Touchdown Mini Pork Pies with Piccalilli Relish

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wondered what the perfect game day party food is? I certainly have! These Touchdown Mini Pork Pies are savory, satisfying, and seriously addictive.

Seriously, these mini pork pies are the perfect blend of British pub charm and American football ensoiasm.

Brief Overview

The pork pie has roots in medieval England. It was a way to preserve meat. This pork pie recipe is a modern twist.

It's medium difficulty, taking around 4 hours total. The recipe yields 12 party appetizers .

Main Benefits

These pies pack a protein punch, perfect for fueling up during the game. These are a must have addition to your roster of easy game day recipes .

These mini pies are special because they're homemade. They beat store-bought any day.

Touchdown Worthy Fillings

Honestly, I've tried many fillings, but pork is king! You get that savory, juicy flavor. The spices add such a warm depth.

And the jelly? Game changer! It adds so much richness and really elevates your football party food ideas .

Perfect Pastry: My Quest for Flakiness

Making the pastry from scratch can be a little daunting. I get it! The key is keeping everything cold. Seriously, ice cold .

Cold butter equals flaky pastry. I've learned that the hard way! If you're short on time, store-bought pastry works too.

But trust me, homemade is worth the effort when creating your savory pie recipes .

Piccalilli Perfection

Don't skip the piccalilli relish recipe ! It's tangy, crunchy, and cuts through the richness of the pork. It's the perfect condiment.

You can make it ahead of time. It's ideal for tailgate food ideas .

These Touchdown Mini Pork Pies are destined to become your new game day snacks staple.

Ingredients & Equipment: Score a Touchdown with Flavor!

Alright, footie fans! Before we dive headfirst into making these Touchdown Mini Pork Pies , let's gather our gear. Don't worry, you probably have most of this stuff already.

This pork pie recipe is going to elevate your game day party food to legendary status!

Main Ingredients: Setting the Stage for Deliciousness

Here's what you'll need to assemble these little beauties. Remember, quality ingredients make all the difference, especially when you’re thinking of savory pie recipes !

For that Glorious Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting. Go for a decent brand; it really does matter!
• 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt.
• 1 cup (227g) cold, unsalted butter, cubed. Seriously, it needs to be cold!
• 1/2 cup (120ml) ice water. Yep, icy cold.
• 1 large egg, beaten (for the egg wash).

The Hearty Pork Filling:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) pork shoulder, cubed. Look for a cut with some good marbling - that's where the flavor lives!
• 1/2 lb (227g) ground pork.
• 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup / 150g).
• 2 cloves garlic, minced.
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) Worcestershire sauce.
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) dried sage.
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) dried thyme.
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) ground nutmeg.
• 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth.
• Salt and pepper to taste.

The Jiggle Worthy Pork Jelly:

• 2 cups (475ml) pork or chicken broth (low sodium).
• 1 packet (7g / 1/4 oz) unflavored gelatin.
• 1 bay leaf.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt.
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.

That Zesty Piccalilli Relish (Trust Me, You Want This):

• 1 cup (240ml) cauliflower florets, chopped.
• 1/2 cup (120ml) green beans, chopped.
• 1/2 cup (120ml) gherkins, chopped.
• 1 small red bell pepper, chopped.
• 1 small onion, chopped.
• 1 cup (240ml) white vinegar.
• 1/2 cup (100g) sugar.
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) mustard powder.
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) turmeric.
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) ground ginger.
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) red pepper flakes (optional).

Seasoning Notes: The Secret to Delicious Game Day Snacks

Don't underestimate the power of good seasoning! This blend of sage, thyme, and nutmeg is what makes these mini pork pies sing.

Honestly , don't skip the Worcestershire sauce either; it adds a lovely depth. No thyme? Use marjoram! No bay leaf? Use a pinch of Herbes de Provence!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid!

You don't need fancy gadgets for this, thankfully!

• Food processor or pastry blender. I prefer the food processor, it's quicker.
• Rolling pin.
• 12-cup muffin tin .
• 2 1/2 inch round cookie cutter.
• Small saucepan (for jelly).
• Large skillet.
• Mixing bowls.

If you don't have a cookie cutter that size, use a glass! No food processor? A couple of knives or forks and some elbow grease work just fine.

You're after that authentic british pub food recipes feeling, after all. This recipe is bound to be one of your favorite easy game day recipes .

Now, get cooking, and let's create some awesome football party food ideas ! Let's show them what proper tailgate food ideas look like!

Touchdown Mini Pork Pies: Your New Game Day Party Food Staple!

Forget those boring crisps and dips. Honestly, you deserve better than that, especially for the game day . We're talking mini pork pies , but not just any pork pie recipe .

We're making Touchdown Mini Pork Pies with Piccalilli Relish a proper feast. I used to be so boring with my party appetizers , but no more! It’s perfect football party food ideas or tailgate food ideas .

I swear, these are some of the easy game day recipes I've ever made.

Prep Steps: Getting Our Ducks in a Row

Before we dive in, a little mise en place is key. Roughly that fancy french term just means get everything prepped and ready to go.

Chop all the veggies and cube the pork now. This will save you loads of time later. I also recommend keeping your butter as cold as possible for the pastry.

