Nice And Flaky Jamaican Patties

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There’s something about biting into a flaky Jamaican patty that just hits different. The crunch of that golden pastry. The warm, spiced filling inside.

It doesn’t matter if you like beef, chicken, or veggie, a patty, it’s pure comfort food. And while you can grab one at a bakery or corner store, there’s no reason you can’t make them at home.

Honestly, once you do, you might never go back to store-bought again.

So with no further ado, let’s get into the recipe.

What is a Jamaican Patty?

A Jamaican patty is a golden, half-moon-shaped pastry filled with flavorful meat or vegetables. The crust is flaky and colored yellow with curry powder or turmeric.

The most traditional filling is seasoned ground beef, but there are endless ways to switch it up.

They’re often eaten as a snack, lunch on the go, or served with coco bread to make it a full meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon curry powder or turmeric (for color and flavor)
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter or shortening (or a mix of both)
• ½ cup cold water (add more if needed)
• 1 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice (optional, for a more tender dough)

Alternatives:

• Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version
• Use vegan butter for a plant-based crust
• Skip turmeric if you don’t want the yellow color

For the beef filling:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 scallions (green onions), chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Black pepper to taste
• ½ Scotch bonnet pepper, minced (optional, for heat)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup water or beef broth

Alternatives:

• Ground turkey, chicken, or lamb instead of beef
• Lentils or mashed chickpeas for a meatless version
• Use store-bought jerk or curry seasoning instead of mixing spices

Optional for finishing:

• 1 egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)

Alternatives:

• Use plant-based milk or oil instead of egg for a vegan wash
• Skip it completely if you’re not worried about shine

How to Make the Dough

Start by mixing the flour, salt, sugar, and turmeric or curry powder in a large bowl. Cut in the cold butter or shortening until the mix looks like coarse crumbs. You can use a pastry cutter, food processor, or your hands—whatever works.

Slowly add cold water and vinegar, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Don’t overwork it. Wrap in plastic and chill for at least 30 minutes so it firms up and stays flaky when baked.

How to Make the Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain off the excess oil. Add chopped onions, garlic, scallions, and seasonings. Cook for a few minutes until everything’s soft and aromatic.

Stir in breadcrumbs and water or broth. Let it simmer just until the mix thickens a bit and holds together. The breadcrumbs soak up extra moisture so the filling doesn’t leak. Let it cool before filling the patties.

Shaping the Patties

Roll your chilled dough out on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out 6-inch circles using a bowl or cutter.

Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of cooled filling into the center of each. Fold over to form a half-moon shape. Seal the edges by pressing with a fork. If you want them glossy, brush lightly with egg wash.

Baking Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place patties with some space in between.

Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden and crisp on the edges. Let them cool for a few minutes before eating.

Tips for Perfect Patties

• Chill your dough—it’s key to flaky crust
• Don’t overfill or the patties might burst open
• Let filling cool completely before assembling
• If the dough gets too soft while shaping, pop it back in the fridge for 10 minutes
• Want crispier edges? Bake a few extra minutes

Can You Freeze Jamaican Patties?

Definitely. To freeze, fill and shape your patties but don’t bake them yet. Lay them on a tray in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container.

When you’re ready, bake from frozen at 375°F for 35–40 minutes. No need to thaw.

Can You Air Fry Patties?

Yep! They turn out great in the air fryer—crisp on the outside, soft on the inside.

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Brush each patty with oil or egg wash. Place them in a single layer and air fry for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through. Perfect for smaller batches or a quick snack.

Storage and Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes
• Air fryer works too—about 5 minutes at 350°F
• Microwave works in a pinch, but crust will be softer

Nutrition Facts and Serving Details

• Calories: 300–350 per patty (varies based on filling and size)
• Prep Time: 1 hour (including dough chilling)
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
• Makes: 10–12 patties

Once you get the hang of the dough and filling, homemade Jamaican patties are easy to knock out—and they taste way better than frozen or store-bought. The crust is buttery and flaky, the filling is juicy and full of bold Caribbean flavor, and the whole thing just feels like a win.

You can stick with classic beef, switch it up with veggie or jerk fillings, or freeze a bunch for later. They’re great for meal prep, party food, or a quick snack anytime.

Make a batch. Try a few variations. You might be surprised how fast they disappear.

More Jamaican Recipes

• Yummy Oxtail Jamaican Patties
• Tasty Jamaican Oxtail and Cabbage
• Classic Jamaican Oxtail Stew Recipe