Rappie Pie is a hearty Acadian dish made with grated potatoes, shredded chicken, and a golden, crispy crust. This comforting recipe, deeply rooted in French Canadian culinary traditions, is known for its unique texture and rich, savory flavor. Whether served with butter, molasses, or cranberry sauce, this dish is a true taste of Acadian heritage.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Acadian comfort food – A traditional dish passed down through generations.
- Unique texture – Grated potatoes are squeezed and rehydrated with broth, creating a smooth yet crispy bite.
- Hearty and filling – Packed with tender chicken and buttery flavor.
- Perfect for gatherings – A great dish for family dinners and special occasions.
- Customizable – Can be made with different meats like pork, turkey, or seafood.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 5 lbs potatoes, peeled and grated
- 4 cups chicken broth (hot)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup salted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Place grated potatoes in a cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- Hydrate the Potatoes: Gradually add hot chicken broth to the grated potatoes, stirring constantly until fully absorbed. The mixture should be thick and slightly gelatinous.
- Layer the Pie: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish. Spread half of the potato mixture in the dish, then layer with shredded chicken and chopped onions. Season with salt and pepper. Top with the remaining potato mixture.
- Bake: Pour melted butter evenly over the top. Bake for 2-3 hours, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve hot with butter, molasses, or cranberry sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 2.5 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
Variations
- Meat Options – Swap chicken for pork, turkey, or even clams for a seafood version.
- Extra Flavor – Add cooked bacon, fresh herbs, or garlic for a richer taste.
- Cheese Topping – Sprinkle shredded cheese on top before baking for a creamy twist.
- Vegetarian Option – Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms and leeks.
- Crispier Crust – Brush the top with extra butter or broil for a few minutes at the end of baking.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-30 minutes or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.
FAQs
What is Rappie Pie?
Rappie Pie is a traditional Acadian dish made from grated potatoes that have had their liquid removed, then rehydrated with broth and layered with meat.
Why do the potatoes need to be squeezed?
Removing the excess liquid allows the potatoes to absorb the broth, giving the dish its signature gelatinous yet crispy texture.
Can I make Rappie Pie ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare it up to a day in advance and reheat before serving.
What’s the best way to serve Rappie Pie?
It’s traditionally served with butter, molasses, or cranberry sauce for added flavor.
Can I use store-bought grated potatoes?
Freshly grated potatoes work best, but if using store-bought, ensure they are drained well before adding broth.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it doesn’t require flour or breadcrumbs.
Can I use beef or seafood broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes! Different broths can add unique flavors to the dish.
Why does Rappie Pie take so long to bake?
The slow baking process helps develop flavor and creates a crispy, golden-brown crust.
Can I cook this dish in a slow cooker?
It’s best baked for the crispy texture, but a slow cooker can work if you finish it in the oven for a crispy top.
What’s the difference between Rappie Pie and Shepherd’s Pie?
Rappie Pie is made with grated potatoes and broth, while Shepherd’s Pie uses mashed potatoes and a ground meat filling.
Conclusion
Rappie Pie is a true Acadian classic that combines crispy, buttery potatoes with tender meat for a rich and satisfying dish. Whether you’re recreating a family tradition or trying it for the first time, this recipe is a must-try for lovers of comfort food. Enjoy it with your favorite toppings and savor a taste of history!
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Traditional Rappie Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A traditional Acadian dish made with grated potatoes, tender chicken, and a golden, crispy crust.
Ingredients
- 5 lbs potatoes, peeled and grated
- 4 cups chicken broth (hot)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
-
Prepare the Potatoes:
- Place grated potatoes in a cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel.
- Squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
-
Hydrate the Potatoes:
- Gradually add hot chicken broth to the grated potatoes, stirring constantly until fully absorbed.
- The mixture should be thick and slightly gelatinous.
-
Layer the Pie:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish.
- Spread half of the potato mixture in the dish.
- Layer with shredded chicken and chopped onions.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Top with the remaining potato mixture.
-
Bake:
- Pour melted butter evenly over the top.
- Bake for 2-3 hours, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve hot with butter, molasses, or cranberry sauce.
Notes
-
- For extra flavor, add cooked bacon bits or herbs like thyme to the filling.
- The longer it bakes, the crispier the top will be!
- Traditionally served with pickles or homemade chow chow for a tangy contrast.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2.5 hours
- Category: Dinner, Traditional Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Acadian, French-Canadian
