What Are Forfar Bridies?
Forfar Bridies are traditional Scottish hand pies that originated in the town of Forfar in Angus, Scotland. They are typically shaped into a half-moon or horseshoe shape and filled with seasoned beef and onion before being baked until perfectly golden. Traditional versions often use shortcrust pastry, although many modern recipes also use puff pastry for an extra flaky texture.
Unlike many meat pies, authentic Forfar Bridies keep the ingredient list simple, allowing the rich beef flavor to stand out.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy, buttery pastry with a juicy filling
- Made with everyday ingredients
- Great for meal prep
- Easy to freeze and reheat
- Perfect for lunch, dinner, or picnics
- A comforting taste of traditional Scottish cooking
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons beef stock
- 2 tablespoons cold butter, diced
For the Pastry
- 1 package puff pastry, thawed
or - Homemade shortcrust pastry
For Finishing
- 1 egg white, beaten
How to Make Forfar Bridies
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the beef, onion, mustard, salt, pepper, and beef stock. Add the diced butter and gently mix until everything is evenly distributed.
Avoid overmixing to keep the filling tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Pastry
Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface.
Cut into circles approximately 6 inches (15 cm) wide. You should get 6 to 8 circles depending on size.
Step 3: Fill the Bridies
Place a generous spoonful of filling onto one side of each pastry circle.
Lightly brush the edges with water.
Fold the pastry over to form a half-moon and press firmly around the edges. Crimp with a fork or pinch the edges by hand to seal.
Step 4: Add the Egg Wash
Brush the tops with beaten egg white.
Cut one or two small slits in the top of each pie so steam can escape during baking.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 440°F (225°C).
Bake for 32 to 35 minutes, or until the pastry is beautifully golden and crisp.
If they brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last half of baking.
Allow the pies to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Use cold butter for a richer filling.
- Finely chop the onions so they cook evenly.
- Don’t overfill the pastry, or it may burst during baking.
- Chill assembled bridies for 15 minutes before baking for even flakier pastry.
- Always cut steam vents to prevent soggy pastry.
Delicious Variations
Traditional Scottish Style
Use homemade shortcrust pastry for an authentic texture.
Puff Pastry Version
Creates lighter, flakier layers with minimal effort.
Cheese Bridies
Add shredded mature cheddar to the filling.
Mushroom and Beef
Mix finely chopped mushrooms into the beef for added richness.
Spicy Version
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for gentle heat.
What to Serve with Forfar Bridies
These hearty meat pies pair well with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Baked beans
- Garden peas
- Roasted vegetables
- French fries
- Brown gravy
- Pickles or chutney
- A crisp green salad
Storage Tips
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze baked or unbaked bridies for up to 3 months.
Bake frozen bridies directly from the freezer, adding about 10 to 15 extra minutes to the baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the bridies a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I use homemade pastry?
Absolutely. Traditional Forfar Bridies are often made with shortcrust pastry, but puff pastry is a convenient and delicious alternative.
Can I freeze them?
Yes. They freeze very well both before and after baking.
Can I use other meats?
Ground lamb, turkey, or even plant-based meat alternatives can be substituted while maintaining a similar cooking method.
