Name: Savory Hand Pies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1/4 cup ice water (more if needed); 1 lb ground beef, chicken, turkey, or lamb (or a combination); 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional); 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or feta); 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce; 1 egg (for egg wash)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Savory hand pies are the perfect portable meal or snack, with flaky, buttery pastry encasing a flavorful filling. These handheld delights can be filled with just about anything—meats, cheeses, vegetables, or even a combination of the three. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a party appetizer, or something to take on the go, savory hand pies are a versatile and satisfying option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These savory hand pies are incredibly flavorful, with a golden, crispy crust that gives way to a savory, hearty filling. They’re easy to customize with your favorite ingredients, and you can make a batch ahead of time to have on hand for busy days. The buttery pastry and the comforting filling make these pies perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a delicious snack. Plus, they’re great for meal prep, picnics, or as a handheld treat for a party.

Savory Hand Pies

Ingredients

For the pastry:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/4 cup ice water (more if needed)

For the filling:

1 lb ground beef, chicken, turkey, or lamb (or a combination)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or feta)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce
1 egg (for egg wash)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Make the Pastry Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix with a fork until the dough begins to come together. You may need to add a bit more water if the dough is too dry.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it a few times until smooth. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Filling:

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Stir in the peas (if using), thyme, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to combine. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and evenly mixed into the filling.

3. Roll Out the Dough:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Once the dough has chilled, roll it out on a floured surface into a thin sheet, about 1/8-inch thick. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out 6-8 circles of dough (about 4-5 inches in diameter).

4. Assemble the Hand Pies:

Spoon a small amount of the filling (about 2 tablespoons) into the center of each dough circle.
Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, pinching the edges together to seal the pie. Use a fork to crimp the edges or press them together with your fingers to ensure they stay sealed.
Beat the egg and brush it over the tops of the hand pies for a golden, shiny finish.

5. Bake the Hand Pies:

Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
Remove from the oven and let the pies cool slightly before serving.

6. Serve:

Serve the hand pies warm as a meal or snack. They’re perfect on their own or with a dipping sauce like ketchup, ranch, or a spicy aioli.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 6-8 hand pies and takes about 45 minutes to prepare, including the dough chilling time, and 20-25 minutes to bake.

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Use a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and ricotta cheese in place of meat for a flavorful vegetarian filling.
Cheesy Hand Pies: Add more cheese to the filling for a gooey, cheesy interior. You can use mozzarella, cheddar, or goat cheese.
Spicy Hand Pies: Add a chopped jalapeño, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the filling for a spicy twist.
Breakfast Hand Pies: Use scrambled eggs or sausage, and cheese for a breakfast-inspired filling.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, store them in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the hand pies in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes to regain their crispiness. You can also microwave them for 20-30 seconds if you’re in a hurry, but the crust won’t be as crispy.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before using it. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it out.

Can I freeze these hand pies?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked hand pies. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes.

Can I use puff pastry instead of homemade dough?

Yes, you can use store-bought puff pastry for a quicker version. Simply roll out the puff pastry, cut it into squares, and fill them with the meat filling before folding and baking.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Make sure to seal the edges of the hand pies tightly and crimp them with a fork to ensure they stay closed during baking. If the filling is too runny, let it cool before adding it to the dough to avoid any leakage.

Conclusion

Savory hand pies are the perfect handheld meal or snack that’s both filling and delicious. With a flaky, buttery crust and a variety of flavorful fillings, these hand pies are incredibly versatile and easy to customize. Whether you’re making them for a party, lunch, or a fun family dinner, these hand pies are sure to impress! Enjoy the crispy, savory goodness with every bite.

Chef MARTHA

Savory Hand Pies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients