Created by experts, Kids Eat in Color is the leading resource for families seeking evidence-based information and strategies on child nutrition and feeding.
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Puff pastries are almost always irresistible, and these baked Haitian patties (Haitian pâté), packed with a flavorful beef and veggie filling, are the peak of puff pastry perfection. They freeze well and make an excellent addition to your child’s lunchbox.
These Haitian pates, or Haitian patties, are easy to make and packed full of flavor. They’re similar to empanadas or turnovers and they come in many varieties.
Since kids tend to love handheld meals, these Haitian beef patties are a great option for parents to give to their little ones, especially when out and about! They’re also a great addition to your child’s lunchbox.
If your child isn’t a fan of handhelds, sandwiches or other mixed foods, our free picky eater guide can help!
Haitian beef patties for families
Haitian-style turnovers are typically made with a homemade dough that’s stuffed with a meaty, savory filling and fried until golden and crispy. This simplified version uses ground beef and offers an easy, family-friendly twist.
Instead of fresh dough, these easy Haitian patties are made using puff pastry, which makes them come together relatively quickly and easily.
They are also topped with an egg wash before they’re baked, adding a crispy, flaky texture and mimicking the appetizing, golden brown color that comes from frying dough.
One benefit of this recipe for Haitian patties is that it’s so convenient for busy families! They work well as a lunch, dinner, snack or appetizer. Plus, the patties last 4 to 5 days in the fridge and can be easily reheated for leftovers in the microwave or oven.
The completed patties also hold up well in the freezer. To reheat after freezing, just bake them for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
If you’re trying to build a freezer stash for your family, these Haitian meat patties are just what you need. If you need more freezer-friendly recipes, be sure to check out our Real Easy Weekdays ebook.
Real Easy Weekdays is a complete system of meal planning that includes three meals and two snacks a day, including tons of easy-to-freeze recipes, so you’ll only have to cook once to get multiple snacks and meals.
Haitian patty ingredients
This recipe uses simple ingredients and flavorful seasonings for a winning combination. To make these Haitian beef patties from scratch, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Switch out the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken as a leaner alternative.
For a vegetarian alternative, try chopped mushrooms and crushed walnuts for a filling and hearty meat-free meal. You won’t miss the meat!
Try adding in some diced tomatoes or tomato sauce to create a juicy, stew-like texture.
How to make Haitian patties
We always recommend getting your kids involved in food preparations when possible, so get them in the kitchen and make Haitian beef patties together! Here are the easy steps:
Cook diced onions and peppers in a skillet for 1-2 minutes, until they begin to soften. Add ground beef and cook another 1-2 minutes, breaking it down as you cook. Add garlic and seasonings and cook for about 5 more minutes, then remove from heat and let cool.
Prepare your puff pastry by dividing it in half widthwise, then into thirds. You’ll end up with 6 pieces of each sheet.
Add a tablespoon of ground beef mixture to the center of each puff pastry piece and seal the edges with a fork or with your fingers.
Brush an egg wash over the top of each pastry and sprinkle with sea salt, if desired.
Bake for 15-20 minutes. Once done, let cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
When serving these to little ones, make sure to let them cool first. The filling will be piping hot!
Whether you’re serving your Haitian meat patties for lunch, dinner or snack, you can serve any seasonal veggies or fruit of choice on the side. A small salad is also an excellent side choice.
If you’d like to use a dip, try some plain Greek yogurt. For a more flavorful option, chimichurri sauce (an herby vinegar sauce) offers a bold flavor and will balance out the richness of the savory patty filling.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F / 205 degrees C. Spray a baking pan with non-stick spray. You may need two pans.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat for about 1 min. Spray the skillet with non-stick spray, making sure to coat the entire base. Add diced onions and peppers in a skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often, until they begin to soften.
Add ground beef to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, breaking it down into smaller pieces with a spatula.
Add minced garlic, Caribbean seasoning, adobo seasoning and red pepper flakes and mix. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, until ground beef is cooked through. Remove from heat to let the beef cool.
While the beef is cooling, lay out the first sheet of puff pastry. Divide it widthwise in half, then into thirds to make 6 pieces. Do the same for the other puff pastry.
Take one piece of puff pastry, add 1 Tbs. of ground beef to the center. Fold over the puff pastry and seal the edges, using your finger or a fork to pinch the edges. Place on the baking pan.
Repeat for all the puff pastry pieces.
In a small bowl, beat one egg. Using a brush, brush the egg mixture over the top of each pastry. If desired, sprinkle some sea salt over the egg wash.
