Super Bowl Party Savory Hand Pies
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
I love serving these Super Bowl Party Savory Hand Pies at our game day gatherings. The combination of flaky pastry and flavorful fillings makes them an irresistible hand-held snack. With a variety of filling options like spiced meat, vegetables, or cheese, everyone can find their favorite. Plus, they are easy to prepare ahead of time, which takes the stress out of entertaining. I can’t wait to share this recipe with you so you can impress your guests during the big game!
Every Super Bowl Sunday, we always find ourselves surrounded by friends and delicious food, and these hand pies are the star of the show. I experimented with various fillings, but my personal favorite is a savory mixture of beef, cheese, and spices that bring the ultimate flavor punch. Baking them until golden brown gives each bite a satisfying crunch, while the insides remain wonderfully moist.
One of the best tips I discovered while making these is to chill the dough before rolling it out. This keeps the pastry flaky, ensuring that they hold up well during baking. It's a little extra time, but the results are totally worth it when you see everyone reaching for a second pie!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Flaky, buttery pastry that melts in your mouth
- Endless filling possibilities to suit every palate
- Perfectly portable for game day snacking
Key Techniques for Perfect Pastry
When preparing the dough, it's essential to keep the butter cold. This cold fat creates steam during baking, resulting in that flaky, tender texture everyone loves. If your kitchen is warm, consider chilling your flour and bowl beforehand to maintain that perfect temperature.
Roll the dough on a well-floured surface to prevent sticking, and aim for an even thickness of about 1/8 inch. If the dough is too thick, the hand pies may not cook evenly, and if it's too thin, they could burst during baking. Keep a close eye on them while they bake; they should turn a beautiful golden brown.
Filling Customizations and Flavor Boosting
Feel free to get creative with the filling! While I've suggested a classic beef combination, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles to suit your dietary needs. Adding in different spices—like cumin or smoked paprika—can provide additional depth and exciting flavors.
Consider incorporating vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrition and texture. Just be sure to sauté them until they're softened before mixing them in with the meat and cheese, as excess moisture from raw vegetables can make the filling soggy.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
Filling
- 1 pound ground beef or meat of choice
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until dough forms.
Cook the Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add diced onion and bell pepper and sauté until soft. Stir in garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Hand Pies
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out one dough disc on a floured surface. Cut into circles (about 5 inches in diameter).
Bake
Arrange pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy Your Hand Pies!
Pro Tips
- Experiment with different fillings, like sautéed mushrooms and spinach or a sweet filling with apples and cinnamon. These hand pies also freeze well
- just bake from frozen for an extra 5-10 minutes.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
These hand pies can be prepared in advance, making them a great choice for busy game days. Once fully assembled, you can freeze them raw. Simply place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container. They will keep well for up to three months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding about five extra minutes to your baking time.
If you have leftover pies, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, which will help restore their crispy texture.
Serving Suggestions
These hand pies make great accompaniments to your favorite game day dips like salsa, guacamole, or ranch dressing. Set up a dipping station with various sauces to allow your guests to customize their hand pie experience. It also adds a fun, interactive element to serving.
Consider serving them alongside a fresh salad or slaw for a balanced spread. This can introduce a crunch and balance out the richness of the pies. Plus, it’s a nice way to incorporate some greenery into your game day feast!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, store-bought pie dough can save you time and still yield delicious hand pies.
→ How long can I store these hand pies?
Cooked hand pies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
→ Can I make these vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the meat with your choice of vegetables or beans for a delicious vegetarian option.
→ What dipping sauces work best?
Salsa, sour cream, or a chipotle mayo make great dipping sauces for these savory hand pies.
Super Bowl Party Savory Hand Pies
I love serving these Super Bowl Party Savory Hand Pies at our game day gatherings. The combination of flaky pastry and flavorful fillings makes them an irresistible hand-held snack. With a variety of filling options like spiced meat, vegetables, or cheese, everyone can find their favorite. Plus, they are easy to prepare ahead of time, which takes the stress out of entertaining. I can’t wait to share this recipe with you so you can impress your guests during the big game!
Created by: Sabrina Holt
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 hand pies
What You'll Need
Dough
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
Filling
- 1 pound ground beef or meat of choice
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until dough forms. Divide into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add diced onion and bell pepper and sauté until soft. Stir in garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Once cooked, remove from heat and let cool slightly. Mix in shredded cheese.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out one dough disc on a floured surface. Cut into circles (about 5 inches in diameter). Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle. Fold over and seal edges with a fork. Brush the tops with beaten egg.
Arrange pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Extra Tips
- Experiment with different fillings, like sautéed mushrooms and spinach or a sweet filling with apples and cinnamon. These hand pies also freeze well
- just bake from frozen for an extra 5-10 minutes.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 10g