How to Make Mini Sausage & Apple Pies in Parmesan Crust

Mini Sausage & Apple Pies in Parmesan Crust are the perfect bite-sized appetizers that pack a punch of flavor in every mouthful. These delightful pies combine the savory taste of sausage with the sweet tang of apples, all wrapped up in a crispy Parmesan and thyme crust. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a delicious snack, these mini pies are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to create these scrumptious treats step-by-step.

Ingredients for Mini Sausage & Apple Pies in Parmesan Crust

For the Parmesan Thyme Crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup ice water (more if needed)

For the Sausage & Apple Filling:

• 1/2 pound ground sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
• 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

How to Make Mini Sausage & Apple Pies in Parmesan Crust

Step 1: Prepare the Parmesan Thyme Crust

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough; it should just come together when pressed.
4. Form the dough into a ball, flatten it into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will help the dough to firm up and make it easier to roll out.

Step 2: Prepare the Sausage & Apple Filling

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
2. Add the ground sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through.
3. Add the diced apple to the skillet, along with the ground cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the apple is slightly softened.
4. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the filling to cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Mini Pies

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles from the dough.
3. Place a small spoonful of the sausage and apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges together to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch.
4. Arrange the mini pies on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them a golden, shiny finish.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown and the crust is crisp.
6. Remove from the oven and let the pies cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these delightful bites warm or at room temperature.

About the Main Ingredients

Parmesan Cheese:
Parmesan cheese adds a rich, nutty flavor to the crust, making it more savory and enhancing the overall taste of the pies. Parmesan is a hard, aged cheese with a granular texture that melts beautifully when baked, providing a perfect balance of flavor and texture to the crust.

Thyme:
Thyme is an aromatic herb that pairs wonderfully with both savory and sweet ingredients. In this recipe, fresh thyme leaves infuse the crust with a subtle earthy flavor, complementing the savory sausage and sweet apple filling. If fresh thyme is unavailable, dried thyme works as a suitable substitute.

Sausage:
Ground sausage is the star of the filling, bringing a rich and savory element to the pies. Depending on your preference, you can use mild or spicy sausage to add a bit of heat. Sausage is versatile and combines well with various ingredients, making it a popular choice for many dishes.

Apple:
Apples add a touch of sweetness and a pleasant texture to the filling. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are excellent choices as they hold their shape well during cooking and offer a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. The combination of sausage and apple creates a harmonious blend of flavors.

Spices:
Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and depth to the filling, enhancing the natural sweetness of the apples. These spices are commonly used in both sweet and savory dishes and work well to create a cozy, comforting flavor profile in the pies.

Butter:
Cold, unsalted butter is essential for creating a flaky, tender crust. When the butter melts during baking, it releases steam, which helps to create layers in the dough, resulting in a light and crispy texture.

Egg:
The beaten egg serves as an egg wash, giving the pies a beautiful golden-brown color and a glossy finish. It also helps to seal the edges of the pies, ensuring the filling stays inside during baking.

In conclusion, Mini Sausage & Apple Pies in Parmesan Crust are a delightful appetizer that combines savory sausage, sweet apples, and a crispy, cheesy crust. The harmonious blend of flavors and textures makes these mini pies a hit at any gathering. With this detailed recipe, you’ll be able to create these delicious bites with ease and impress your guests with your culinary skills. Enjoy!