rich, hearty, flavorful, and wrapped in golden pastry. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying one solo for lunch, or handing them to a hungry friend straight from the oven, they deliver that perfect mix of comfort and excitement. Go ahead and make a batch your future self will thank you.

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