Super Bowl Veggie Hand Pies
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
I absolutely love creating bite-sized treats for game day, and these Super Bowl Veggie Hand Pies are no exception! They combine a flaky, golden crust with a medley of fresh, colorful vegetables and savory spices. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also a healthier alternative for a snack that everyone will enjoy while watching the big game. Perfect for sharing, these hand pies can be made in advance, making them an ideal choice to keep your guests satisfied during the excitement of the match.
When I first created these hand pies, I was looking for something to satisfy both my cravings for pastry and my desire to eat my veggies. The flaky texture of the crust perfectly complements the vibrant filling, and every bite bursts with flavor! Additionally, I found that using a mix of seasonal vegetables really enhances the taste profile.
One trick I learned was to use a combination of herbs and spices to elevate the filling. A touch of smoked paprika adds depth, and a sprinkle of fresh thyme brings brightness. These hand pies have quickly become a go-to recipe for entertaining, perfect for serving at parties or casual get-togethers!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Flaky and golden crust that's easy to prepare
- Packed with nutritious vegetables for a healthy snack
- Perfect for game day or any gathering with friends
- Customize with your favorite fillings for endless variations
The Perfect Dough
Achieving the ideal flaky crust is crucial for these hand pies. The combination of chilled butter and cold ice water is vital; it inhibits gluten formation, ensuring a tender texture. When cutting in the butter, aim for pea-sized pieces to create those flaky layers. If you're short on time, you can use a food processor for the dough, but be careful not to overwork it, as this can lead to a tough crust.
After chilling, make sure to roll the dough out on a well-floured surface, adjusting the thickness carefully. A dough that’s too thick will take longer to cook through and may not crisp up properly. People often overlook the importance of even thickness, but it ensures uniform baking. If the dough becomes too warm, simply pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes before continuing.
Flavorful Filling Tips
The filling options are where you can unleash your creativity. You can substitute the bell peppers and zucchini with seasonal veggies like mushrooms or roasted carrots for a different flavor profile. Just remember that denser vegetables may require pre-cooking to soften them sufficiently, unlike the tender spinach. This step enhances the texture and ensures that every bite is delightful without the risk of raw vegetables that may not cook through in the oven.
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding cheese or cooked grains like quinoa or brown rice to the filling. They provide a hearty touch and can help balance out the spices. Adding a sprinkle of cheese melts beautifully and offers a nice gooey texture that complements the flaky crust. Just keep the total filling amount in check to avoid overstuffing, which can lead to messy, bursting pies.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup zucchini, diced
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Fresh thyme leaves, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually stir in ice water until the dough comes together.
Prepare the Filling
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced bell peppers and zucchini, sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the spinach, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Assemble the Hand Pies
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into circles (about 4 inches in diameter).
Bake
Arrange the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Pro Tips
- Customize your filling based on seasonal vegetables
- this recipe is versatile and can easily accommodate what's available. Serve warm for the best taste experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
These Super Bowl Veggie Hand Pies are perfect for prepping in advance. You can assemble them a day before your gathering; just layer them on a baking sheet, cover in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld together. If you wish to store unbaked hand pies, they can be frozen for up to three months. Just be sure to freeze them on the baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag once frozen solid.
To reheat, simply bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and golden. Baking directly from frozen also ensures they have perfect flaky crusts without compromising the filling's integrity.
Serving Suggestions
These hand pies hold up beautifully on a game day spread. You can serve them warm with a delicious dipping sauce such as spicy mustard or a tangy yogurt-based sauce for a refreshing contrast. Pairing with a light salad can turn them into a complete meal option. Simply toss together mixed greens, nuts, and a citrus vinaigrette for a fresh note.
To elevate the presentation, consider serving the hand pies on a large platter where guests can easily grab them. Adding colorful garnishes like fresh herbs or your favorite sliced pickles can make the spread even more inviting. I love to include a variety of dips; this encourages guests to experiment and find their favorite pairings, making every bite a unique experience.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and bake them a day in advance. Just reheat them in the oven before serving.
→ What other fillings can I use?
Feel free to use cooked mushrooms, lentils, or any of your favorite veggies! Cheese can also be a great addition.
→ Can I freeze these hand pies?
Absolutely! Freeze them before baking. Just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
→ What should I serve them with?
These hand pies are delicious on their own but pair well with a dipping sauce like ranch or sriracha!
Super Bowl Veggie Hand Pies
I absolutely love creating bite-sized treats for game day, and these Super Bowl Veggie Hand Pies are no exception! They combine a flaky, golden crust with a medley of fresh, colorful vegetables and savory spices. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also a healthier alternative for a snack that everyone will enjoy while watching the big game. Perfect for sharing, these hand pies can be made in advance, making them an ideal choice to keep your guests satisfied during the excitement of the match.
Created by: Arielle Baxter
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 hand pies
What You'll Need
For the Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup zucchini, diced
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Fresh thyme leaves, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually stir in ice water until the dough comes together. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced bell peppers and zucchini, sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the spinach, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into circles (about 4 inches in diameter). Place a tablespoon of filling in the center of each circle, fold over, and crimp the edges to seal. Brush the tops with beaten egg.
Arrange the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Extra Tips
- Customize your filling based on seasonal vegetables
- this recipe is versatile and can easily accommodate what's available. Serve warm for the best taste experience.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 4g