Savory Hand Pies Recipe
If you’re longing for a comforting, grab-and-go treat that’s rich with flavor and rustic charm, look no further than Savory Hand Pies. A flaky, golden crust envelops a hearty filling of seasoned ground meat, melty cheese, and aromatic spices, making each bite utterly satisfying. Perfect for snacks, easy dinners, or as portable party fare, these little pies are endlessly adaptable and always crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re packing lunchboxes or planning a picnic, Savory Hand Pies deliver the joy of homemade baking with every delicious bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in how simple and accessible the ingredients are, yet each one truly shines to create irresistible pockets of flavor. Every item plays a starring role in the taste, texture, and the golden-brown finish that makes Savory Hand Pies so delectable.
- Refrigerated pie crusts: Offer buttery flakiness and shortcut convenience—feel free to use homemade if you’re in the mood!
- Olive oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps soften the onion and garlic for a flavorful base.
- Onion: Finely chopped for sweet, aromatic depth that enhances the filling.
- Garlic: A small clove, minced, brings warmth and savory notes to every bite.
- Ground beef or turkey: The protein-packed star of the filling—choose your favorite for a classic or lighter pie.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out all the savory goodness from the filling.
- Black pepper: Lends a subtle heat that rounds out the flavor profile.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky, sweet depth that elevates the overall taste.
- Dried thyme: Brings an earthy, herbal note that pairs beautifully with the meat and cheese.
- Tomato paste: Creates a rich, tangy binder for the filling, making it irresistibly moist.
- Beef or chicken broth: A splash of broth keeps the filling juicy and flavorful.
- Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese: Melts inside the pies for a creamy, gooey finish.
- Egg (beaten): Brushed over the pies for that classic, goldeny sheen and extra crunch.
How to Make Savory Hand Pies
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—this step ensures your Savory Hand Pies cook evenly and release easily once baked. While the oven heats, gather your ingredients for a smooth workflow from start to finish.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes. This builds a fragrant, flavorful base and gently sweetens the onions, hinting at the delicious things to come.
Step 3: Cook the Filling
Add your ground beef or turkey to the skillet along with the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Use a spatula to break up the meat as it cooks, making sure it browns evenly and absorbs the savory spices. When the meat is no longer pink and fully broken up, your kitchen will already be smelling amazing!
Step 4: Make It Saucy
Stir in the tomato paste and beef or chicken broth, simmering the mixture for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens. This creates that satisfying, clingy filling you want for your Savory Hand Pies, with just the right balance of moisture and richness.
Step 5: Cool and Add Cheese
Take the skillet off the heat and let the mixture cool slightly—just enough so the cheese won’t immediately melt. Add the shredded cheddar or mozzarella, stirring until it’s evenly distributed and just starting to melt into the filling. The cheese adds creaminess and pulls all the flavors together.
Step 6: Assemble the Hand Pies
Unroll your refrigerated pie crusts onto a lightly floured surface. Cut out 4- to 5-inch circles using a round cutter or the rim of a large glass. Place 1 to 2 tablespoons of the savory filling in the center of each round, then fold them over into half-moon shapes. Use a fork to crimp the edges and seal in all that deliciousness.
Step 7: Finish and Bake
Transfer the filled pies to the prepared baking sheet. Brush each with the beaten egg to ensure a deep, golden finish. Using a small, sharp knife, cut a tiny slit in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape—this keeps the crust crisp and flaky. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the pies are puffed and beautifully golden brown. Let them cool just a bit before serving, if you can resist!
How to Serve Savory Hand Pies
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way! Pile your Savory Hand Pies on a platter and sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for color and a fresh pop of flavor. For a special touch, serve with a side of tangy dipping sauce like herbed yogurt, spicy ketchup, or grainy mustard.
Side Dishes
Savory Hand Pies pair perfectly with simple sides. Try them alongside a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or even a warm, comforting cup of tomato soup. These hand pies are perfectly filling on their own, but sides help round out the meal for lunch or dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the plate! Stack the Savory Hand Pies in a picnic basket, or nestle them in a bread basket lined with a pretty napkin for family style serving. For parties, stand them upright in a mason jar or arrange them on a wooden board with pickled veggies. Their charming look and handy shape invite playfulness and creativity in presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Savory Hand Pies (lucky you!), let them cool to room temperature before storing. Place them in an airtight container, and they’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crust stays flaky, and the filling remains flavorful for quick, satisfying snacks or meals.
Freezing
To freeze for longer storage, assemble the hand pies but don’t bake them. Arrange unbaked pies on a lined baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a fresh batch, bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the oven time.
Reheating
To keep that glorious flakiness, reheat Savory Hand Pies in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use a toaster oven or air fryer for perfectly crisp results. While microwaving is fast, it may soften the crust—so the oven is the way to go for bakery-fresh texture.
FAQs
Can I use puff pastry instead of pie crust for Savory Hand Pies?
Absolutely! Puff pastry will give you an irresistibly light, extra-flaky shell. Just keep an eye on baking time, as it may brown faster than standard pie crust. The results are always a hit with anyone who loves flaky, buttery layers.
What other fillings can I try?
There’s no end to the possibilities! Try spinach and feta for a veggie twist, ham and cheese for classic comfort, or curried vegetables for a spiced option. Savory Hand Pies are the perfect canvas for experimenting with flavors and leftover ingredients.
Can I make Savory Hand Pies ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare and assemble the pies up to the egg wash step, then refrigerate or freeze as needed. When ready to serve, just add the egg wash and bake. This makes them fantastic for meal planning, entertaining, or prepping quick snacks for busy days.
Why do I need to cut a slit in the top?
The little slit acts as a vent, allowing steam to escape so the crust doesn’t get soggy. It keeps the inside perfectly moist while preserving that crisp, beautiful finish on the outside of your Savory Hand Pies.
How do I keep the hand pies from leaking during baking?
Ensure you don’t overfill each pie and that the edges are securely sealed with a fork. Pressing firmly—and brushing a little water or beaten egg along the edges before sealing—helps “glue” the crust together, locking all the good stuff inside.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Savory Hand Pies enough! They are comforting, versatile, and delightfully fun to make. Whether you’re new to hand pies or a seasoned baker, this recipe is sure to win hearts and spark creativity in your kitchen. So roll up those sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let your adventure with Savory Hand Pies begin!
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Savory Hand Pies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 hand pies
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Savory Hand Pies are delicious, handheld savory pastries filled with a flavorful mixture of ground meat, cheese, and spices, enclosed in a flaky crust. These portable snacks are perfect for a quick bite or a light meal on the go.
Ingredients
Crust:
2 refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade)
Filling:
1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 small onion (finely chopped), 1 clove garlic (minced), 1/2 pound ground beef or ground turkey, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 cup tomato paste, 1/4 cup beef or chicken broth, 1/3 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese, 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until softened.
- Cook the meat: Add ground meat, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Cook until browned.
- Add tomato paste and broth: Stir in tomato paste and broth, simmer until thickened.
- Prepare the filling: Let the filling cool slightly, then stir in shredded cheese.
- Assemble the hand pies: Cut pie crusts into circles. Place filling in each round. Fold over, crimp edges, brush with egg wash.
- Bake: Place on baking sheet, vent the pies, and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- These hand pies can be made ahead and frozen before baking.
- Experiment with different fillings like spinach and feta, ham and cheese, or curried vegetables for variety.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