It will make for a much better result. Remember: Sharp knives mean fewer tears literally. So, sharpen that blade! It's a great time saving organization tip .

step-by-step: Let's Get Cooking!

Okay, deep breaths. We've got this.

1. First, make the pastry. Pulse flour, salt, and cold butter in a food processor.
2. Next, slowly add ice water until it forms a dough. Chill for 1 hour.
3. Now, brown cubed pork in a skillet. Set aside. Then, sauté the onion and garlic. Add pork back in.
4. Add Worcestershire sauce, herbs, nutmeg, and chicken broth. Simmer until the pork is cooked.
5. Roll out pastry, cut into circles, and line muffin tins. Fill with pork. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 45- 55 minutes , until golden.
6. Pour your pork jelly through the little vent you poked in the pastry while they are still warm.

Pro Tips: Elevating Your Pie Game

Honestly, the secret to a great savory pie recipe is cold ingredients. Cold butter, cold water it makes all the difference.

Another tip I picked up? Don't overwork the pastry. It will become tough. For an extra kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pork filling.

And for the love of God, don't forget to chill those pies! You want that jelly to set up . It’s really the thing about good british pub food recipes .

Also, feel free to do all of these ahead of time! Its what I do when i know it's game day!

Recipe Notes for Epic Game Day Party Food

Right, so you're tackling these Touchdown Mini Pork Pies , are you? Good on ya! These are a step up from your usual football party food ideas , Honestly! They're perfect game day snacks .

Let's talk about a few things to make sure your game day party food is a roaring success.

Serving Suggestions That Score Big

Think about how you want these mini pork pies to look. Presentation is key, especially when you're trying to impress your mates! Plating them on a wooden board with a dollop of that glorious piccalilli relish recipe is a winner.

Serve with a side of crispy coleslaw. And obviously, a cold beer or cider is essential. It doesn't get more british pub food recipes than this!

Storage Secrets

Right, listen up! Once those savory pie recipes are baked and filled with the jelly, let them cool completely. Then, pop them in the fridge.

They'll keep for up to 3 days, no worries. You can freeze these too. Wrap them individually in cling film and then tin foil.

They will last up to a month. Defrost thoroughly before reheating. Reheat gently in the oven at 300° F ( 150° C) for about 15- 20 minutes .

Never reheat more than once!

Variations That Work

Want to mix it up for your game day party food ? Instead of the pork, try using diced chicken.

Or even a mixture of lentils and mushrooms for the vegetarians. Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pork filling for a bit of heat.

You know, give it a kick! The original pork pie recipe is a good start but feel free to change things around.

Nutrition Lowdown

Okay, so these are delicious, right? Keep in mind they are party appetizers not health food. Roughly, one mini pie packs around 450 calories , with about 25 grams of protein and 30 grams of fat .

You get your protein and fats from the pork, and if you use good quality ingredients like free range pork there can be real health benefits for using natural ingredients, and avoiding nasty preservatives.

So there you have it! Follow these tips, and your Touchdown Mini Pork Pies will be the star of your game day party food .

Seriously, they are the best tailgate food ideas you will find. Don't be afraid to experiment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this Touchdown Mini Pork Pies recipe difficult to make? I'm not exactly Gordon Ramsay in the kitchen!

These pies are rated medium difficulty, so don't worry, you don't need to be a culinary genius! The pastry takes a bit of practice, but if you're short on time or feeling intimidated, store-bought pastry is a totally acceptable cheat.

The pork jelly also needs a little attention, but if you follow the steps carefully, you'll nail it, guv'nor!

Can I make these Touchdown Mini Pork Pies ahead of time for my game day party food spread?

Absolutely! In fact, they're even better made a day ahead. The pastry can be made a day in advance and kept in the fridge. The fully assembled and baked pies also need to chill for at least an hour (longer is better) for the jelly to set properly.

This makes them a perfect make-ahead dish for your Game Day gathering, leaving you more time to watch the match!

What's the best way to store leftover Touchdown Mini Pork Pies? And how long will they last?

Leftover pies should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They'll keep for up to 3 days. If you want to reheat them, do so gently in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) to avoid drying out the pastry, but they are best served cold!

Any good variations I can try with this game day party food? I like to mix things up a bit!

Definitely! For a bit of a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pork filling for spicy pork pies. You could also try using diced chicken instead of pork, or even create vegetarian pies with a mix of mushrooms, lentils, and vegetables. Feel free to experiment that's what cooking's all about!

I'm not a huge fan of Piccalilli. What else could I serve with these Touchdown Mini Pork Pies?

No worries, mate! If Piccalilli isn't your cuppa, a good coleslaw or a crisp green salad would be lovely on the side. Some tangy chutney would also complement the richness of the pies beautifully. Don't forget the drinks! These pair perfectly with a refreshing pint of ale or a crisp cider.

Are there any considerations when it comes to allergies for this game day party food?

Yes, it's important to be mindful of potential allergens. This recipe contains wheat (in the pastry), and may contain eggs (depending on the pastry recipe and egg wash). Ensure your guests are aware of these ingredients. You can always substitute with a gluten-free pastry or alternative egg wash made without eggs.