Oh my goodness, let me tell you about savory hand pies! These delightful little pastries are an absolute game-changer in the world of snacks. Seriously, they’re like a warm hug of flavor wrapped in flaky goodness. The best part? They’re so versatile! You can fill them with whatever savory ingredients your heart desires—think shredded chicken, hearty beef, or even a medley of veggies—your imagination is the limit! Trust me, once you take that first bite, with the golden crust giving way to a warm, cheesy filling, you’ll be hooked. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prep, parties, or just a cozy night in. You’ll love how easy they are to make and enjoy, and I can’t wait for you to try them out!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best savory hand pies! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your pastry, giving it that lovely flaky texture.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced: Cold butter is essential! It creates those delightful layers in your crust.
- 1/4 cup cold water: This helps bring the dough together without melting the butter. Keep it cold!
- 1 cup cooked meat (chicken, beef, or pork), shredded: Use your favorite protein—shredded meat adds heartiness to the filling.
- 1/2 cup vegetables (carrots, peas, or potatoes), diced: Fresh veggies add color and flavor. Feel free to mix and match!
- 1/2 cup cheese (cheddar or mozzarella), shredded: Cheese makes everything better! It adds a creamy, gooey goodness.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): This is what gives your hand pies that gorgeous golden brown finish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season your filling! A little salt and pepper goes a long way in boosting flavor.
Make sure to measure everything out before you start—trust me, it makes the process so much smoother and more enjoyable!
How to Prepare Savory Hand Pies
Ready to dive into the delicious process of making savory hand pies? Let’s get started! It’s simpler than you might think, and I promise, the payoff is beyond worth it. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to enjoying these flaky, flavor-packed pastries!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven: First things first, go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This allows your hand pies to bake evenly and turn that perfect golden brown.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt. Stir them together to ensure they’re evenly mixed.
- Add in the butter: Toss in your chilled, diced butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. You want those little bits of butter to stay cold—this is what makes your crust flaky!
- Bring the dough together: Gradually stir in the cold water, mixing until a dough forms. Don’t overwork it—just enough to combine everything!
- Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll out your dough to about 1/8 inch thick. You want it nice and thin for that perfect crunch.
- Cut your circles: Using a 5-inch round cutter (or a bowl if you don’t have one), cut out circles from the dough. Gather any scraps and re-roll to cut more circles.
- Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, combine your shredded meat, diced vegetables, and cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good mix until everything’s evenly coated.
- Fill the hand pies: Place a generous spoonful of the filling on one half of each dough circle, making sure not to overfill—trust me, less is more here!
- Seal them up: Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges, ensuring your delicious filling stays inside while baking.
- Egg wash time: Brush the tops of each hand pie with the beaten egg. This step is what will give you that beautiful, shiny finish!
- Bake to perfection: Place your hand pies on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the aroma is irresistible. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
And there you have it! Once they’re done, let them cool for a few minutes before digging in. You’ll be amazed at how delicious and satisfying these savory hand pies are!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These savory hand pies come together in just about 50 minutes, making them a perfect option for a busy weeknight dinner or a last-minute snack!
- Delicious Flavors: The combination of flaky pastry and savory filling creates an explosion of flavor in every bite. Trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one!
- Customizable: You can mix and match your fillings based on what you have on hand. Whether it’s chicken and veggies or a cheesy beef blend, the possibilities are endless!
- Freezer-Friendly: Prep a batch, freeze them before baking, and you’ll have a quick meal ready to go anytime you need it!
- Fun to Make: It’s a great activity to do with family or friends. Everyone can get involved in rolling dough and choosing their own fillings!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy night at home, a picnic, or a party, these hand pies are sure to impress and satisfy your guests.
Tips for Success with Savory Hand Pies
Want to ensure your savory hand pies turn out perfectly every time? I’ve got you covered with some tried-and-true tips! Follow these little nuggets of wisdom to elevate your hand pie game:
- Keep it cold: Make sure your butter and water are nice and cold. This is key to achieving that flaky crust that we all love. If you find your dough getting warm, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes before rolling it out.
- Roll evenly: When rolling out your dough, aim for an even thickness. This helps with consistent baking and ensures every bite is just as delicious as the last. A good trick is to roll from the center outwards.
- Don’t overfill: It’s tempting to pack in a ton of filling, but less is more! Overfilling can cause your pies to burst open while baking, leading to a messy kitchen and sad hand pies. Stick to a generous spoonful!
- Seal those edges: Make sure to press the edges of your hand pies firmly together and crimp with a fork. This will keep all that yummy filling inside and prevent any leaks during baking.
- Brush for that shine: Don’t skip the egg wash! Brushing the tops of your hand pies with the beaten egg gives them that gorgeous golden color and a delightful shine.
