Super Bowl Party Savory Hand Pies
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
I love making Super Bowl Party Savory Hand Pies because they bring a fun, handheld twist to game day snacking. These pies are packed with savory fillings that everyone will enjoy, making them perfect for sharing with friends and family. The flaky crust perfectly complements the hearty filling, and best of all, they're easy to prepare ahead of time. Whether you’re having a small gathering or a big crowd, these hand pies will definitely be a hit during the big game!
When I first tried making savory hand pies for game day, I was blown away by how delicious they turned out. I experimented with various fillings, settling on a combination of savory meat, cheese, and spices that brought everything together perfectly. The key was ensuring not to overfill them, so they bake evenly and keep their shape without popping open!
These hand pies can be prepped in advance and baked fresh right before your guests arrive. I recommend brushing them with an egg wash for that golden-brown finish. It's those little touches that ooze love and care, making every bite not just tasty but memorable!
Why You'll Love These Hand Pies
- Deliciously flaky crust that envelopes a savory filling
- Effortless to customize with your favorite ingredients
- Perfect for sharing and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser
The Perfect Dough
Creating the right pie dough is crucial to the success of these hand pies. The combination of cold butter and ice water is vital for achieving that deliciously flaky texture. When cutting in the butter, aim for pea-sized pieces, which will create steam pockets during baking. If the dough feels too crumbly, add more ice water, but avoid overworking it, as this can lead to a tough crust.
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes is not just a recommendation; it allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out later. If you're short on time, you can refrigerate it for only 15 minutes, but I find that longer storage results in an optimal texture. This dough can also be made a day in advance; simply wrap it tightly and store it in the fridge until you're ready to use it.
Filling Variations and Tips
The filling for these hand pies not only adds flavor but also brings texture to the final product. Ground beef or turkey offers a savory foundation, but feel free to experiment with ground chicken, pork, or even a meat alternative for vegetarian options. Swapping out the cheese allows for personalization as well; try crumbled feta for a tangy twist or a melty cheddar for added richness. Remember to let the filling cool a bit before adding the cheese, as this ensures the cheese melts perfectly without overcooking the meat.
If you're looking to lighten the recipe up, consider adding finely diced vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the filling. This not only stretches the meat but also enhances the nutritional profile of your hand pies. Aim for a balance—too many extra ingredients can make the filling watery. Always sauté veggies to reduce moisture content before mixing them with the meat.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to get started on these delightful hand pies.
For the Pie Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (chilled and cubed)
- 6–8 tbsp ice water
For the Filling
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup shredded cheese (your choice)
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s move on to making the hand pies!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your savory hand pies:
Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the chilled butter and cut it in with a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add ice water until the dough comes together.
Cook the Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat and onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Stir in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, and mix well. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before adding the cheese.
Roll Out the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter to cut circles from the dough.
Fill and Fold
Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the circle over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges with a fork to seal. Brush the tops with beaten egg.
Bake
Arrange the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25 minutes or till golden brown. Enjoy fresh out of the oven!
These hand pies are best served warm and enjoyed with your favorite dipping sauce!
Pro Tips
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding chopped herbs or spices to your filling mixture. You can also swap the meat filling for veggies for a vegetarian version!
Serving Suggestions
These savory hand pies are versatile and can be served warm or at room temperature, making them ideal for any Super Bowl spread. For an extra touch, serve with dipping sauces like zesty salsa, creamy ranch, or a spicy aioli. You can also pair them with a crunchy salad or fresh veggies for a balanced appetizer plate.
If you're hosting a larger gathering, consider making a variety of fillings and labeling them for your guests. This way, everyone can enjoy their favorite flavors, whether they prefer meats or a vegetarian option. Keep in mind that the hand pies can be reheated in an oven for about 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C), ensuring they stay flaky and delicious.
Storage and Freezing Tips
These hand pies can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing for game day prep to be stress-free. Just make sure they are in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. If you're looking to prepare them for longer storage, freezing is a great option. Once assembled and before baking, place the hand pies on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. After they are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
When ready to bake from frozen, there's no need to thaw. Simply reduce the baking time by about 5-10 minutes, but keep an eye on them to achieve that perfect golden brown crust. This way, you’ll have a delicious snack ready at a moment's notice, whether it's for game day or a casual get-together.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I freeze these hand pies?
Yes! Freeze them uncooked, and bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
→ What can I substitute for the meat?
You can use lentils, beans, or even mixed vegetables to create a delicious vegetarian filling.
→ How do I prevent soggy bottom crusts?
Make sure to cook the filling enough to remove excess moisture before filling the pies.
→ Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze it for longer storage.
Super Bowl Party Savory Hand Pies
I love making Super Bowl Party Savory Hand Pies because they bring a fun, handheld twist to game day snacking. These pies are packed with savory fillings that everyone will enjoy, making them perfect for sharing with friends and family. The flaky crust perfectly complements the hearty filling, and best of all, they're easy to prepare ahead of time. Whether you’re having a small gathering or a big crowd, these hand pies will definitely be a hit during the big game!
What You'll Need
For the Pie Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (chilled and cubed)
- 6–8 tbsp ice water
For the Filling
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup shredded cheese (your choice)
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
How-To Steps
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the chilled butter and cut it in with a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add ice water until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat and onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Stir in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, and mix well. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before adding the cheese.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter to cut circles from the dough.
Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the circle over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges with a fork to seal. Brush the tops with beaten egg.
Arrange the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25 minutes or till golden brown. Enjoy fresh out of the oven!
Extra Tips
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding chopped herbs or spices to your filling mixture. You can also swap the meat filling for veggies for a vegetarian version!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 8g