If you’ve ever tasted a warm, flaky Haitian patty straight from the oven, you know it’s more than just a snack — it’s a piece of home. The buttery layers, the spiced meat filling, and the comforting aroma remind so many of us of mornings in Haiti, grabbing a patty from the local bakery on our way to work or church.
Today on Dinner Ideas for the Haitian Cook, we’re showing you how to make the easiest Haitian Beef Patties using store-bought puff pastry sheets. Whether you’re a busy mom, a home cook learning Haitian recipes, or just craving a taste of home, this recipe brings all the flavor without all the fuss.
This recipe is featured in our cookbook Dinner Ideas for the Haitian Cook, where you’ll find more traditional favorites made simple for the modern Haitian-American kitchen.
What Makes Haitian Patties So Special
Haitian patties, or pâté ayisyen, are known for their rich, flaky crust and savory fillings like beef, chicken, codfish, or vegetables. Each patty has layers of flavor that come from Haitian epis, herbs, and just the right amount of heat from scotch bonnet pepper.
Traditionally, the dough is made from scratch — folded and rolled repeatedly to create those delicate layers. But if you’re short on time, puff pastry sheets are the perfect shortcut. They bake up beautifully golden and crisp while keeping that authentic Haitian taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy version of Haitian Beef Patties:
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½ scotch bonnet pepper (finely chopped)
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2 tsp parsley (fresh or dried)
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¼ tsp thyme
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2 chopped shallots
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1 chopped garlic clove
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1 tsp lime juice
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1 lb ground beef (seasoned)
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1 tbsp beef or chicken broth
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1 tbsp tomato paste
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Puff pastry sheets (thawed)
You can also find the Epis Dry Blend Mild on our website, which saves you even more time and gives your patties that same deep Haitian flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season and Cook the Meat Filling
In a skillet, heat a bit of oil and sauté your garlic, shallots, thyme, and parsley until fragrant. Add your ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns. Stir in the scotch bonnet, lime juice, broth, and tomato paste. Cook until the mixture thickens and becomes rich and flavorful.
2. Prep the Puff Pastry Sheets
Roll out your thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut them into squares or rectangles — depending on how large you like your patties.
3. Fill and Seal
Spoon a small amount of the beef mixture into the center of each piece. Fold the pastry over the filling and press the edges with a fork to seal.
4. Bake Until Golden
Place the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm with a cold Cola Lacaye, Cola Champagne, or even a chilled Haitian akasan. The flaky crust and spicy meat filling make every bite worth it.
Bonus Tips
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Use our Epis Dry Blend Mild for quick, consistent flavor without the prep work of fresh herbs.
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Want it spicy? Add a pinch of our Spicy Epis Dry Blend to your filling.
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For a vegetarian twist, replace the meat with sautéed spinach and cheese.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This method gives you everything you love about Haitian patties — the crispy texture, the savory filling, and that nostalgic taste — without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for brunches, parties, or meal prep, these patties freeze and reheat beautifully.
And if you love recipes like this, you’ll definitely want to grab a copy of Dinner Ideas for the Haitian Cook, available now in paperback on dinnerideascollective.com. You’ll find step-by-step guides to traditional Haitian dishes, from soup joumou to diri kole ak pwa.
Final Thoughts
Haitian patties bring people together. Whether you grew up with them or you’re discovering them for the first time, this easy puff pastry recipe is a delicious way to celebrate Haitian culture right in your own kitchen.
Learn More in the Cookbook
How to Make Haitian Patties is just one of the many traditional recipes you’ll discover in our cookbook Dinner Ideas for the Haitian Cook. From savory dishes to sweet treats, it’s your guide to authentic Haitian cooking.
📖 Order your copy today at dinnerideascollective.com and get 10% off your first purchase.
Bring warmth and tradition to your table with Haitian Patties. Try this recipe at home and share it with family and friends.
Order your Mild or Spicy Epis Dry Spice Blend and grab a copy of Dinner Ideas for the Haitian Cook for authentic recipes the whole family will love.
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