Creole Pot Pies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a celebration of bold Creole flavors with the comforting texture of a classic pot pie. The smoky Andouille sausage and sweet seafood mix perfectly with the spicy, well-seasoned gravy, while the buttery puff pastry adds a golden, flaky crust. It’s an impressive yet approachable dish, perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients

1 pound Andouille or smoked sausage, cut into half-moon slices
2 red bell peppers, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
3 celery stalks, finely chopped
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
2 teaspoons chicken bouillon
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon gumbo file
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for surface
1/2 cup canned tomatoes
4 cups chicken broth
hot sauce or cayenne pepper to taste (optional)
1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp
2 (6-ounce) cans lump crabmeat
2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
1 large egg yolk, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon water

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large pot or deep skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, celery, and bell peppers. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the sausage slices and cook until browned and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in Old Bay seasoning, chicken bouillon, garlic powder, gumbo file, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Mix well.
5. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and form a roux-like base.
6. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
7. Add the canned tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook until thickened, about 10-15 minutes.
8. Stir in the shrimp and lump crabmeat and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Add hot sauce or cayenne pepper to taste, if desired.
9. Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the puff pastry sheets. Cut into circles or squares large enough to cover your pot pie dishes.
10. Spoon the filling into individual oven-safe ramekins or bowls. Top each with a piece of puff pastry, pressing edges to seal.
11. Mix the egg yolk with water and brush the tops of the puff pastry for a golden finish.
12. Place the pot pies on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
13. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

Serves 4 to 6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour

Variations

• Seafood: Substitute shrimp and crab with crawfish or white fish.
• Spice level: Adjust hot sauce or cayenne pepper to your preferred heat.
• Pastry: Use pie crust or biscuit dough for a different topping texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover pot pies in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the crust is crispy again. Avoid microwaving to keep the pastry flaky.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without seafood?

Yes, omit the shrimp and crab, and add extra sausage or vegetables instead.

Is gumbo file essential?

It adds authentic Creole flavor and thickens the filling, but can be omitted if unavailable.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the filling a day ahead and refrigerate. Assemble and bake just before serving.

What can I substitute for puff pastry?

Pie crust or biscuit dough works, but texture will differ.

How do I know when the pot pies are done?

The pastry should be golden and puffed, and the filling hot and bubbling.

Can I freeze assembled pot pies?

Yes, freeze before baking. Bake from frozen, adding extra baking time.

What side dishes pair well with Creole Pot Pies?

Serve with a simple green salad, steamed greens, or cornbread.

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, any smoked or spicy sausage will work.

How spicy is this dish?

It can be mild or spicy depending on your addition of hot sauce or cayenne.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Use vegan butter and ensure your puff pastry is dairy-free.

Conclusion

Creole Pot Pies bring together bold Cajun flavors, smoky sausage, and fresh seafood in a rich, savory filling topped with golden, flaky puff pastry. This dish is perfect for anyone craving a comforting meal with a Southern twist. Easy to customize and impressive to serve, these pot pies are sure to become a cherished recipe for special dinners or cozy nights in.

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