- Let them cool: After baking, let your hand pies cool for a few minutes before digging in. This helps the filling set a bit and makes them easier to handle. Plus, the first bite will be worth the wait!
Follow these tips, and you’ll be a savory hand pie pro in no time. I can’t wait for you to share your delicious creations!
Variations of Savory Hand Pies
One of the best things about savory hand pies is how easily you can mix things up with different fillings! Here are some delicious variations to inspire your creativity and keep things fresh:
- Vegetarian Delight: Swap the meat for a medley of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and feta cheese for a tasty veggie option. It’s packed with flavor and perfect for plant-based eaters!
- BBQ Chicken: Use shredded cooked chicken mixed with BBQ sauce and diced red onion for a sweet and tangy twist. This filling is a crowd-pleaser and super easy to whip up!
- Breakfast Hand Pies: Fill your hand pies with scrambled eggs, diced bell peppers, and crumbled sausage or bacon for a hearty breakfast treat. These are great for brunch or on-the-go mornings!
- Mexican-Inspired: Combine shredded beef or chicken with black beans, corn, and taco seasoning. Add some cheese for a cheesy, spicy filling that’s sure to satisfy!
- Curried Potato: Mix mashed potatoes with curry powder, peas, and diced carrots for a comforting and unique filling. This one is perfect for those chilly nights!
- Cheesy Broccoli: For a fun twist on a classic, mix steamed broccoli with cheddar cheese and a bit of cream cheese for a creamy, cheesy filling that’s irresistible!
Feel free to get creative with spices and herbs in your fillings, too! The beauty of savory hand pies is that they can adapt to whatever you have on hand or what flavors you’re craving. Just remember to balance your ingredients and make sure everything is cooked properly before sealing them up. Happy filling!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got some savory hand pies left over? No worries! Storing and reheating them correctly will keep that flaky goodness intact. Here’s how to do it:
First, let your hand pies cool completely at room temperature. This is super important because if you store them while they’re still warm, they can become soggy. Once they’re cool, you can store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, I recommend freezing them before baking. Just wrap each unbaked hand pie tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last in the freezer for up to 2 months!
When you’re ready to enjoy those delicious hand pies again, if they’re frozen, just take them out and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. If you want to bake them straight from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. For reheating, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps the crust nice and crispy, which is exactly what you want!
And there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, your savory hand pies will taste just as delightful as they did fresh out of the oven!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying savory hand pies, it’s always nice to know what you’re putting in your body! Just a quick note: the nutritional information can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are approximate. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect per hand pie:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 8g
Keep these figures in mind as you enjoy your savory hand pies, and feel free to make adjustments according to your dietary needs. Happy baking and snacking!
FAQ Section
Can I make savory hand pies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them in advance, freeze them before baking, and then pop them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy. It’s a fantastic way to have a quick meal on hand!
What types of fillings work best?
The beauty of savory hand pies is their versatility! You can use almost any cooked meat, veggies, and cheese that you love. Think of combinations like BBQ chicken, cheesy broccoli, or even a curried potato mix. The options are endless!
How do I keep the crust flaky?
Keeping your butter and water cold is key! Also, be careful not to overwork the dough. Just mix until combined, and you’ll be rewarded with a flaky crust that’s to die for!
Can I bake these from frozen?
Yes, you can! Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re baking them straight from the freezer. They’ll come out just as delicious as fresh-made!
What should I serve with savory hand pies?
These hand pies are delicious on their own, but they can be even more delightful with dipping sauces. Try serving them with a side of ranch, BBQ sauce, or a zesty salsa for an extra flavor punch!
Savory hand pies: 7 Irresistible Flavors to Savor
- Całkowity Czas: 50 minutes
- Ustępować: 12 hand pies 1x
- Dieta: Niskokaloryczne
Opis
Savory hand pies are delicious pastries filled with a variety of savory ingredients.
Składniki
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 cup cooked meat (chicken, beef, or pork), shredded
- 1/2 cup vegetables (carrots, peas, or potatoes), diced
- 1/2 cup cheese (cheddar or mozzarella), shredded
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour and salt.
- Add butter and mix until crumbly.
- Stir in cold water until dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface.
- Cut into circles about 5 inches in diameter.
- In a separate bowl, combine meat, vegetables, and cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Place a spoonful of filling on one half of each circle.
- Fold the dough over and seal the edges with a fork.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Uwagi
- You can customize the filling to your preference.
- These hand pies freeze well before baking.
- Serve with dipping sauces for added flavor.
- Czas Przygotowania: 20 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Snack
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 hand pie
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 300mg
- Kwasy: 12g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 6g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 4g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 30g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 8g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Słowa kluczowe: savory hand pies, pastry, snacks, baked goods
