Cheese and Bacon Pasties: A Taste of Home

My grandmother, bless her heart, had a remedy for everything. A scraped knee? A cheese and bacon pasty. A gloomy day? A cheese and bacon pasty. A celebratory occasion? You guessed it – cheese and bacon pasties! These weren’t just a meal; they were edible hugs, warm pockets of savory goodness that somehow made everything a little bit better. The smell alone baking in the oven transported me back to her cozy kitchen, filled with laughter and the comforting aroma of home.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Yield: 8 pasties
• Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 8 ounces flour
• 2 ounces butter
• 1 egg
• 4 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 8 ounces cheese, grated (cheddar works wonderfully, but feel free to experiment!)
• 2 eggs
• 8 ounces bacon
• Milk, for glazing
• Oil, for frying
• Butter, for greasing

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Microwave or saucepan for melting butter
• Frying pan
• Whisk or fork
• Knife
• Chopping board
• Rolling pin
• Pastry brush
• Fork
• Spatula
• Greased baking tin

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Add the egg to the flour mixture and combine well.
3. Melt the butter in the microwave (about 30 seconds) or in a small saucepan over low heat. Be careful not to burn it!
4. Add the melted butter to the flour and egg mixture.
5. Gradually add the water, mixing until a dough forms. You might not need all the water, so add it slowly until the dough comes together. The dough should be smooth and pliable.
6. Wrap the dough in cling film and place it in the fridge to chill while you prepare the filling. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender crust.
7. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
8. Prepare the Bacon: Heat a small amount of oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
9. Cut the bacon into small pieces and fry until crispy and cooked through. Drain the bacon on paper towels to remove any excess grease.
10. Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs with a fork or whisk.
11. Add the fried bacon and grated cheese to the beaten eggs. Mix well to combine.
12. Assemble the Pasties: Remove the dough from the fridge.
13. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces.
14. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each piece of dough into a pasty-sized round, about 6-8 inches in diameter. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
15. Place a generous dessert spoon of the bacon and cheese filling onto one half of each dough round.
16. With a pastry brush, lightly brush the edge of each round with milk. This will act as a glue to seal the pasties.
17. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
18. Seal the edges by pressing down firmly with a fork. This not only seals the pasties but also creates a decorative crimped edge.
19. Prick the top of each pasty with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. This will prevent the pasties from bursting.
20. Glaze the top of each pasty with milk for a golden-brown finish.
21. Bake the Pasties: Use a spatula to carefully transfer the pasties to a greased baking tin. Ensure the tin is well-greased to prevent sticking.
22. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the pasties are golden brown and the filling is heated through and bubbly.
23. Let the pasties cool slightly on the baking tin before serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Cheese Choice: While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick.
• Bacon Perfection: For extra crispy bacon, try baking it in the oven instead of frying. Spread the bacon slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy.
• Dough Consistency: If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time.
• Make-Ahead Option: The dough can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The filling can also be prepared in advance and stored separately. Assemble the pasties just before baking for the best results.
• Preventing Soggy Bottoms: Ensure your oven is properly preheated and the baking tin is well-greased. You can also place a baking stone in the oven to help distribute heat evenly.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the cheese and bacon pasties warm, straight from the oven, as a satisfying lunch, snack, or light dinner. They are delicious on their own, or you can pair them with a side salad or a dollop of chutney for added flavor.

Storage: Leftover pasties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They are best reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may become slightly softer.

Freezing: To freeze pasties, allow them to cool completely after baking. Wrap each pasty individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the pasties in the refrigerator overnight and then bake them in the oven as directed above.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	405 kcal	20%
Total Fat	28g	43%
Saturated Fat	13g	65%
Cholesterol	132mg	44%
Sodium	869mg	36%
Total Carbohydrate	24g	8%
Dietary Fiber	1g	4%
Sugars	0g	0%
Protein	14g	28%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the bacon with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables.
• Gluten-Free Pasties: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the dough. You may need to add a binding agent like xanthan gum.
• Spicy Pasties: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the filling for a little heat.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, mozzarella, or pepper jack.
• Herbs: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the filling for added flavor.
• Sweet Pasties: For a sweet twist, fill the pasties with fruit and a little sugar. Apples, berries, or cherries would all be delicious.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make the pasties ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the dough and filling ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the pasties just before serving for the best results.

Q: How do I prevent the pasties from sticking to the baking tin?
A: Make sure to grease the baking tin well with butter or cooking spray. You can also line the tin with parchment paper.

Q: Can I freeze the pasties?
A: Yes, you can freeze the pasties after baking. Allow them to cool completely, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container.

Q: What if my dough is too dry?
A: Add a teaspoon of water at a time until the dough comes together. Be careful not to add too much water, or the dough will become too sticky.

Q: How can I make sure the filling is cooked through?
A: Bake the pasties until they are golden brown and the filling is heated through and bubbly. You can also use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the filling. It should reach 165°F (74°C).

Final Thoughts

These cheese and bacon pasties are more than just a recipe; they’re a little slice of comfort, a reminder of simpler times, and a celebration of delicious, homemade food. I encourage you to try this recipe and create your own warm memories. Feel free to adapt it to your liking, experiment with different cheeses and fillings, and share your creations with loved ones. And don’t forget to let me know what you think – your feedback is always welcome! Enjoy your baking!