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Turkey Hand Pies with Havarti & Cranberries: Your New Go-To Comfort Food

When it comes to quick and easy meals that deliver on both flavor and heartiness, Turkey Hand Pies with Havarti & Cranberries have got your back! Perfect for busy weeknights or as a delightful addition to your next gathering, these hand pies bring together the savory goodness of turkey, creamy Havarti cheese, and a hint of sweet cranberries—all tucked inside a flaky golden crust. Delicious? Absolutely! And trust me, they’re easier to whip up than you might think.

Let’s dive into why this recipe will become your go-to comfort food and how it can make your kitchen smell like heaven on a rainy day (or any day, really).

Why You’ll Love These Turkey Hand Pies

Life often throws us curveballs: work deadlines, family obligations, and the occasional surprise visitors. That’s why having a quick and delicious recipe on hand is essential. These turkey hand pies are versatile enough to be a meal or a snack, and they can be made ahead and frozen for those days when you just can’t. Plus, the combination of savory turkey and tangy cranberries is truly a bite of fall flavors you won’t want to miss.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to gather before we get into the fun part—cooking!

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup Havarti cheese, shredded
• ½ cup cranberries, dried or fresh
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 package pre-made pie crusts (because, let’s be honest, we love finding shortcuts!)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Making the Turkey Hand Pies

Step 1: Sauté the Turkey

In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s no longer pink—about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and season with salt and pepper. This fragrant mix will make your kitchen smell amazing!

Step 2: Mix It Up

Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Then, stir in the shredded Havarti and cranberries. Trust me, the creaminess of Havarti paired with the sweet tang of cranberries is a match made in culinary heaven.

Step 3: Prepare Your Crust

Roll out your pie crusts on a floured surface. You can either use a round cutter to make circles or cut them into squares. If your pie crusts could talk, they’d say, "Thank you for choosing the convenience of pre-made!"

Step 4: Assemble the Pies

Place a spoonful of the turkey mixture in the center of each crust circle or square. Fold the crust over to create a pocket and seal by pressing the edges with a fork. This is also where you can unleash your artistic flair! Crimp those edges like a pro, or keep it simple—whatever fits your vibe.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for that beautiful golden finish. Pop them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown. Your patience will reward you with golden, flaky goodness!

Cooking Tips

• Make Ahead: These hand pies are freezer-friendly. Just bake them, let them cool, and freeze them before cooking. When you’re ready to eat, bake them frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Adjust Ingredients: Don’t have Havarti? No worries! You can use any cheese you have on hand. Cheddar or Gouda work great too!
• Flavor Boost: If you want to get fancy, add a little bit of dijon mustard or chopped fresh herbs to the turkey mix for extra zing.

A Hint of My Story

You know, these turkey hand pies became famous in my kitchen when my kids insisted on having something "different” for dinner one night. After a little brainstorming (and a bit of trial and error), I whipped these up, and they were an instant hit! Now, I can’t take full credit—the kids do help with the sealing, and I think they enjoy making a mess just as much as eating the end product!

FAQs about Turkey Hand Pies

Can I substitute the turkey in this recipe?

Absolutely! If you’re in the mood for something different, ground chicken or even a plant-based substitute works wonderfully.

How can I store leftovers?

Leftovers? What leftovers? Just kidding! You can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for delicious, warm leftovers.

Wrapping Up

So there you have it—Turkey Hand Pies with Havarti & Cranberries are not just a meal; they’re a wonderful way to nourish your family and create lovely memories. You’ll find they make a delightful dinner or a perfect finger food for your next gathering. Give them a try, and believe me, you’ll be adding this recipe to your kitchen repertoire!

Don’t forget—cooking is all about enjoyment. As you create these delicious hand pies, remember to savor the process and maybe even dance a little in your kitchen. Life’s too short not to enjoy the small moments, right? Now, grab an apron and start your hand pie adventure!

Meta Description: Turkey Hand Pies with Havarti & Cranberries are quick, easy, and delicious! Perfect for busy nights or gatherings, try this recipe today!

Explore more delightful recipes on my blog, like Savory Chicken Pot Pie or check out my tips for making Flaky Pie Crusts that will elevate your baking game!