-- Danielle Walsh
If you're a Hot Pocket fanatic -- like some of us here at Bon Appétit are were in high school -- you might be shocked/hurt/upset that two kinds of the meat-and-cheese-filled dough sacks have been recalled. The reason? Meat that's "unfit for human food." Yikes.
How can you get your handheld warm pastry fix now that you're terrified to touch another Hot Pocket? Easy -- make one of these alternative dinners or desserts made with puff pastry. Okay, you can't actually hold some of them, but their flavor will be reminiscent of your former flame. Plus, your homemade version can't get recalled. So there's that.
Man Buns
This will make more pulled pork than you’ll need, but who would be sad about that? Use the leftovers to make tacos, pulled pork sandwiches, pork stew—whatever your heart desires, really. Get the recipe here.
Skillet Chicken Pot Pie with Butternut Squash
Lay the puff pastry over the skillet for a pretty look. Use any brand; the weight may vary, but either way you'll have enough to work with.Get the recipe here.Photograph by Brian W. Ferry
Pigs in Sleeping Bags
Pigs in Sleeping Bags jazz up the same old, same old with a handmade sausage mix wrapped in premade puff pastry. And they’re really not that hard–mix together a little shallots and garlic, throw in chopped sauerkraut and ground pork, plus Dijon mustard and caraway seeds for unbelievable flavor.Get the recipe here.Photography by Tom Schierlitz
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Blueberry Hand Pies
Think of them as Pop-Tarts, but way tastier, and way more fun to eat. The sweet-and-tart filling is encased in a buttery, flaky pie crust, so you’ll have yourself an indulgent treat to enjoy on the go–be it at a picnic, at the office, or on a road trip to an amusement park. Who says you can only find pie in your local diner or Grandma’s kitchen? We keep these guys in our pockets. Metaphorically, that is. —Georgia TollinGet the recipe here. Photography by Hirsheimer Hamilton
Rapo’s Chicken Pot Pie
The only not-last-minute thing about this recipe? Thawing the puff pastry. Make sure to put it in the refrigerator the night before making this dish.Get the recipe here.Photography by Christopher Testani
Cherry Hand Pies
We’ve got portable foods on the mind and these mini “pies” are just the kind of desserts you want after a late-afternoon lunch of chicken rillettes, potato salad, and other al fresco-appropriate dishes. Don’t skimp on the raw sugar, which adds a pleasurable crunch.See the recipe here.Photography by Ditte Isager
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Short Rib Pot Pie
Shortening is the secret to extra-flaky pie crust, but nothing compares to the flavor of butter. Use both, as in this super-luxe beef pie, and you’re golden.See the recipe here. Photography by Gentl & Hyers
Cranberry Hand Pies
A whole pie, just for you? Believe it. These minis fit easily in your hand, and your mouth, and your stomach...Get the recipe here. Photography by Chris Court
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