Emerald Isle Mini Shepherds Pies
Table of Contents
Emerald Isle Mini Shepherd's Pies: Your St. Patricks Day Appetizers sorted!
Fancy a bit of luck o' the Irish on your plate? Honestly, who doesn't love st patricks day appetizers ? These Emerald Isle Mini Shepherd's Pies are just the ticket.
Think bite sized comfort food that's perfect for sharing. They are perfect green appetizers st patricks day
A Wee Bit of Ireland in Every Bite
These mini irish pies take inspiration from classic shepherd's pie. It's irish pub food at home , simplified and shrunk! These little beauties are easier to manage than a full pie.
Perfect for a party. This gives you a taste of tradition. Each bite is a celebration of Irish flavors!
Making these pies requires a bit of love, honestly. Don't worry, it's manageable. Prep takes about 45 minutes, plus 30 minutes in the oven.
This recipe yields 24 adorable st patricks day finger foods . I reckon that's enough for your friends and family!
Why These Mini Pies Rock
These lamb appetizer recipes pack a nutritional punch. Lamb is a good source of protein. Plus, you get veggies hidden inside.
They're ideal for a St. Patrick's Day bash! They're also a fantastic way to use up leftover lamb. What sets them apart? The combo of savory filling and creamy potato.
Ready to roll up your sleeves? Let's gather the ingredients!
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Emerald Isle Mini Shepherd's Pies
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. We're making these st patricks day appetizers easy enough for anyone to try.
And trust me, these Emerald Isle Mini Shepherd's Pies are worth the effort. You'll be the star of your irish appetizers for party .
Main Ingredients: Let's Get Specific
Here's what you'll need. I've included both US and metric measurements because, you know, we're all friends here.
For the Dough: This is where the magic starts!
- All-purpose flour: 2 ½ cups (315g) . Use a good quality flour. It makes a difference!
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (5g) . Table salt is fine.
- Cold unsalted butter: 1 cup (227g) , cut into ½-inch cubes. Seriously, keep it cold .
- Ice water: ½ cup (120ml) .
For the Lamb Filling: The heart of our mini shepherd's pie recipe .
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Extra virgin olive oil is best, but any will do.
- Ground lamb: 1 pound (454g) . Look for lamb with a good amount of marbling.
- Yellow onion: 1 medium , chopped.
- Carrots: 2 , peeled and diced.
- Celery stalks: 2 , diced.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
- Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon .
- Dried rosemary: ½ teaspoon .
- Beef broth: ¼ cup (60ml) . Adds depth to the flavor.
- Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons (30ml) .
- Frozen peas: 1 cup (120g) . I like the petite ones.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste. Don't be shy!
For the Potato Topping: That creamy goodness on top.
- Yukon Gold potatoes: 2 pounds (907g) , peeled and quartered. These are the best for mashing.
- Whole milk: ½ cup (120ml) .
- Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons (57g) .
- Salt and freshly ground white pepper: To taste.
- Optional: A few drops of green food coloring. Go all out for green appetizers st patricks day !
Egg Wash: For that golden finish
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon of milk
Seasoning Notes: A Dash of Irish Luck
Thyme and rosemary are key here. These flavors scream "Irish pub food at home". If you're missing one, just use a bit more of the other.
A pinch of cayenne in the lamb filling? Trust me, you won't regret it.
k_annotated: Adding beef broth brings a savoury richness that perfectly complements the lamb. The tomato paste lends a subtle depth of flavour.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You don't need a fancy kitchen to make these st patricks day finger foods . Here's what's essential:
- Food processor: Optional , but it makes the dough way easier.
- Rolling pin: For rolling out the dough. A wine bottle works in a pinch!
- 2 ½-inch round cookie cutter: The secret to uniform mini irish pies .
- Muffin tin: 24 cup capacity.
- Piping bag with star tip: Optional , but makes for a pretty potato swirl.
- Large pot: For boiling the potatoes.
- Potato masher or ricer: I prefer a ricer for super smooth potatoes.
Don't fret if you don't have everything listed. Get creative! Using a fork in place of the piping bag? Genius! Now get cooking, my friend!.
K_annotated: These lamb appetizer recipes will have everyone asking for more.
You'll want to serve these savory hand pies on st patricks day, to make sure everyone is in great spirits, especially when you are offering also, great Guinness food pairings.
Emerald Isle Mini Shepherd's Pies: Your St. Patrick's Day Star!
Looking for st patricks day appetizers that are both tasty and cute? Oh my gosh, you've hit the jackpot! These Emerald Isle Mini Shepherd's Pies are where it's at.
They're like little edible pots of gold! Ditch the boring crudités. These savory hand pies st patricks day are the perfect st patricks day finger foods .
Think of it as irish pub food at home , but bite sized.
Prep Like a Pro for Your Irish Appetizers for Party
Essential mise en place: First things first. Get everything prepped. Chop your veggies, measure out your flour. Honestly, it makes the whole process so much smoother.
Time saving organization tips: While the oven's preheating, get your potato topping ready. That way, everything is ready to roll!
Safety Reminders: Hot oven is hot . Use oven gloves when moving your mini irish pies in and out, yeah?
The step-by-step Path to Green Appetizers St Patricks Day
- Dough Magic: Make the dough! Mix flour, salt, and cold butter in a bowl. Add ice water. Chill for at least 30 minutes .
