Gluten-Free Mini Tourtiere

Published on Oct 28, 2022

  by   Kristina Stosek

7 reviews

Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 35 minutes Serves: 9
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This Gluten-Free Mini Tourtiere is a French Canadian meat pie filled with a delicious blend of spiced meat and potatoes, all encased in a homemade flaky gluten-free shortcrust pastry. It’s incredibly tasty, and the best part is that you can’t even tell it’s gluten-free!

cross view of a tourtiere on a small plate

Meat Pie vs. Tourtiere: What’s the Difference?

Is it a meat pie or a tourtiere? Both are indeed meat pies. A traditional meat pie is made with spiced ground meat filling baked in a flaky double crust. In contrast, a tourtiere typically features a mix of different meats and often includes potatoes. 

What is a Mini Tourtiere?

A mini tourtiere is a small handheld meat pie filled with a savory ground meat mixture and encased in a flaky pastry crust. This type of pie is popular in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, often served as a snack or appetizer.

uncooked shortcrust pastry with meat filling in a muffin cup

Shaping Mini Pies with a Muffin Pan

The best way to shape mini pies is by using a muffin pan. This method creates individual meat pies that are the perfect size for a satisfying bite.

Finding the Perfect Filling-to-Crust Ratio

The key to making perfect mini meat pies is achieving the right proportion of filling to crust. You want enough filling to make the pies satisfying, but not so much that they become difficult to eat.

uncooked mini pie in a muffin cup

Choosing the Best Meat for Tourtiere

Types of Meat

Ground or minced meats work best, as they hold together well and don’t get soggy when cooked. Here are some options:

  • Beef
  • Pork
  • Lamb
  • Chicken
  • Turkey
  • Veal

Lean vs. Rich

  • Choose chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
  • Opt for beef or lamb for a richer flavor.
  • For a hearty pie, go with pork!

Ideal Meat Combinations

A combination of pork and beef is often considered the best for flavor and richness in meat pies.

2 baked tourtieres on a plate

The Best Temperature for Baking Gluten-Free Mini Tourtiere

The ideal baking temperature for gluten-free mini tourtiere is 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This moderate heat will help achieve a flaky, golden crust.

  • Tip: If the crust starts browning too quickly, loosely cover the mini pies with aluminum foil, shiny side facing out.

Best Spices for Meat Pie Recipe

To enhance the flavor of your meat pie, consider using a combination of ground beef and pork for the best taste. Here are some key spices to season the meat:

Favorite Spices:

    • Sage
    • Cumin
    • Oregano
    • Marjoram
    • Thyme
    • Paprika
    • Garlic powder
    • Black pepper
    • Rosemary

How to Make the Pastry Tops Shiny and Golden

Gluten-free shortcrust pastry does not naturally develop a golden color while baking. To achieve a glossy finish, it’s essential to brush the pastry with an egg wash.

Egg Wash Options:

    • An egg yolk beaten with 1 teaspoon of water (best for a beautiful glossy finish).
    • A whole egg or heavy cream, will not yield the same level of shine.

Why Are Mini Pies More Popular Than Regular Pies?

  • Portion Size: The bite-sized pies makes them easier to eat.
  • Convenience: Mini pies are perfect for packing in lunches or serving at large gatherings.

uncooked mini meat pies in a muffin pan

Sides to Gluten-Free Mini Tourtiere

1. Yam And Sweet Potato Mash –  a healthy side dish that goes great with meat pies. Make it plain or flavoured with herbs or cheese.

2. Green Beans with Maple Bacon –   a tasty side dish with smoky flavor that pairs well with meat pies. 

3. Roasted Fennel With Carrots – carrots are another nutritious vegetable that goes well with meat pies. They can be cooked in many ways and offer a sweetness that compliments the savoury pies.

4. Roasted Butternut Squash – squash is always a favourite and delicious when paired with meat pies. It can be boiled, grilled, or roasted and provides a lovely sweetness and crunch to the meal.

5. Salad – if you’re looking for a lighter option to serve alongside your mini meat pies, a salad is always a good choice. 

Storing

The best way to store leftover mini tourtiere is in the fridge. Place them on a plate or in a Tupperware container, cover with cling film or a lid, and they will last for 2-3 days.

You can also freeze cooked mini meat pies, which will keep for 2-3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 180 C (350 F) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

I hope you to try this gluten-free mini meat pie recipe! It’s a great way to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal without the worry of gluten. The recipe is straightforward, allowing even novice cooks to whip up these tasty pies in no time.

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Many thanks!

Kristina x

Nutrition Info

  • Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/9) | Calories: 350 | Total Fat: 20g | Sodium: 450mg | Total Carbohydrates: 29g | Dietary Fiber: 2g | Sugars: 1g | Protein: 12g | Note: This calculation is approximate and can vary based on specific brands and variations in ingredient quantities.

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Kristina

Abbie, 35 minutes or until golden

Abbie

Sounds nice, but there’s no baking time? So I don’t know how long to bake it for

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