How to Make Bridie: A Traditional Scottish Savoury Pastry

 

If you're a fan of British or Scottish comfort food, then bridies are a must-try. These delicious savoury pastries, traditionally filled with minced beef and onions, originate from Forfar in Scotland and have become a beloved part of Scottish cuisine. Similar to a pasty, the bridie is rich, flaky, and bursting with flavour — perfect for lunch, picnics, or a warm supper on a chilly day.

--- published by foodie Parmod.

📌 What Is a Bridie?

A bridie (sometimes called a Forfar bridie) is a traditional Scottish meat pastry made with a shortcrust or flaky pastry and filled with minced beef, onions, and seasoning. It’s similar to the Cornish pasty but usually semi-circular in shape and without potatoes. Bridies can be eaten hot or cold, making them ideal for meals or snacks on the go.

This simple, hearty food was a staple for Scottish labourers and is still popular today in bakeries across Scotland.

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🛒 Ingredients (Makes 4 Large Bridies)

For the Pastry:

250g plain flour

125g cold unsalted butter, cubed

A pinch of salt

3–4 tbsp cold water

Or use ready-rolled shortcrust pastry for ease.

For the Filling:

400g minced beef (ideally 15–20% fat)

1 small onion, finely chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional: a pinch of ground nutmeg or a dash of Worcestershire sauce

For Assembly:

1 egg, beaten (for brushing)

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👨‍🍳 How to Make Bridie – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Make the Pastry

In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the cold butter and rub it in using your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

Add the cold water gradually and bring the dough together with your hands. Knead lightly, form into a disc, wrap in clingfilm, and chill for 30 minutes.

Alternatively, use shop-bought shortcrust pastry to save time.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a bowl, mix the minced beef and finely chopped onions. Season generously with salt and pepper. You can also add a little nutmeg or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth of flavour.

There’s no need to pre-cook the filling — it will cook perfectly inside the pastry as it bakes.

Step 3: Roll Out the Pastry

Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) / Gas Mark 6.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pastry to about 3mm thick. Cut out circles approximately 15–18cm wide (use a side plate as a guide).

Step 4: Fill and Shape the Bridies

Spoon the beef mixture onto one half of each pastry circle, leaving a border around the edge. Brush the edge with beaten egg.

Fold the pastry over to form a half-moon shape and press the edges together firmly to seal. Crimp the edge with a fork or your fingers.

Place the bridies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cut a small slit in the top of each to allow steam to escape.

Step 5: Bake

Brush the tops of the bridies with beaten egg for a golden finish.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp. Let cool slightly before serving.

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🍽️ How to Serve Bridies

Bridies are best enjoyed warm, but they can also be served cold. They pair well with:

Mashed potatoes and gravy

Baked beans or mushy peas

A crisp green salad

Pickles or chutney

Perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or as part of a Scottish-themed dinner.

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💡 Recipe Tips & Variations

Forfar bridie vs. normal bridie: The traditional Forfar version includes suet in the filling; this recipe uses minced beef only for simplicity.

Use puff pastry for a flakier result, more like what some modern Scottish bakeries use.

Make it vegetarian by using meat-free mince or a mix of mushrooms and lentils.

Add cheese for a richer filling — grated mature cheddar works beautifully.

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🔎 

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❄️ Storage & Reheating

Bridies store well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C until heated through. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months — wrap individually and defrost overnight before reheating.

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❤️ Final Thoughts

Making homemade bridies is a satisfying and simple way to enjoy one of Scotland’s most comforting culinary traditions. With buttery pastry and a savoury beef filling, these pastries are sure to become a family favourite. Whether served fresh from the oven or packed for a picnic, bridies are a taste of Scotland that everyone can enjoy.

--- write ✍️ by foodie Parmod.

Tried this recipe?

Share your bridie pictures and tag us online, or leave a comment below with your own twist on this classic!