Bake for 20 minutes. (Tip: Oven time can greatly vary, so you may want to check yours after 15 minutes).
Remove from the oven and cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan and serving.
Notes
You can prep these ahead of time and freeze the completed turnovers. Take them out and bake for 20 minutes when you are ready to eat.
Store in the fridge for 4-5 days. You can reheat in the oven for 2-5 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
You will have ground beef mixture left over after filling the puff pastry. This mixture is great to make tacos or a meaty sauce with for another dish!
Ingredients with a “W” next to them are WIC-eligible items. WIC is the supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children in the United States. It provides food to families with pregnant or postpartum women and young children. WIC-eligible items will vary based on location.
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About Kids Eat in Color
Created by experts, Kids Eat in Color is the leading resource for families seeking evidence-based information and strategies on child nutrition and feeding.
Tracy Colin is a master’s graduate student studying to become a Registered Dietitian. She currently works as an elementary school culinary instructor based in New York City. Tracy loves working with kids and spreading creativity. Her hobbies include reading, cooking new recipes and learning new techniques, writing, and fun physical activities.
This free veggie exposure shopping list and menu planner will give you ideas for bringing more veggies into your home (AND help you get your little one closer to eating them!).
Puff pastries are almost always irresistible, and these baked Haitian patties (Haitian pâté), packed with a flavorful beef and veggie filling, are the peak of puff pastry perfection. They freeze well and make an excellent addition to your child’s lunchbox.
Haitian-inspired pâté (Haitian patties recipe)
These Haitian pates, or Haitian patties, are easy to make and packed full of flavor. They’re similar to empanadas or turnovers and they come in many varieties.
Since kids tend to love handheld meals, these Haitian beef patties are a great option for parents to give to their little ones, especially when out and about! They’re also a great addition to your child’s lunchbox.
If your child isn’t a fan of handhelds, sandwiches or other mixed foods, our free picky eater guide can help!
Haitian beef patties for families
Haitian-style turnovers are typically made with a homemade dough that’s stuffed with a meaty, savory filling and fried until golden and crispy. This simplified version uses ground beef and offers an easy, family-friendly twist.
Instead of fresh dough, these easy Haitian patties are made using puff pastry, which makes them come together relatively quickly and easily.
They are also topped with an egg wash before they’re baked, adding a crispy, flaky texture and mimicking the appetizing, golden brown color that comes from frying dough.
Related: Are your kids still learning to like beef? This article teaches you how to get your kids to eat beef.
Easy, convenient & freezer-friendly Haitian patties recipe
One benefit of this recipe for Haitian patties is that it’s so convenient for busy families! They work well as a lunch, dinner, snack or appetizer. Plus, the patties last 4 to 5 days in the fridge and can be easily reheated for leftovers in the microwave or oven.
The completed patties also hold up well in the freezer. To reheat after freezing, just bake them for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
If you’re trying to build a freezer stash for your family, these Haitian meat patties are just what you need. If you need more freezer-friendly recipes, be sure to check out our Real Easy Weekdays ebook.
Real Easy Weekdays is a complete system of meal planning that includes three meals and two snacks a day, including tons of easy-to-freeze recipes, so you’ll only have to cook once to get multiple snacks and meals.
Haitian patty ingredients
This recipe uses simple ingredients and flavorful seasonings for a winning combination. To make these Haitian beef patties from scratch, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Related: Beef is loaded with iron. Do you know why iron is important for kids? Read to learn more!
Ingredient variations and ideas
How to make Haitian patties
We always recommend getting your kids involved in food preparations when possible, so get them in the kitchen and make Haitian beef patties together! Here are the easy steps:
When serving these to little ones, make sure to let them cool first. The filling will be piping hot!
Related: Need tips for overcoming picky eating? Learn from our experts!
What to serve with Haitian beef patties
Whether you’re serving your Haitian meat patties for lunch, dinner or snack, you can serve any seasonal veggies or fruit of choice on the side. A small salad is also an excellent side choice.
If you’d like to use a dip, try some plain Greek yogurt. For a more flavorful option, chimichurri sauce (an herby vinegar sauce) offers a bold flavor and will balance out the richness of the savory patty filling.
Related: Looking for snack suggestions? We have tons of healthy snack ideas for kids!
What to do with beef patty leftovers
This recipe leaves you with extra beef and veggie filling, which you could serve over rice and with a salad or veggie on the side as a complete meal.
You could also make tacos, sandwiches or paninis out of the additional filling. Add your favorite toppings and turn it into something completely new!
Related: Get more easy, kid-friendly lunch ideas.
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Haitian Pâté (Haitian Beef Patties)
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition