Warm Spiced Baked Pumpkin Pasties Recipe
If you’re looking for a cozy, flavorful treat that whispers autumn in every bite, then this Warm Spiced Baked Pumpkin Pasties Recipe is about to become your new kitchen obsession. Bursting with tender pumpkin, aromatic spices, and creamy cheeses enveloped in golden, flaky puff pastry, these pasties are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spice. They’re ideal for chilly afternoons, festive gatherings, or any moment you want a little delicious comfort wrapped up in a handheld delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, yet incredibly complementary ingredients is your first step toward magic. Each component plays a vital role—from the rich pumpkin base to the melty cheeses and warm spices—that comes together to create that irresistible filling, all wrapped in buttery puff pastry for the perfect crisp finish.
- Medium-sized pumpkin (about 2 cups cooked pumpkin flesh): The hearty star of the show, providing natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Adds subtle richness and helps soften the onion and garlic.
- Onion, finely chopped (1): Brings a savory depth and sweetness once sautéed.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Infuses the mix with aromatic warmth and flavor.
- Ricotta cheese (1/2 cup): Offers a creamy texture that balances the spices and pumpkin.
- Feta cheese, crumbled (1/2 cup): Adds a tangy, salty pop that elevates every bite.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): One of the warm spices that gives this dish its cozy character.
- Ground nutmeg (1/2 tsp): Provides subtle nutty notes that enhance the pumpkin.
- Ground ginger (1/2 tsp): Brings a mild zing that livens up the filling.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing all the flavors perfectly.
- Ready-made puff pastry (approximately 500g): The flaky vessel that holds all the goodness together with crispy elegance.
- Egg, beaten (1): For that beautiful golden glaze on the crust.
- Sesame seeds (2 tbsp, optional): Adds an inviting crunch and nutty flair on top.
How to Make Warm Spiced Baked Pumpkin Pasties Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Pumpkin to Perfection
Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F), then carefully halve your pumpkin, scoop out the seeds, and place it cut side down on a parchment-lined baking tray. Roasting the pumpkin brings out its natural sweetness and softens it enough to blend beautifully with the spices and cheeses later.
Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Filling
Once your pumpkin has baked for 30 to 40 minutes and cooled, scoop out the tender flesh into a bowl and mash it smooth. This creamy base is what makes these pasties so comforting and rich.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics for Depth
In a warm pan with a splash of olive oil, gently sauté your finely chopped onion and minced garlic until they turn translucent and fragrant. This simple step intensifies the filling’s savory notes wonderfully.
Step 4: Mix It All Together
Combine the mashed pumpkin, sautéed onion and garlic, ricotta, crumbled feta, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir everything until beautifully blended—they say good things come to those who mix well!
Step 5: Shape the Pasties
Roll out your puff pastry on a floured surface until it’s about an eighth of an inch thick. Using a pastry cutter or bowl roughly 4–5 inches wide, cut out circles. Spoon a generous dollop of pumpkin mixture onto one half of each circle, leave room at the edges, then fold and crimp the edges to seal.
Step 6: Final Touches Before Baking
Place your sealed pasties on the lined tray, brush them with beaten egg, and sprinkle on sesame seeds if you like an extra crunchy layer. These little details make your pasties look and taste irresistible.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden Brown
Bake in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the pasties are puffed up and glowing golden brown. Let them cool for a few minutes so the filling settles and you can enjoy them warm and gooey.
How to Serve Warm Spiced Baked Pumpkin Pasties Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh twist, try garnishing your pasties with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a drizzle of tangy yogurt or sour cream. These garnishes add contrast, cutting through the richness with a bright, creamy splash.
Side Dishes
Warm Spiced Baked Pumpkin Pasties Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, or a bowl of hearty soup, like spiced carrot or tomato, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these pasties on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of chutney or spicy dipping sauce. They also shine when boxed up for a picnic or wrapped in parchment as portable fall snacks that are bursting with seasonal flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pasties can be kept covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store them in an airtight container to maintain flaky pastry texture while keeping the filling moist and flavorful.
Freezing
To freeze pasties, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm before transferring to a freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together and allows you to bake from frozen whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
Reheat chilled or frozen pasties in a hot oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crisp. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that gorgeous flaky crust intact!
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works well as a shortcut, just make sure to use unsweetened pumpkin and adjust the seasoning to taste since fresh-roasted pumpkin has a bit more texture and natural sweetness.
Can I make these pasties vegan?
Yes, swap the ricotta and feta for plant-based cheeses or tofu, and replace the egg wash with a brush of plant milk or oil for browning. The warm spices and pumpkin will still shine beautifully.
How spicy are these pasties?
These are mildly spiced with warming cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger—not hot or peppery, but full of subtle, comforting warmth that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Definitely! The pumpkin filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This makes assembling the pasties a breeze and even allows the flavors to meld further overnight.
What other cheeses could I use?
Feta and ricotta give a great balance of tang and creaminess, but feel free to experiment with goat cheese or cream cheese for a different flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
There is something so rewarding about making Warm Spiced Baked Pumpkin Pasties Recipe from scratch—the delicious aromas, the flaky pastry, and that perfect balance of cozy spices that welcome fall in the most delicious way. I truly hope you dive into this recipe soon and enjoy every bite as much as I do, sharing it with friends and family who appreciate a warm, spiced delight wrapped up in a golden hug.
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Warm Spiced Baked Pumpkin Pasties Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 pasties 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Warm Spiced Baked Pumpkin Pasties are a delightful savory treat perfect for autumn. Filled with a flavorful blend of roasted pumpkin, creamy ricotta, tangy feta, and aromatic spices, all encased in flaky puff pastry, these pasties offer a comforting and delicious snack or appetizer. Baked until golden and topped with sesame seeds, they are ideal for cozy gatherings or a unique seasonal bite.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Filling
- 1 medium-sized pumpkin (about 2 cups cooked pumpkin flesh)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pastry & Topping
- 1 package of ready-made puff pastry (approximately 500g)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Roast the pumpkin: Halve the pumpkin carefully, remove the seeds, and place the halves cut side down on the lined baking tray. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until the flesh becomes tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Prepare the pumpkin flesh: Allow the roasted pumpkin halves to cool slightly, then scoop out the soft flesh into a bowl and mash it until smooth, creating a creamy base for the filling.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they become translucent and fragrant, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Combine filling ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add the mashed pumpkin, sautéed onion and garlic, ricotta cheese, crumbled feta cheese, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Roll out the pastry: On a floured surface, roll out the ready-made puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch to ensure a crisp, flaky crust when baked.
- Cut out pastry circles: Use a pastry cutter or a small bowl (approximately 4-5 inches in diameter) to cut out circles from the rolled pastry. These will form the base for your pasties.
- Fill the pasties: Place a spoonful of the pumpkin filling onto one side of each pastry circle, leaving edges clear to seal properly.
- Seal the pasties: Fold the pastry circle over the filling to create a semi-circle shape. Crimp the edges firmly with a fork to seal and prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- Prepare for baking: Transfer the sealed pasties onto the prepared baking tray. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden color and shine once baked. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired for added texture and flavor.
- Bake the pasties: Place the tray in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pasties are puffed up, golden brown, and crispy.
- Serve warm: Allow the pasties to cool for a few minutes after baking. Serve them warm for the best taste and texture experience.
Notes
- Ensure the pumpkin is fully cooked and soft before mashing for a smooth filling.
- You can substitute ricotta cheese with cream cheese or mascarpone for a slightly different texture.
- Adjust the spices according to your preference to make the filling more or less spiced.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based puff pastry and substitute cheeses with vegan alternatives.
- The pastry edges must be sealed well to avoid any filling leakage during baking.
- These pasties can be made ahead and reheated in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
