Okay, picture this: What’s Flaky, golden crust giving way to a warm, savory filling that just bursts with flavor. What are the most important things to doWhat are some of the best handWhat are some of the best quiche recipes? What are some of the best portable comfort food recipes? Is this a game changer? I swear, the first time I made these, they disappeared faster than I could say “seconds!” “It’s a recipe that’ve been passed down in my family, tweaked and perfecte to perfection over the years, and I’m very proud of it. ” I’m so excited to share this with you. My grandmother used to make these for picnics, and the smell alone brings back so many happy memories. What is it like to fall in love with someone?
What is Savory Hand Pie?
Think of What are some good Hand Pies?As miniature versions of your favorite pot pie, but way easier to handle (and honestly, more fun to eat). Is it a handheld pastry filled with meat, veggies, cheese, and ice cream? They’re baked until golden brown and the filling is warm and gooey. What is the best thing about a salad?What are some of the best handIs that they are super customizable. Use whatever you like as a filling? They are such a versatile dish and it’s such comforting food. We have been making variations on this for years. They remind me so much of something my grandma would bake, and that means comfort and love to me.
Why you will love this recipe?
Where do I begin? There are so many reasons to love these movies.What are some good Hand Pies?! First and foremost, the flavor is out of this world. The combination of the flaky, buttery crust with the savory filling is just… *chef’s kiss*. It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s not just the taste, though. It’s also the simplicity of this recipe. I know, I know, homemade pastry can sound intimidating, but trust me on this one – it’s much easier than you think. This recipe breaks it down into simple, manageable steps, and the results are totally worth it.
What I love most about this recipe is how budget-friendly it is. You can use up leftover cooked chicken or vegetables, making it a great way to reduce food waste. Plus, it’s endlessly versatile! You can customize the filling to suit your tastes and preferences. Craving something spicy? Add a pinch of chili flakes. Want a vegetarian option? Load it up with your favorite veggies and cheese. And have I mentioned how family-friendly these are? My kids absolutely devour them! They’re perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or a quick and easy dinner on busy weeknights. They’re honestly easier than making Grilled Cheese! This recipe is inspired by my love of pot pies, but in a portable, fun-sized package.
How do you make a savory hand pie?
Quick Overview
Making these What are some good Hand Pies? is surprisingly straightforward! First, you’ll prepare the flaky pastry dough. Then, you’ll whip up the flavorful filling. Next, you cut the pastry dough into circles, fill it with the mixture, seal it up and pop them in the oven until golden brown and bubbly. That’s it! The best part? The dough can be made ahead of time, making this a great make-ahead meal. It’s a little bit of effort for a whole lot of deliciousness!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Use a good quality unbleached flour for the best texture.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the crust.
• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes. Make sure it’s cold for a flaky crust!
• 1/2 cup ice water: Add it gradually, just until the dough comes together.
For the Filling:
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: Adds flavor and helps to sauté the veggies.
• 1 onion, chopped: I like using yellow onion but white onion works too.
• 2 carrots, chopped: Adds sweetness and color.
• 2 celery stalks, chopped: Contributes to the savory flavor base.
• 1 pound cooked chicken, diced: You can use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience!
• 1 cup frozen peas: Adds a pop of sweetness and color.
• 1 cup chicken broth: Provides moisture and flavor.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the filling.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a warm, savory note.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Adjust to your taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper: Adds a bit of spice.
For the Egg Wash:
• 1 egg: For a golden, shiny crust.
• 1 tablespoon milk: Helps to thin the egg and adds richness.
What is the step-
Step 1: Make the Crust
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Set aside. How do you cut butter into small pieces using a pastry blender or your fingertips? Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Form dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. What is the best way to get a flaky crust?
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While the dough is chilling, heat the Olive Oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the diced chicken, frozen peas, chicken broth, flour, thyme, salt, pepper, and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook until the filling has thickened, about 5-7 minutes more. Let the filling cool slightly before using.
Step 3: Assemble the Hand Pies
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or a bowl to cut out circles of dough. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and crimp the edges with a fork to seal. Alternatively, you can get fancy and do a rolled crimp. I’m not always that patient, though!
Step 4: Bake
In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and egg. Brush the egg wash over the mixture.What are some good Hand Pies?. Cut a small slit in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool. I always rotate the baking sheet halfway through to ensure even baking.
Step 5: Cool & Serve
Let the What are some good Hand Pies?Can you cool the filling before serving? What are the best ways to prepare them at room temperature? I sometimes like to add a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt on top for extra creaminess.
What should I serve it with?
These What are some good Hand Pies? are pretty amazing on their own, but they’re even better with the right accompaniments.
For a Light Lunch: Serve them with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. The crispness of the salad is a nice contrast to the richness of the pies.
For a Hearty Dinner: Pair them with roasted vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes.
For a Snack: Enjoy them with a side of coleslaw or potato salad.
For Something Special: Add a dipping sauce, such as ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy mayo.
We often have them as a side to a roast chicken dinner. They are really versatile so you can really adapt them to almost any kind of food.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Savory Hand Pies
Okay, so I’ve made these savory hand pies *a lot* over the years, and I’ve definitely learned a few tricks along the way. Here are my top tips for ensuring perfect pies every single time:
Keep the Butter Cold: This is the most important tip for a flaky crust. The colder the butter, the better. You can even chill the flour and bowl before you start.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: Overworking the dough will develop the gluten, resulting in a tough crust. Mix the dough just until it comes together.
Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender crust. Don’t skip this step!
Don’t Overfill the Pies: Overfilling the pies will cause the filling to leak out during baking. A spoonful or two is plenty.
Crimp the Edges Well: Make sure the edges are tightly sealed to prevent the filling from escaping.
Use an Egg Wash: An egg wash gives the pies a beautiful golden, shiny crust.
Cut a Slit in the Top: This allows steam to escape during baking, preventing the pies from bursting.
Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will result in a dry crust and filling. Bake until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Room Temperature: These savory hand pies can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, they should be refrigerated.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooked pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the baked pies. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, bake the pies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the crust won’t be as crispy. For frozen pies, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These savory hand pies are more than just a recipe; they’re a taste of home, a reminder of family traditions, and a celebration of simple, delicious food. I truly hope you give this recipe a try. It’s perfect for everything from a quick weeknight dinner to a special occasion brunch. And if you’re looking for more savory baking inspiration, be sure to check out my other recipes for quiches, pot pies, and galettes. Happy baking! And, I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or if you make any fun variations. I hope you love them!
Savory Hand Pies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup diced cooked chicken
- 0.25 cup diced onion
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine cheese, chicken, and onion.
- Unroll pie crusts and cut out circles using a 4-inch cookie cutter.
- Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and crimp the edges to seal.
- Place hand pies on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
