Jamaican Beef Patty with Coco Bread Recipe: A Caribbean Delight

Few foods capture the essence of Jamaica quite like a flaky, spiced beef patty paired with soft, slightly sweet coco bread. This iconic duo is a staple in Jamaican cuisine, offering the perfect balance of savory and sweet. Follow this recipe to bring a taste of the islands into your kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Beef Patty Filling

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 scallions, finely chopped
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped (optional for heat)
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp allspice
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup beef broth or water
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Pastry Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp turmeric (for color)
• 1/4 tsp curry powder
• 1/2 cup cold butter, diced
• 1/4 cup ice water
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

For the Coco Bread

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup warm coconut milk
• 1 egg (for dough)
• 1/4 cup melted butter (for brushing)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté onions, garlic, scallions, and Scotch bonnet pepper until fragrant.
3. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces.
4. Stir in thyme, allspice, paprika, turmeric, salt, and black pepper.
5. Add breadcrumbs and beef broth, allowing the mixture to simmer until thickened (about 10 minutes). Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Pastry Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, turmeric, and curry powder.
2. Add cold butter and rub it into the flour mixture until crumbly.
3. Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Coco Bread

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
2. Mix in melted butter, warm coconut milk, and egg. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 8–10 minutes).
3. Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions, roll out each into a circle, and fold in half. Brush with melted butter before folding.

Step 4: Assemble the Patties

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the pastry dough into thin circles (about 6 inches in diameter).
3. Place 2–3 tbsp of the cooled beef filling onto one half of each circle. Fold over the other half and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
4. Brush each patty with egg wash and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake the patties for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and flaky.
2. While the patties bake, bake the coco bread for 15–18 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Serving Suggestions

To enjoy this iconic pairing, slice the coco bread in half and tuck a warm beef patty inside. Serve with a side of tropical juice or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

• For Extra Flakiness: Use ice-cold butter and handle the dough as little as possible.
• Control the Heat: Adjust the Scotch bonnet pepper to your desired spice level.
• Make Ahead: Both patties and coco bread freeze well. Reheat in the oven for a quick snack.

Bring the flavors of Jamaica into your home with this mouthwatering recipe. Whether you’re enjoying it as a snack, a meal, or a taste of nostalgia, Jamaican beef patties with coco bread are guaranteed to satisfy!