Irresistible Cheesy Italian Sausage Croutes: Your Ultimate Savory Hand Pie Recipe
Have you ever encountered the delightful world of croutes? Originating from French culinary traditions, a ‘croute’ literally means a crust or a pastry case. While they can be sweet, often featuring fruit fillings, the savory variations are truly exceptional. These individual, often handheld, pastry pockets offer an incredible canvas for a myriad of fillings, making them a versatile dish for any occasion. They are essentially a sophisticated, European take on the concept of a savory hand pie – perfect for a grab-and-go snack, a charming appetizer, or a unique light meal.
The inspiration for this particular recipe came from an unexpected source: my husband! He stumbled upon a recipe and, perhaps without fully grasping the French nomenclature, was immediately drawn in by the promise of a delicious sausage filling. For him, the prospect of a savory pastry brimming with hearty sausage was enough to spark an immediate request. And so, the journey to create these incredible Cheesy Italian Sausage Croutes began, transforming a simple idea into a new family favorite. These aren’t just pastries; they are bite-sized parcels of comfort, packed with flavor that will have everyone reaching for more.
For my version of these irresistible croutes, I decided to infuse them with a vibrant Italian essence. The filling is a delectable blend of robust Italian sausage, creamy ricotta cheese, melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella, a generous dash of aromatic Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of sharp Parmesan cheese. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: the Italian sausage provides a rich, savory base with a hint of spice, while the ricotta adds a delightful creaminess that balances the texture. Mozzarella ensures that irresistible cheesy pull, and Parmesan layers in an extra depth of salty, umami flavor. The Italian seasoning ties all these elements together, creating a harmonious and deeply satisfying experience in every bite. This combination makes these savory hand pies truly exceptional, standing out as a perfect blend of convenience and gourmet flavor.
Knowing my family’s fondness for dipping, serving these sausage croutes with a warm marinara sauce on the side was a no-brainer. The tangy, slightly sweet marinara perfectly complements the rich and savory filling, adding another layer of flavor and moisture. This thoughtful addition elevates the entire dish, making it even more appealing, especially for younger eaters. True to prediction, these Cheesy Italian Sausage Croutes were an instant hit. My 8-year-old, usually a discerning critic, devoured three without hesitation and immediately inquired when I’d be making them again – a sure sign of culinary success in our household! These Italian inspired snacks are now a regular request.
The Endless Versatility of Croutes: Beyond Italian Sausage
While our Italian sausage and cheese filling is undeniably a star, the true beauty of croutes lies in their incredible versatility. Think of them as a blank canvas, ready to be painted with any flavor profile you desire. The original recipe my husband found, for instance, suggested a combination of sausage, Swiss cheese, horseradish, and mustard – a completely different yet equally intriguing flavor dynamic. There was also an all-cheese version, proving that sometimes simplicity is key. The possibilities genuinely are endless, limited only by your imagination and the ingredients in your pantry. This makes homemade croutes a fantastic way to experiment in the kitchen.
Consider a few other delightful filling ideas to inspire your croute creations, transforming them from a simple snack into a diverse culinary experience:
- Breakfast Croutes: Imagine starting your day with a croute filled with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon bits or crumbled breakfast sausage, and sharp cheddar cheese. These are fantastic for brunch, a convenient weekday breakfast, or even a savory addition to a breakfast buffet.
- Vegetarian Delights: For a lighter option, roast a medley of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, onions, and mushrooms, then mix them with a soft cheese like creamy feta or tangy goat cheese, and a handful of fresh spinach. A sprinkle of herbs de Provence would make these truly aromatic and give them a Mediterranean twist.
- Southwestern Kick: Ground beef or chicken, seasoned with zesty taco spices, combined with black beans, sweet corn, a dollop of vibrant salsa, and Monterey Jack cheese could transport your taste buds to a fiesta. Serve these with a side of guacamole or sour cream for an authentic experience.
- Classic Comfort: Leftover shredded chicken mixed with cream cheese and a dash of fiery buffalo sauce makes for a zesty, comforting treat – perfect for game day! Or, for the ultimate comfort food, a savory filling of creamy mashed potatoes and sharp cheddar cheese, perhaps with some chives.
- Seafood Sensation: For an elegant appetizer, consider flaked salmon or tender crab meat mixed with cream cheese, fresh dill, and a squeeze of lemon juice. These sophisticated croutes would be a hit at any special gathering.
- Sweet Indulgence (Dessert Croutes): While primarily savory, the dough can also lend itself to sweet fillings. Think apple pie filling with a touch of cinnamon, or cream cheese and berry compote for a delightful pastry dessert.
