Super Bowl Party Savory Hand Pies
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
I love making these savory hand pies for Super Bowl parties! They are easy to prepare and a crowd-pleaser, bursting with flavors and a delightful crust. With a mix of savory fillings that everyone enjoys, these hand pies are perfect for snacking while cheering on your favorite team. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving, making game day stress-free. Trust me, once you try them, they'll become a staple for your parties!
When I first made these savory hand pies for a Super Bowl gathering, I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly they disappeared. Filled with delicious ingredients like seasoned meat, veggies, and cheese, they deliver an impressive flavor without requiring hours in the kitchen. My friends couldn't get enough of the flaky crust and hearty filling!
During my countless attempts, I learned that pre-heating the oven to the right temperature is vital for achieving that golden-brown crust. I also recommend brushing the tops with an egg wash—it gives them that beautiful shine and added flavor. You can even customize the filling based on your favorites!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Flaky, buttery crust that holds a savory surprise inside
- Customizable fillings to suit everyone's tastes
- Perfect for parties, sports events, or casual gatherings
Perfecting the Dough
The dough for these hand pies is key to achieving that flaky texture everyone loves. Using cold ingredients is crucial; this helps keep the butter from melting before baking, ensuring the layers remain distinct. When mixing, I recommend using a pastry cutter or your fingertips to combine the butter with the flour gently. The goal is to form a mixture that resembles coarse crumbs, which creates optimal flakiness when baked.
Resting the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes allows the gluten to relax, contributing to a more tender crust. If you find your dough is too sticky, you can sprinkle a little more flour while rolling. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch; this will help the hand pies cook evenly without becoming too thick and doughy.
Choosing Flavorful Fillings
The filling options are versatile, allowing you to tailor them to your taste preferences. For the protein, cooked beef or sausage works beautifully, but you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you're catering to vegetarians, consider filling with sautéed mushrooms and spinach mixed with ricotta cheese, which offers a creamy texture and rich flavor.
Don’t skip the seasoning; it’s what elevates the filling from bland to bold. Taco seasoning brings a nice kick, while Italian herbs can give a different flair. Experimenting with spices can lead to interesting combinations. A pinch of cayenne can add heat, or try mixing in sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1 cup cooked ground beef or sausage
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning or Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
These ingredients will make about 12 hand pies, perfect for serving a group!
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the chilled butter and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water until the dough holds together.
Make the Filling
In a bowl, mix together the cooked beef or sausage, diced bell peppers, cheese, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Assemble Hand Pies
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into circles (about 5 inches in diameter).
Bake
Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with beaten egg. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy your delicious hand pies warm or at room temperature!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, try mixing in some chopped herbs or spices to the filling. You can also use store-bought pie crust for a quicker option. Feel free to get creative with the fillings, like using vegetables or different meats!
Make-Ahead and Storage
These hand pies can be made in advance, making them a perfect game-day snack. After assembling the pies, you can freeze them before baking. Just layer them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to an airtight container for up to three months. When you're ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw; just pop them in the oven at the standard temperature and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
If you have leftovers, store the baked pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness. You could also microwave them, but this may lead to a soggier crust.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These savory hand pies are excellent on their own, but you can elevate your serving game with dipping sauces. A tangy salsa, creamy guacamole, or even a ranch dressing can complement the savory filling beautifully. If you're feeling adventurous, consider serving them with a spicy aioli for an extra kick.
For a full party spread, I recommend pairing the hand pies with a variety of finger foods, such as veggie platters, sliders, or loaded nachos. This way, your guests will have plenty of flavors and textures to enjoy. Arrange the hand pies on a platter for a visually appealing centerpiece, and watch them disappear!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the hand pies and freeze them before baking. Just bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
→ What other fillings can I use?
You can use cooked chicken, veggies, or even a mix of cheeses and spices. The options are endless!
→ How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
→ Can these be made vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just substitute the meat with sautéed vegetables, beans, or lentils.
Super Bowl Party Savory Hand Pies
I love making these savory hand pies for Super Bowl parties! They are easy to prepare and a crowd-pleaser, bursting with flavors and a delightful crust. With a mix of savory fillings that everyone enjoys, these hand pies are perfect for snacking while cheering on your favorite team. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving, making game day stress-free. Trust me, once you try them, they'll become a staple for your parties!
Created by: Arielle Baxter
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 12 hand pies
What You'll Need
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1 cup cooked ground beef or sausage
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning or Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How-To Steps
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the chilled butter and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water until the dough holds together. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
In a bowl, mix together the cooked beef or sausage, diced bell peppers, cheese, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into circles (about 5 inches in diameter). Place a spoonful of filling on one half of each circle, fold over, and seal the edges with a fork.
Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with beaten egg. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, try mixing in some chopped herbs or spices to the filling. You can also use store-bought pie crust for a quicker option. Feel free to get creative with the fillings, like using vegetables or different meats!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 310mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 23g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 9g