Savory hand pies are a delicious and versatile option for a quick snack, appetizer, or even a full meal. These personal-sized pies can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as meats, vegetables, and cheeses, making them a perfect choice for any palate. Below is a classic recipe for savory hand pies with a rich, flaky crust and flavorful filling.
Ingredients
For the Pie Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- ¼ cup ice-cold water (plus more if needed)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
For the Filling:
You can mix and match the filling according to your preference. Below is a basic savory filling option:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ pound ground beef or sausage (or use chicken or turkey as a variation)
- 1 carrot, diced small
- 1 small potato, diced small
- 1/2 cup frozen peas or spinach (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or other herbs like rosemary or oregano)
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyere)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Pie Dough
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Some pea-sized chunks of butter are okay — this will help make the crust flaky.
- Add Cold Water: Slowly add the ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overmix. If the dough is too dry, add an extra tablespoon of water.
- Form the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal disks, wrap them in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight).
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and garlic, and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Cook Meat: Add the ground beef or sausage to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Add Vegetables and Seasoning: Stir in the diced carrots and potatoes (and frozen peas or spinach, if using). Season with salt, pepper, and thyme (or other herbs). Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Cool the Filling: Remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool. Stir in the shredded cheese after it has cooled down a bit.
Step 3: Assemble the Hand Pies
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a round cutter or a bowl, cut the dough into 4-6 inch circles.
- Fill the Hand Pies: Place a tablespoon or two of the cooled filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, and press the edges together with your fingers or a fork to seal. Make sure the edges are tightly sealed to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Egg Wash: Beat the egg with a tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Brush the tops of the hand pies with the egg wash to give them a beautiful golden-brown finish when baked.
- Vent: Use a knife to make small slits on top of each hand pie to allow steam to escape during baking.
Step 4: Bake the Hand Pies
- Bake: Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
- Cool Slightly: Allow the hand pies to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Variations
Here are some ideas for changing up the filling:
- Spinach and Feta: Use sautéed spinach, crumbled feta, and onions for a Mediterranean twist.
- Chicken and Mushrooms: Sauté diced chicken breast with mushrooms, onions, and a touch of cream.
- Ham and Cheese: Classic ham and shredded cheese make a great kid-friendly filling.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the meat for more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes.
Tips for Success
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough before rolling it out helps it relax, making it easier to handle. It also results in a flakier crust.
- Avoid Overfilling: Be careful not to overfill the pies, as it can make it difficult to seal them properly.
- Freeze for Later: You can freeze the assembled, unbaked hand pies on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a ziplock bag for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, simply pop them in the oven (frozen) and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Savory hand pies are a fantastic dish to prepare for a variety of occasions — from parties to quick meals on the go. The beauty of these pies is in their versatility, allowing you to fill them with whatever ingredients you have on hand. Whether you go with a traditional meat filling or a vegetarian option, these hand pies are sure to be a hit!
