Crispy Cajun-Inspired Hand Pies
These Crispy Cajun-inspired Hand Pies are the ultimate comfort food snack! Flaky puff pastry stuffed with crispy, cheesy tofu, caramelized onions, peppers, and a kick of Cajun spice. Perfect for game days, parties, or whenever you’re craving a handheld savory treat with a Southern twist!
Ingredients
- 1 (16-oz) block of extra firm tofu, pressed and diced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 ½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning, such as Slap Ya Mama or Tony Chachere’s, divided
- 3 tablespoons neutral oil, such as vegetable or canola, divided
- 1 medium white or yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 6 cloves fresh minced garlic
- 1 cup vegan cheddar shreds, at room temperature, plus more for garnish
- ¾ cup vegan mozzarella shreds, at room temperature
- 2 sheets vegan-friendly puff pastry, thawed (usually 1 box)
- 2 tablespoons melted vegan butter
- Fresh minced parsley, for garnish, optional
- Hot sauce, for serving, optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss the diced tofu with the cornstarch and 1 teaspoon of the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the tofu and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and crispy on all sides, 12 to 15 minutes.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in the same pan over medium heat.
- Add the onion and bell pepper. Cover and cook, stirring every few minutes, until caramelized, 10 to 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Add the reserved tofu back to the pan and toss to combine.
- Next, add the garlic and season with the remaining ½ teaspoon of the Cajun seasoning. Cook until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the mozzarella and cheddar until melted and creamy throughout, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out each puff pastry sheet slightly to smooth. Cut each into 9 squares (18 total).
- Place 2 tablespoons of the filling in the center of half of the pastry squares, leaving room at the edges.
- Top each pastry square with another square and seal the edges with a fork. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, brush the tops of the hand pies with the melted butter.
- Sprinkle the tops with a little extra cheddar (if using) and bake another 6 to 10 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
- Let cool at room temperature before serving.
- Garnish with fresh minced parsley and serve with your favorite hot sauce. ENJOY!
Video
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