Super Bowl Food Savory Hand Pies
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
I’ve always loved the idea of hand pies, especially during game day. These Super Bowl Food Savory Hand Pies are a crowd-pleaser that can be filled with your favorite savory ingredients. They’re easy to hold, making them perfect for munching while cheering on your team. Plus, the crispy golden crust is incredibly satisfying to bite into, revealing a warm and flavorful filling. I enjoy customizing them with whatever I have on hand, and they’ve become a staple at my Super Bowl parties. Trust me, these hand pies are a winning snack!
When I first made these savory hand pies, I knew they needed to be something special. I experimented with various fillings, from classic beef to a delightful combination of spinach and feta. Each variation brought a unique flavor contrast that kept my guests coming back for more!
The key to a flaky crust lies in working with cold ingredients and not over-kneading the dough. I find that resting the dough before rolling it out really helps achieve that coveted crunch.
Why You'll Love These Hand Pies
- Versatile fillings to suit any taste preference
- Crispy, flaky crust that brings this dish to life
- Perfect for sharing during game day gatherings
Perfecting the Dough
The dough for these hand pies is the backbone that makes them irresistible. For optimal flakiness, ensure your butter is extremely cold before mixing. If you’re in a warm environment, consider chilling the flour as well. Once you’ve added the ice water, be cautious not to overmix; stopping as soon as the dough comes together prevents a tough texture. After resting in the fridge, the dough will be easier to roll out and will create a wonderfully flaky crust during baking.
When rolling out the dough, sprinkle a bit of flour on your work surface and on the dough itself to prevent sticking. Keep the thickness uniform—about ¼ inch—so all your hand pies bake evenly. Use a sharp cutter to create clean edges; ragged or torn edges can cause leaking during baking. If you notice cracks while rolling, briefly let the dough rest it for a few minutes before continuing.
Filling Variations and Tips
The beauty of these hand pies lies in their versatility. You can mix and match fillings based on seasonal ingredients or personal preferences. For instance, adding sun-dried tomatoes to the cheese can elevate the flavor profile, while using leftover roasted vegetables can minimize waste and enhance taste. Be mindful of the moisture content in your filling—excess moisture can lead to soggy dough, so ensure vegetables are well-drained and meats are adequately shredded to blend seamlessly.
For a bit of spice, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to your filling mix. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, replace meat with additional cheese or legumes, such as black beans or lentils, which offer protein and texture while keeping the hand pies satisfying. Don't shy away from experimenting with seasonings; incorporating smoked paprika or a hint of garlic powder can transform your hand pies into a standout dish.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
If you have leftover hand pies, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain their crispness, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This ensures they regain their flaky texture rather than becoming soggy in a microwave. If you want to make in advance, consider freezing unbaked hand pies. Simply assemble and freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag; they'll keep well for up to three months.
When it comes to serving these hearty snacks, consider pairing them with a dipping sauce, like a tangy salsa or creamy ranch dressing, to enhance the game day experience. A side of fresh vegetables can balance the richness of the hand pies, offering a colorful and crunchy contrast. Whether served warm from the oven or at room temperature, these hand pies are bound to impress your guests and keep everyone cheering for more!
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling
- 1 cup cooked meat (chicken, beef, or pork), shredded
- 1 cup cheese (cheddar or mozzarella), shredded
- ½ cup cooked vegetables (like spinach or mushrooms), finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (like oregano or thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Mix and match your favorite fillings for each batch!
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the cold butter and mix until the mixture resembles crumbs. Gradually add ice water, mixing just until dough forms.
Make the Filling
In a bowl, combine your choice of cooked meat, cheese, vegetables, herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
Assemble the Hand Pies
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out one disk of dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Cut into circles using a cutter.
Bake
Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with beaten egg. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Serve these hand pies at your Super Bowl party and watch them disappear!
Pro Tips
- For an extra kick, try adding some hot sauce to the filling mixture. You can also freeze unbaked hand pies for up to 2 months. Just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your hand pies are bursting open during baking, it might be due to overfilling or not sealing the edges properly. Make sure to reserve filling to a modest amount, about a tablespoon, and press the edges firmly with a fork to ensure they are sealed. Also, ensure to poke a few small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
On the other hand, if the crust comes out too tough or dense, it’s usually due to overworking the dough. Remember, it's crucial to knead just enough to bring it together. A good indication that your dough is ready for the fridge is the texture—it should feel slightly tacky but not sticky.
Scaling the Recipe Up or Down
If you're hosting a larger gathering and need to scale up the recipe, it's as simple as duplicating the ingredients. Just ensure your work area is large enough to accommodate more dough and filling, and consider dividing the work into batches to keep everything manageable. Alternatively, if you're planning for fewer guests, you can easily cut the recipe in half. Just remember to be precise with your measurements to maintain flavor and texture.
When scaling down, leftovers are great, but in case you only want a few hand pies, consider freezing any extra filling. This allows you to whip up a small batch of hand pies at a moment's notice without needing to prep a full round of dough each time.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
→ What kind of fillings can I use?
Feel free to use any combination of meats, cheeses, and vegetables. Be creative!
→ Can I bake these hand pies instead of frying?
Absolutely! These hand pies are baked and are healthier compared to frying.
→ How do I store leftover hand pies?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven before serving.
Super Bowl Food Savory Hand Pies
I’ve always loved the idea of hand pies, especially during game day. These Super Bowl Food Savory Hand Pies are a crowd-pleaser that can be filled with your favorite savory ingredients. They’re easy to hold, making them perfect for munching while cheering on your team. Plus, the crispy golden crust is incredibly satisfying to bite into, revealing a warm and flavorful filling. I enjoy customizing them with whatever I have on hand, and they’ve become a staple at my Super Bowl parties. Trust me, these hand pies are a winning snack!
Created by: Chelsea Payne
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 hand pies
What You'll Need
For the Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling
- 1 cup cooked meat (chicken, beef, or pork), shredded
- 1 cup cheese (cheddar or mozzarella), shredded
- ½ cup cooked vegetables (like spinach or mushrooms), finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (like oregano or thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the cold butter and mix until the mixture resembles crumbs. Gradually add ice water, mixing just until dough forms. Divide into two disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
In a bowl, combine your choice of cooked meat, cheese, vegetables, herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out one disk of dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Cut into circles using a cutter. 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 25 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Extra Tips
- For an extra kick, try adding some hot sauce to the filling mixture. You can also freeze unbaked hand pies for up to 2 months. Just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 6g