Forfar Bridies (Recipe) (2024)

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A Forfar bridie is a popular Scottish creation that isn’t quite as famous as Cornish pasties, but if you ask me, they win the prize for the tastier of the two!

Forfar Bridies (Recipe) (1)

Have you ever heard of a bridie? Unless you’re from Scotland, or possibly the UK, I’d place a bet that you haven’t, and that’s such a shame! Let’s change that, shall we?

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What is a Bridie? (or a Forfar Bridie?)

A Scottish Forfar bridie is a meat and onion filled pastry that is popular in Scotland. The traditional and authentic Forfar version uses shortcrust pastry, however, bridies are often made with flaky pastry in Scotland. In the US and Canada, it would be referred to as a handheld meat pie.

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Forfar bridies are perfect packable food to go, too.

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Forfar Bridie Recipe

Adapted from Rampant Scotland and Traditional Scottish Cookery Cookbook Serves 6

FULL PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW

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Ingredients

Note: shortcrust pastry is the authentic option.

Oven temperature to start: 450˚F (230˚C)

Step by Step Directions for Bridie Recipe

Put all of the ingredients, except for the pastry, into a large bowl and mix well, preferably with your hands.

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Divide the pastry and meat mixture into six equal portions. Roll or cut (if using puff pastry) each piece of pastry into an oval or circle about six inches in diameter, and about quarter of an inch thick.

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Place some of the bridie mixture in the middle of the pastry.

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Wet the edge of the pastry with water, then fold over to seal.

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Seal the edge of the pastry with a fork.

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Place the finished bridies onto a baking sheet lined with a silicone sheet or piece of parchment paper. Cut a small slit or two in the top then brush with an egg white wash (slightly beat an egg white with half a teaspoon of water.)

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Bake in a pre-heated oven at 450˚F (230˚C) for 10 minutes. Lower the temperature to 350˚F (180˚C) and cook for another 35 to 40 minutes until they are golden brown. If they start to get too brown, cover with aluminum foil. Remove from the oven and if not eating them right away, place on a metal cooling rack.

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Serve hot, with a generous amount of HP Sauce! and chips (as in chunky fries) and Heinz beans. Thanks to Rona B. from Forfar who told me that they’re traditionally served with chips (and not mashed potatoes) and beans. She also went out of her way to ask NINE other friends how they eat theirs and they all concurred. So there you have it: straight from Forfar! Thanks again, Rona! 😊

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How about some Dundee cake with a cup of tea, now?

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Forfar Bridie Recipe

Yield: 6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Traditional Scottish handheld meat pies from Forfar, Scotland.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb mince or chopped lean, organic beef, cut into 1/2" pieces (1 cm)
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 oz butter (about 2 Tbsp) cut into small pieces, or shredded suet
  • 1/2 tsp dry mustard powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp Kosher or sea salt
  • 3/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp beef stock (I use water and Oxo beef cube)
  • 1 lb flaky pastry or puff pastry (I used Trader Joe's puff pastry for the bridies in the photos) Note: shortcrust pastry is the authentic option. (link to shortcrust pastry in the instructions)

Instructions

Oven Temperature: 450˚F (230˚C)

SHORTCRUST PASTRY RECIPE

  1. Put all of the ingredients, except for the pastry, into a large bowl and mix well, preferably with your hands.
  2. Divide the pastry and meat mixture into six equal portions. Roll or cut (if using puff pastry) each piece of pastry into an oval or circle about six inches in diameter, and about quarter of an inch thick.
  3. Place some of the bridie mixture in the middle of the pastry.
  4. Wet the edge of the pastry with water, then fold over to seal.
  5. Seal the edge of the pastry with a fork.
  6. Place the finished bridies onto a baking sheet lined with a silicone sheet or piece of parchment paper. Cut a small slit or two in the top then brush with an egg white wash (slightly beat an egg white with half a teaspoon of water.)
  7. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 450˚F (230˚C) for 10 minutes. Lower the temperature to 350˚F (180˚C) and cook for another 35 to 40 minutes until they are golden brown. If they start to get too brown, cover with aluminum foil. Remove from the oven and if not eating them right away, place on a metal cooling rack.
  8. Serve hot, with a generous amount of HP Sauce! You can make it a full meal by adding hot, fluffy mashed potatoes and a green vegetable, like peas, (or Heinz beans.)

Notes

Note: shortcrust pastry is the authentic option. Also, omit the mustard powder and beef stock for a more authentic recipe.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 710Total Fat: 44gSaturated Fat: 22gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 139mgSodium: 1030mgCarbohydrates: 44gFiber: 3gSugar: 16gProtein: 32g

Nutrition information is only an estimate.

Did you make this recipe?

