If you have a craving for something warm, hearty, and absolutely delicious, this Savory Hand Pies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine flaky, golden pastry snugly wrapped around a rich filling of seasoned meat, vibrant vegetables, and melty cheese—a true handheld comfort food that’s perfect for snacking, lunch, or even a cozy dinner. These hand pies are incredibly satisfying, easy to customize, and bring a wonderful blend of textures and flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Savory Hand Pies Recipe lies in its simplicity, using just a handful of ingredients that each play a key role. From the flakiness of the pie crust to the savory punch of the seasoned meat and the delightful pop of mixed vegetables, every component builds layers of flavor and texture.
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts or homemade pie dough: Choose flaky crust for that perfect golden finish and tender bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing onions and adding a subtle fruity richness.
- 1 small onion finely diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
- 1 cup cooked meat (ground beef, chicken, or turkey): Provides hearty protein and savory flavor.
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn): A colorful and sweet veggie medley that balances the meat.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the overall flavor with mild garlicky warmth.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers an earthy, herbal note that brings it all together.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and elevating all the tastes.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle but lively kick to the filling.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella): Melts into gooey goodness inside each pie.
- 1 egg (beaten for egg wash): Creates a lovely golden shine and crisp texture on the crust.
How to Make Savory Hand Pies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then sauté finely diced onions until they’re soft and translucent. This step releases their natural sweetness and builds the flavor base for the filling. Add your cooked meat along with the mixed vegetables, then season the mixture with garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and let it heat through to blend the flavors beautifully. Once warm, remove from heat and give it a moment to cool slightly before mixing in the shredded cheese, which will melt perfectly inside the pies.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
While the filling cools, roll out your pie dough on a lightly floured surface to smooth it out a bit. Using a 5-inch round cutter or a bowl, cut circles from the dough. These rounds will be your canvas for those perfectly handheld parcels of deliciousness.
Step 3: Fill and Seal the Pies
Spoon a modest amount of the filling onto one half of each dough circle, making sure to leave a border to avoid spillage. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and press the edges firmly together. Use a fork to crimp the edges, which seals the filling inside and adds an adorable detail.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Brush the tops with beaten egg for that irresistible golden color and glossy finish. Bake in your preheated 400°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes until puffed and beautifully golden brown. Let them cool just a little before enjoying!
How to Serve Savory Hand Pies Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of paprika adds a burst of color and fresh aroma to your hand pies, making them even more inviting at the table. A small dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce can also enhance the flavor if you love a little extra zing.
Side Dishes
Serve your hand pies alongside crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or a simple soup for a comforting meal. These pies pair wonderfully with tangy coleslaw or even a side of mashed potatoes, turning your snack into a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Savory Hand Pies Recipe into party stars by arranging them on a rustic wooden board with an assortment of dipping sauces like garlic aioli, barbecue sauce, or a creamy mustard dip. For a picnic, wrap each pie in parchment paper and tie with a bit of twine for a charming, portable treat that’s as beautiful as it is practical.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftover hand pies in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy the deliciousness later without sacrificing freshness or texture.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead of the game, you can freeze these hand pies before baking. Arrange them on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to one month. When you’re ready, bake them from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated hand pies in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until warmed through and crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that flaky texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pie crust for this recipe?
Absolutely! Refrigerated pie crusts are a great shortcut that save time and still deliver a wonderfully flaky crust, making this Savory Hand Pies Recipe even easier to prepare.
What types of meat work best for the filling?
Ground beef, chicken, or turkey are all fantastic choices. You can even use leftover cooked meats or experiment with sausage for a different twist.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely. Simply swap the meat with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or lentils, and adjust the seasoning to keep the filling flavorful and satisfying.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Allow the filling to cool before assembling the hand pies to prevent moisture from seeping into the crust. Also, make sure to seal the edges well and bake at the right temperature for a crisp finish.
Can I freeze these pies after baking?
Yes, you can freeze baked hand pies as well. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to one month. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness when you’re ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
This Savory Hand Pies Recipe is truly a little slice of comfort wrapped in pastry—and it’s so rewarding to make! Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these hand pies bring warmth and flavor in every bite. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to for an easy, delicious, and satisfying meal or snack. Give them a whirl and enjoy all the savory goodness wrapped up in one perfect package!
Print
Savory Hand Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 hand pies
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Savory Hand Pies are perfect portable treats filled with a delicious mixture of cooked meat, vegetables, and cheese wrapped in flaky pie dough. Baked until golden brown, they make a hearty appetizer or snack customizable with your favorite fillings.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts or homemade pie dough
Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 cup cooked meat such as ground beef, chicken, or turkey
- 1 cup mixed vegetables such as peas, carrots, and corn
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese such as cheddar or mozzarella
Egg Wash
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the hand pies.
- Sauté Onions: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Prepare Filling: Add the cooked meat, mixed vegetables, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together thoroughly and heat through until warm and well combined, then remove from heat.
- Mix Cheese: Let the filling cool slightly before stirring in the shredded cheese to avoid melting it into the filling prematurely.
- Form Dough Circles: Roll out your pie dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into 5-inch diameter circles using a round cutter or a bowl.
- Assemble Pies: Spoon a small amount of filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edge. Fold the dough over to enclose the filling, pressing the edges firmly to seal.
- Seal Edges: Use a fork to crimp the edges of the hand pies, which helps to seal and create an attractive pattern on the crust.
- Apply Egg Wash: Transfer the assembled hand pies to the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with the beaten egg. This will give them a glossy, golden finish when baked.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crusts are golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the hand pies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving warm.
Notes
- Customize the filling by using leftover roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or different types of cheese.
- You can freeze unbaked hand pies; bake them straight from the freezer by adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
