Hailing from the town of Forfar in Angus, Scotland, Forfar Bridies are a beloved traditional hand pie—golden, flaky pastry wrapped around a spiced filling of lean minced beef, onions, and a hint of pepper. Unlike their cousin the Cornish pasty, bridies contain no potatoes or swede, and are often marked with a single crimp on one side to distinguish them (a double crimp traditionally meant a “wife’s” version with extra filling!).
These portable, hearty pies were once packed by farmworkers for lunch—but today, they’re a comforting taste of Scottish heritage, perfect for chilly evenings, picnics, or a nostalgic bite of home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🥧 Flaky, buttery pastry + savory beef filling
- ✋ Handheld, no utensils needed
- ⏱️ Make ahead and bake when needed
- 💸 Costs under $8—makes 6–8 bridies
- 🌾 Naturally nut-free & easily gluten-free
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Makes 6–8 bridies)
For the Filling:
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or beef dripping
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 lb (454g) lean ground beef (90/10)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for warmth)
- 1–2 tbsp cold water (if needed)
For the Pastry:
