Oh my goodness, have you ever had a savory hand pie? They’re like little pockets of joy! Seriously, it’s hard to beat that flaky, buttery crust encasing a delicious filling. I love making these for any occasion, from cozy movie nights to casual get-togethers with friends. The beauty of these savory hand pies is that you can customize the filling to whatever you have on hand—think seasoned ground meat, colorful veggies, or even a cheesy blend! Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked on the warm flavors and comforting textures. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up, making them the perfect snack or appetizer. Let’s dive into making these delightful treats together!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to make these scrumptious savory hand pies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 cup cooked and seasoned ground meat (beef, chicken, or turkey work great!)
- 1/2 cup chopped vegetables (you can use carrots, peas, or bell peppers—get creative!)
- 1 egg, beaten (for that beautiful golden egg wash)
Feel free to mix and match your fillings based on what you love or have at home. The possibilities are endless, and that’s the beauty of these tasty hand pies!
How to Prepare Savory Hand Pies
Alright, let’s get our hands dirty! Making savory hand pies is a fun process, and I promise it’s easier than you might think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying your delicious creations in no time!
- First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is key for getting that beautiful golden color on your hand pies!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour and the chilled, diced butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix them together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is super important because it helps create that flaky texture we all love.
- Next, add in the 1/4 cup of cold water, a little at a time, mixing until a dough starts to form. You want it to be just combined, so don’t overdo it! If it feels too dry, add a splash more water, but be careful not to make it sticky.
- Now, turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/8 inch thick. The thinner you roll it, the flakier your crust will be!
- Using a round cutter or a glass, cut out circles of dough (about 4-5 inches in diameter). Don’t worry if they’re not perfect—hand pies are all about that homemade charm!
- Place a generous spoonful of your filling (meat and veggies) in the center of each circle. Remember, don’t overfill or they won’t seal properly!
- Now comes the fun part! Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly, and then use a fork to crimp the edges closed. This not only seals in all that goodness but also adds a cute touch!
- Brush the tops of each hand pie with the beaten egg. This is your secret to achieving that gorgeous golden-brown finish when they bake.
- Finally, pop them in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden and flaky. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!
And there you have it! Your savory hand pies are ready to be devoured. Just remember to let them cool for a few minutes before diving in—trust me, the filling gets pretty hot! Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings!
- Delicious flavor combinations that you can customize to suit your taste or use up leftovers.
- Flaky, buttery crust that’s simply irresistible and makes every bite a delight.
- Versatile—great as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal on their own.
- Make-ahead friendly; you can freeze them before baking for a quick snack later!
- Kid-friendly and perfect for lunchboxes or picnics, making them a hit with everyone!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to make these delightful savory hand pies, here are some of my top tips to ensure you achieve pie perfection!
- Chill the dough: Make sure your butter is really cold when you mix it in. If you have time, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before rolling it out. This helps create that flaky texture we all crave!
- Don’t overfill: It’s tempting to pile on the filling, but trust me, keep it to a generous spoonful! Overfilling can cause your hand pies to burst open while baking, and we want all that deliciousness to stay inside.
- Seal them well: When folding the dough over the filling, make sure to press the edges tightly and crimp them with a fork. This not only seals in the flavor but also gives them a charming look!
- Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on them in the oven! Ovens can vary, so start checking for that golden brown goodness around the 25-minute mark. You want them perfectly baked, not overdone.
- Let them cool: I know it’s hard to resist diving in right away, but let them cool for a few minutes after baking. The filling can be super hot, and you don’t want to burn your tongue on that first glorious bite!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making the best savory hand pies ever! Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving these delightful savory hand pies, the options are endless, and I just love getting creative! They’re fantastic on their own, but pairing them with some delicious sides or dips can take your snack game to a whole new level!
- Dipping sauces: A tangy dipping sauce really elevates the experience. I recommend serving them with a zesty garlic aioli, a smoky chipotle mayo, or even a classic ranch dressing. Trust me, you’ll want to dunk every bite!
- Fresh salads: A light, refreshing salad is a perfect complement. Try a simple mixed greens salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a hearty coleslaw with a bit of crunch. It balances out the richness of the hand pies beautifully!
- Soup: For a cozy meal, serve these hand pies alongside a warm bowl of tomato soup or a creamy potato leek soup. The combination is simply divine, especially on chilly days!
- Cheese platter: If you’re feeling a bit fancy, create a cheese board to accompany your hand pies. Include a variety of cheeses, cured meats, olives, and some crusty bread for a delightful spread that will impress your guests.
- Pickles or relishes: A tangy pickle or a sweet relish is a great way to add a bit of crunch and acidity to your plate. They cut through the richness and bring a refreshing contrast!
So, whether you’re hosting a gathering or just enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will make your savory hand pies even more enjoyable. Get ready for compliments, because everyone will be asking for seconds!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, if you happen to have any savory hand pies left over (which is a rare feat, but hey, it could happen), you’ll want to store them properly to keep that deliciousness intact!
- Storing: Once your hand pies have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container. I like to layer them with parchment paper in between to keep them from sticking together—nobody wants a sad, squished hand pie! You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: If you want to save some for later, these hand pies freeze beautifully! Just make sure they’re wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or placed in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just let them thaw in the fridge overnight.
Now, let’s talk reheating! You want to bring back that glorious flakiness:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the hand pies on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps revive the crispiness of the crust!
- Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, you can pop them in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds. Just know that the crust might not be as crispy this way, but they’ll still be tasty!
With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your savory hand pies just as much the second time around! Happy snacking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying savory hand pies, it’s nice to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s a typical breakdown of the nutritional values for one delicious hand pie:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Sugar: 1g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and what fillings you choose. So, feel free to play around with the ingredients to fit your dietary needs while still enjoying these tasty treats!
FAQ Section
Can I make savory hand pies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the hand pies, fill them, and then freeze them before baking. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy them! This makes for a super convenient snack or appetizer anytime.
What kinds of fillings can I use?
Oh, the options are endless! You can get creative with whatever you have on hand. Think cooked meats like beef or chicken, a mix of veggies, or even some cheese and herbs for a vegetarian twist. Just make sure your filling is cooked and seasoned well for the best flavor!
How do I ensure my crust is flaky?
The key is to keep your butter cold and not overmix the dough. When you combine the flour and butter, you want it to resemble coarse crumbs. Also, chilling the dough for a bit before rolling it out can really help achieve that flaky texture we all crave!
Can I bake these hand pies from frozen?
Yes, you can! If you freeze them before baking, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. There’s nothing quite like a freshly baked savory hand pie straight from the oven!
What’s the best way to reheat leftover hand pies?
For the best results, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will help keep the crust nice and crispy. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too, but keep in mind it might make the crust a bit softer.
Savory Hand Pies: 5 Easy Steps to Deliciousness!
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 hand pies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Savory hand pies filled with delicious ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 cup cooked and seasoned ground meat
- 1/2 cup chopped vegetables (carrots, peas, or bell peppers)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour and butter until crumbly.
- Add cold water and mix until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface.
- Cut out circles of dough.
- Place filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold the dough over and seal the edges.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Customize filling as desired.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Can be frozen before baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: savory hand pies, baked snacks, savory snacks