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More savory Scottish recipes ~

Haggis, Neeps and Tattie Pie

Steak Pie

Scottish Red Lentil Soup

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Forfar Bridies (Recipe) (2024)

FAQs

Why is a bridie called a bridie? ›

They are a traditional meat pastry which is thought to date back to the 19th century and thought to be served to the bride on her wedding day, hence the horseshoe shape. Another story is that they were made by a lady called Margaret Bridie and got the name from her.

What is the difference between a cornish pasty and a bridie? ›

While Cornish pasties are made with shortcrust pastry, most bridies are made with flaky pastry. Though bridies in Forfar are also made with shortcrust pastry, they tend to be a little softer. Unlike pasties, bridies do not contain potatoes - they are filled with minced steak, beef suet, and sometimes onions.

How long to heat a bridie in the oven? ›

Pre heat oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4. Remove all packaging and place bridie on a pre heated baking tray. Cook in the centre of the oven for approximately 15 minutes ensuring that the bridie is piping hot.

Can you freeze Forfar bridies? ›

'Forfar Bridies' may also be sold frozen raw for later baking (at temperatures of 210 degrees Celsius).

What meat is in a forfar bridie? ›

Bakers in Forfar traditionally use shortcrust pastry for their bridies, but in other parts of Scotland, flaky pastry is sometimes substituted. The filling of a bridie consists of minced steak, butter, and beef suet seasoned with salt and pepper. It is sometimes made with minced onions.

What does Bridie mean in Scottish? ›

bridie in British English

(ˈbraɪdɪ , Scottish ˈbrəɪdɪ ) noun. Scottish. a semicircular pie containing meat and onions.

Is it illegal to call a Cornish pasty? ›

The Cornish pasty has been given protected status by the European Commission so no matter where it is made in order to be called a Cornish pasty it has to contain beef, onion, swede and salt and pepper and be crimped along the side not along the top.

What is an OGGY pasty? ›

"Oggy" is a slang term for a Cornish pasty derived from its Cornish language name, "hogen", and was used by local Cornish sailors throughout Cornwall as well as at the Devonport Dockyard in reference to pasty sellers who stand outside the gates.

Why does a Cornish pasty have 20 crimps? ›

Miners' wives would prepare for them small hand pies filled with meat and vegetables, which we now know as pasties. The edges of the pasties would be crimped, forming a handle for the miners to hold to with their arsenic-covered hands (via Cornish Pasty Co).

What is a Scottish pie called? ›

Also known as mutton pies, these have a very long history. In the middle ages, they were frowned upon by the Scottish church, viewed as luxurious, decadent English-style food.

How long does a bridie last in the fridge? ›

Forfar Bridie
WeightN/A
Nutritional InformationTypical Nutritional Values Per 100g Energy (kJ) 1096 kJ Energy (kcal) 262 kcal Fat 13.8 g Saturated Fat 5.3 g Carbohydrates 27.8 g Sugars 0.7 g Protein 6.5 g Salt 1 g
Storage InstructionsStore in fridge, fresh for 5 days, suitable for home freezing
6 more rows

How many calories are in a Forfar bridie? ›

Calories in Forfar Bridie
Calories327.2
Total Carbohydrate17.5 g
Dietary Fiber0.7 g
Sugars0.0 g
Protein19.1 g
8 more rows

What is a bridie in Scotland? ›

A Forfar Bridie is a horseshoe-shaped meat product. It has a shortcrust cover and the filling consists of beef, onions and seasoning. The Famous Forfar Bridie. They originated in the early part of the 19th century.

How do you reheat Bridie? ›

Preheat oven to 180°C or gas Mark 4 (adjust accordingly for fan assisted ovens). Place on oven tray. Reheat for approximately 20-25 minutes. Always ensure food is piping hot before serving.

Do greggs still do Bridies? ›

Another snack that was exclusive to Scotland: the Bridie. This snack originated from Forfar and contained a simple yet tasty combination of mince meat and onion. But unlike other Greggs treats, this one was shaped in the classic form of a pasty. They stopped selling them from around late 2018.

What does the Irish name Bridie mean? ›

Bridie is a feminine name of Irish origin that stems from the name Brigid, meaning “exalted one; fire goddess; power, strength, vigor; virtue.” Bridie is light and lovely, with a background steeped in Celtic mysticism.

What is the history of the name Bridie? ›

In history, the name Birdie has been associated with a sense of delicacy and grace. It is reminiscent of the natural beauty and freedom embodied by birds. The name has appeared in various forms in literature, poetry, and art, often symbolizing the innocent and ephemeral nature of these avian creatures.

Is Bridie a Welsh name? ›

Bridie – Name's Meaning & Origin

From the irish name brighid, which is from the gaelic word br?? g meaning "strength". Facts: The film "Bridget Jones's Diary", starring Renée Zellweger, was released in 2001 and based on the novel of the same name by Helen Fielding.

What is a Scottish birdie? ›

Bridies are a traditional Scottish hand pie from Forfar. Very similar to a pasty, Bridies are usually made with pie crust and filled with a mix of ground beef, onion, and seasoning.

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