Homemade Thanksgiving Pasties

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🥧 Homemade Thanksgiving Pasties

A Hearty, Hand-Held Celebration of Fall Flavors

🌾 Introduction

Thanksgiving pasties take everything beloved about a traditional Thanksgiving dinner — tender turkey, earthy vegetables, fragrant herbs, and nostalgic spices — and wrap it all into a warm, golden, flaky crust. Originally inspired by the Cornish pasty and later adopted by Midwest mining communities, pasties have evolved into one of the coziest and most versatile comfort foods. This Thanksgiving version brings together holiday tradition and rustic charm, perfect for using leftovers or crafting a unique seasonal meal from scratch.

📝 Ingredients

✨ For the Pasty Dough

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cold unsalted butter, diced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup ice-cold water (more as needed)
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)

✨ For the Filling

  • 2 cups cooked turkey, chopped (light or dark meat)
  • 1 cup cooked or raw diced potatoes
  • 1 cup cooked diced carrots
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1/2 cup sweet corn
  • 1/2 cup cooked green beans, chopped
  • 1/2 cup stuffing (optional for extra Thanksgiving flavor)
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional for a sweet contrast)
  • 1/2 cup gravy (plus extra for serving)
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tsp sage
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Salt to taste

🍴 Instructions (Step-by-Step)

1. Make the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, whisk flour and salt.
  2. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Slowly add ice water and mix until a firm dough forms.
  4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes.

2. Prepare the Filling

  1. Combine turkey, vegetables, herbs, and cranberries (optional).
  2. Stir in gravy until the mixture is moist but not soupy.
  3. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

3. Form the Pasties

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
  2. Divide dough into 6–8 equal portions.
  3. Roll each portion into an 8–9 inch circle.
  4. Place a generous amount of filling in the center of each dough circle.
  5. Fold the dough over to make a half-moon shape.
  6. Crimp the edges tightly with your fingers or a fork to seal.
  7. Brush with egg wash for a glossy golden finish.

4. Bake

  1. Place pasties on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. Bake 35–45 minutes, or until deeply golden brown.
  3. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

🔧 Methods (Deep-Dive)

1. Traditional Method

Uses diced, raw potatoes and carrots that cook inside the pasty. This gives a rustic texture and earthy flavor.

2. Thanksgiving Leftovers Method

Instead of raw vegetables, use leftover mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, stuffing, and gravy. This reduces cook time and adds holiday authenticity.

3. Gravy-Infusion Method

Mix gravy directly into the filling for extra moisture and richness.

4. Sweet-Savory Method

Add dried cranberries or a small spoonful of cranberry sauce for brightness.

📚 A Bit of History

The pasty (pronounced PASS-tee) originated in Cornwall, England, during the 12th century. It was a hearty, portable meal for miners who needed something that stayed warm and could be eaten by hand.

In the United States, pasties became especially popular in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula due to Cornish immigrant miners. Over time, families adapted the fillings based on what ingredients were abundant — leading eventually to modern variations like chicken, beef, vegetarian, and now, the festive Thanksgiving pasty.

🔨 Formation (How to Shape the Perfect Pasty)

To create the signature half-moon shape:

  1. Roll dough into uniform circles (this ensures even baking).
  2. Pile filling high in the center — too little filling makes a dry pasty.
  3. Fold one side over the filling.
  4. Press edges together firmly.
  5. Crimp by folding small sections of dough over themselves for a decorative rope-like edge.
  6. Vent the top with a small slit to release steam.

❤️ Lovers (Who Loves Thanksgiving Pasties?)

  • Leftover Lovers — People who can’t get enough of the after-Thanksgiving fridge treasure.
  • Busy Families — Because these pasties freeze, reheat, and travel beautifully.
  • Fall Flavor Fanatics — Anyone obsessed with sage, thyme, roasted vegetables, and cozy food.
  • Hand-Held Food Enthusiasts — Perfect for road trips, work lunches, or outdoor gatherings.
  • Holiday Rebels — Folks who want Thanksgiving flavors without the full feast.

🥧 Conclusion

Homemade Thanksgiving pasties are a warm embrace of tradition, creativity, and comfort. Whether you build them from scratch or repurpose beloved holiday leftovers, they are hearty, nostalgic, and perfect for sharing. Each pasty is a small, golden pocket of gratitude — ideal for fall celebrations, winter evenings, or any moment you need a taste of home.

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