- Lamb Goodness: Brown 1 pound ground lamb in a pan. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until soft. Stir in garlic, thyme, rosemary, beef broth, and tomato paste. Simmer, then add 1 cup frozen peas. Salt and pepper to taste.
- Potato Dreams: Boil 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes. Mash with milk, butter, salt, and white pepper. Optional: Add green food coloring for a festive touch!
- Pie Assembly: Roll out the dough. Cut 2.5 inch circles. Press into muffin tins. Fill with lamb. Pipe potato on top.
- Bake Time: Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Bake for 25- 30 minutes , until golden brown.
- Serve with flair: Serve warm and enjoy your mini shepherd's pie recipe .
Expert Shepherd's Pie Secrets
Keep it Cold: Remember to use cold butter when making your dough. Don't Overfill: Resist the urge to overfill those mini pies.
Soggy bottoms are no bueno! make-ahead Magic: You can totally make the filling a day ahead. This is really a make-ahead st patricks day appetizers .
Just pop it in the fridge! Lamb it up : If you want a lamb appetizer recipes , this is your go-to.
So there you have it your ticket to a st patricks day party food ideas victory! These irish themed appetizers are sure to impress.
Plus, they pair perfectly with a pint of Guinness ! Sláinte! And do it safely, as it's often said, drink responsibly .
These amazing st patricks day appetizers easy will make any gathering a hit! You got this!
Recipe Notes for the Best St Patricks Day Appetizers
These Emerald Isle Mini Shepherd's Pies are fab, aren't they? But before you dive in, let’s chat about a few extra bits and bobs to make these irish appetizers for party even more smashing.
Trust me, a few tweaks here and there can make all the difference.
Serving 'Em Up Right
Presentation is key, my friends! These mini irish pies look great on a tiered platter. Garnish with a sprig of parsley for that extra green appetizers st patricks day touch.
Or how about a drizzle of horseradish cream? Fancy, eh? For drinks, you can't go wrong with some Guinness food pairings , a classic combo.
A proper irish pub food at home experience, sorted!
Storage Sorted
Got leftovers? No worries! These st patricks day finger foods are even good cold! Pop them in an airtight container and they’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing is also an option! Wrap them individually in cling film, then store in a freezer bag. They’ll be good for up to a month.
Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through. Honestly, that mini shepherd's pie recipe might be just as amazing the next day.
Variations Galore
Fancy a change? Go wild with the filling! Using ground beef for the lamb is a great substitute if you prefer it.
Or make it veggie with lentils and extra veggies - mushrooms and parsnips would be lush. This gives us a shepherd's pie variations .
If you're catering to different diets, using gluten-free pastry makes these little beauties accessible to everyone. We can then have st patricks day appetizers easy for everyone.
Nutrition Lowdown
Okay, let's be real, these aren't exactly health food. But hey, it's St. Patrick's Day! Each pie is about 250-300 calories, with a decent hit of protein (12-15g) from the lamb and a fair bit of fat (15-20g).
They do have carbs (20-25g) from the pastry and potatoes, so maybe don't eat the whole batch in one sitting, yeah? Remember, this is a basic estimate!
So there you have it! All the little details to make your lamb appetizer recipes shine. Now go forth and create some proper savory hand pies st patricks day magic! I know you can do it.
And if you want to make-ahead st patricks day appetizers , you can prepare the filling and mash the potatoes a day in advance! Happy cooking and happy St.
Patrick's Day!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes these mini shepherd's pies the perfect St Patricks Day appetizers?
These Emerald Isle Mini Shepherd's Pies are perfect because they're bite sized, festive, and oh-so-delicious! Think of them as a little taste of Ireland in every mouthful. Plus, they're way easier to handle than a full shepherd's pie when you're mingling and celebrating with friends no need for a knife and fork, just grab and go!
Can I make these St Patricks Day appetizers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the lamb filling and mashed potato topping a day or two in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble and bake the pies just before your guests arrive for that fresh out-of-the-oven taste.
You could even fully assemble the pies, unbaked, and keep them chilled until it's party time just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
I'm not a fan of lamb, can I use something else for the filling?
No worries, mate! Feel free to substitute ground beef for the lamb it'll still be delicious. For a vegetarian option, you could use lentils or a plant based ground meat substitute. Don't be afraid to experiment with the veggies either; mushrooms, parsnips, or even some chopped kale would be great additions.
How do I store leftover mini shepherd's pies?
Leftover mini shepherd's pies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave them in short bursts.
They can also be frozen for longer storage; wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer safe bag. Thaw completely before reheating.
Any tips for getting a really flaky pie crust? Mine always turns out a bit tough.
Ah, the bane of every baker! The key is to keep everything cold the butter, the water, even your hands if you can manage it! Don't overwork the dough; mix it just until it comes together. Also, chilling the dough is crucial, so don't skip that step.
These Emerald Isle Mini Shepherd's Pies deserve a crust that's flaky and tender, just like something Mary Berry would make!
Are these mini shepherd's pies healthy?
These mini shepherd's pies offer a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. However, they are relatively calorie dense due to the pastry and mashed potato topping. For a healthier twist, consider using a whole wheat pastry crust, reducing the amount of butter in the mashed potatoes, and increasing the vegetable content in the filling.
You could also try substituting cauliflower mash for some of the potato to reduce the carbohydrate load.
Emerald Isle Mini Shepherds Pies
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250-300 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15-20g |
| Fiber | 3-5g |