Are you tired of the same old dinner options? Look no further! Today, we're going to explore a mouth - watering food mashup that combines the best of a juicy cheeseburger with the charm of savory pies. This recipe is not only delicious but also offers a great deal of flexibility in terms of ingredients.
We've chosen to use ground chicken in this recipe, but don't let that limit you. If you're a fan of turkey, you can easily swap the ground chicken for ground turkey. And for those who can't resist the classic beefy flavor, beef is also a perfect substitute. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability to your personal taste preferences.
Let's start with the preparation. First, gather all your ingredients. You'll need ground chicken (or your chosen meat), breadcrumbs, an egg, grated cheese, onions, garlic, salt, pepper, and a bit of paprika for that extra kick. The breadcrumbs will help bind the meat together, while the egg acts as a natural binder as well. The grated cheese is, of course, the star of the show, adding that rich, gooey goodness to every bite.
Chop the onions and garlic finely. Heat a small amount of oil in a pan and sauté them until they turn translucent. This step is crucial as it brings out the sweet flavor of the onions and mellows the sharpness of the garlic. Once they're done, let them cool down a bit before adding them to the ground meat.
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, cooled onion - garlic mixture, breadcrumbs, egg, grated cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands. Make sure all the ingredients are well - incorporated, but be careful not to over - mix, as this can make the meat mixture tough.
Now, it's time to shape the mixture. Divide it into equal portions and form them into small patties. These patties will be the filling for our savory pies. You can make them as thick or as thin as you like, depending on your preference.
For the pie crust, you can either make your own from scratch or use pre - made pie crusts. If you're making it from scratch, combine flour, salt, and butter in a bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Then, add a little water and mix until a dough forms. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut it into circles large enough to fit your patties.
Place a patty in the center of each pie crust circle. Fold the crust over the patty, sealing the edges by pressing them together firmly. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch. Make a few small slits on the top of each pie to allow steam to escape during baking.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops of the pies with a little beaten egg for a golden - brown finish. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 25 - 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the meat is cooked through. You can check the doneness of the meat by cutting into one of the pies and making sure there's no pink left in the center.
Once the pies are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle and makes the pies easier to handle. You can serve these savory pies with a side of fries, a fresh salad, or even some coleslaw. They're perfect for a family dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or even as a meal prep option for the week.
The combination of the juicy, cheesy meat filling and the flaky pie crust creates a symphony of flavors in your mouth. Each bite is a burst of savory goodness that will leave you craving more. And with the option to use different types of meat, you can make this recipe again and again without getting bored.
So, the next time you're looking for a new dinner idea, give this cheeseburger - savory pie mashup a try. It's a recipe that's sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the process of making it and, most importantly, enjoy the delicious results!