The dough itself provides a wonderful, slightly sweet, and buttery base that complements both savory and slightly sweet fillings. This recipe yields a generous 30 croutes, making them ideal for gatherings, meal prepping, or simply ensuring you have delicious snacks on hand. We typically enjoy about half of them fresh, and the remainder are perfect for freezing croutes. This makes them a fantastic make-ahead option: simply bring them to room temperature, then bake them in the oven to reheat. This process not only warms them through but also restores their delightful crispness, making them taste freshly baked. Croutes truly make fun and memorable appetizers at any party, promising to be a unique crowd-pleaser and an easy croute recipe for entertaining.
Tips for Perfect Croute Making
Crafting these savory hand pies, or croutes, is a rewarding experience, and a few simple tips can ensure your results are consistently perfect. The dough is the foundation of a great croute. When preparing it, pay close attention to the water temperature for activating the yeast – it should be warm, not hot (120-130°F or 49-54°C), to ensure the yeast flourishes. Too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate properly. Kneading, whether by electric mixer or by hand, is crucial for developing the gluten, resulting in a smooth, elastic dough that’s easy to work with and provides that satisfying chewiness in the final product. Don’t rush the rising process; allow the dough to double in size in a lightly oiled bowl, covered, which usually takes about an hour depending on your kitchen’s temperature. A well-risen dough will give your croutes a lighter, more tender texture.
Once your dough is ready, punching it down gently to release the air and then dividing it into equal portions is key for consistent croute size. This recipe calls for 30 golf-ball sized pieces, ensuring uniform cooking and presentation. Rolling each portion into a 4-inch circle provides the ideal canvas for your filling. Be mindful not to overfill, as this can make sealing difficult and lead to leakage during baking, which nobody wants! A tablespoon or two of filling is usually sufficient to create a plump, satisfying croute without compromising the seal. When sealing, press the edges firmly together, and then use the tines of a fork to create a decorative, secure seal. This step not only makes them look professionally made but also prevents your delicious filling from escaping during baking. Brushing the tops with a beaten egg before baking gives them that beautiful golden-brown sheen and a slightly crispy exterior, adding to their overall appeal and texture.
Storage and Reheating for Maximum Enjoyment
One of the best features of these Cheesy Italian Sausage Croutes is how well they store, making them an excellent choice for meal prep or for having ready-to-go snacks. After baking, allow any leftover croutes to cool completely before storing. For short-term storage, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to enjoy, simply pop them back into a preheated oven at around 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp. Microwaving is an option for speed, but the oven method is highly recommended for preserving their desirable texture.
For longer storage, these croutes freeze beautifully. To freeze them, arrange the baked and completely cooled croutes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about an hour or until the croutes are solid. This step, known as flash-freezing, prevents them from sticking together in the storage bag. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months without any loss of quality. When you’re ready to serve, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand. Simply bake them directly from frozen in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are hot in the center and their crusts are beautifully crisp once again. This method makes them incredibly convenient for spontaneous entertaining, a quick, satisfying snack, or a hassle-free addition to family-friendly meals. Enjoy the convenience of having these delicious, cheesy sausage pastry delights ready whenever you crave them!
Cheesey Sausage Croutes
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Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup water, (120-130F)
- 1/2 cup butter, , softed
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 Tbls sugar
- 3 1/2 cups bread flour
- 2 1/4 tsp 1 envelope active dry yeast
Filling
- 1 pound Italian sausage, , browned and drained
- 1 1/4 cup Mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup Ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Topping
- 1 egg, , beaten
Instructions
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In the bowl for an electric mixer, combine 1 cup flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add softened butter, and hot water. Mix with a paddle attachment until well combined (a couple minutes). Slowly add the remaining flour. Once the dough comes together, switch to a dough hook and continue on low speed for 5-7 minutes. Note – If you don’t have a mixer, just knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
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Place dough in lightly oiled bowl. Cover; let rise until dough tests ripe. About an hour.
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Meanwhile prepare the filling. In a bowl mix together cooked sausage with the rest of the ingredients. Stir until everything is mixed together. Set aside.
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
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Once the dough is ready, turn onto a floured surface, and punch it down. Divide into 6 pieces. Then divide each of those pieces into 5. You will have a total of 30 balls of dough (they will be about the size of a golf ball).
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Pat or roll each ball into a 4 inch circle. Fill with 1-2 Tbls of filling. Fold the circle in half and press to seal the edges. Use a fork to make sure everything is sealed tightly. Place on a greased or silpat lined baking sheet. Brush the top with the beaten egg.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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*Red Star Yeast has compensated me for the use of my photos on their site