Delicious Savory Hand Pies: The Perfect Snack for Any Occasion

If you’re searching for a versatile, easy-to-make snack or meal that pleases everyone, these savory hand pies are just the thing! They’re flaky, golden parcels filled with a delightful mixture of meat, vegetables, and herbs, making them perfect for a hearty lunch, a quick dinner, or even a picnic.

Hand pies are an excellent way to combine favorite ingredients into a portable, hand-held meal. The best part? You can customize them to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Whether you’re a fan of ground beef, chicken, or prefer a vegetarian filling, this recipe is easily adaptable.

In this recipe, we’ll focus on a savory filling with beef, potatoes, carrots, and a dash of thyme, all encased in a buttery, flaky puff pastry.

Ingredients for Savory Hand Pies

For the filling:

1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for a lighter option)
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large potato, peeled and diced into small cubes
1 medium carrot, peeled and finely chopped
1/2 cup (120ml) beef broth or water
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh thyme if available)
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (for a deeper flavor)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil for sautéing

For the pastry:

1 package of puff pastry sheets (usually found in the frozen section)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Savory Hand Pies

1. Prepare the Filling

Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent and fragrant—about 5 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning the garlic.

Add Meat and Veggies:
Next, add the ground beef (or your preferred protein). Cook the meat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. This should take around 8 minutes. Add the diced potato and chopped carrots to the pan, cooking for another 5 minutes.

Simmer:
Once the meat and veggies are cooked, stir in the tomato paste, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth or water, stirring to combine everything evenly. Reduce the heat and allow the mixture to simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and most of the liquid has evaporated. You want the filling to be moist but not too wet to avoid soggy pastry. Set the filling aside to cool.

2. Prepare the Pastry

Thaw the Puff Pastry:
While the filling cools, take your puff pastry sheets out of the freezer and allow them to thaw according to the package instructions. Puff pastry is delicate, so make sure it’s soft enough to handle but still cold to keep its structure.

Cut the Pastry:
Once thawed, unfold the pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Roll them out slightly if needed to make the dough smooth and even. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, divide each sheet into six rectangles (adjust depending on the size of your sheets).

3. Assemble the Hand Pies

Fill the Pastries:
Place a generous tablespoon or two of the cooled filling in the center of each rectangle, leaving a border around the edges. Be careful not to overfill them, as this can cause the filling to spill out during baking.

Seal the Edges:
Brush the edges of the pastry with beaten egg, then fold the dough over the filling, creating a rectangle or square. Press down firmly to seal the edges, using a fork to crimp and ensure a tight seal. This also gives the hand pies a decorative edge.

Egg Wash and Venting:
Place the pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the remaining egg wash to give them a golden, glossy finish when baked. Finally, use a small knife to make a few slits in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape during baking.

4. Bake

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the hand pies for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.

5. Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the pies from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme for an added touch of flavor and presentation. These hand pies are best served warm, but they also taste delicious at room temperature.

Tips for Making the Best Savory Hand Pies

Customization: Feel free to get creative with the filling. Swap out the ground beef for chicken or turkey, or try a vegetarian version with mushrooms, spinach, and cheese. Adding your favorite spices, like cumin or curry powder, can also change up the flavor profile.
Freezing: These hand pies freeze exceptionally well. After assembling but before baking, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to bake, place them directly into the oven without thawing—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Pastry Options: If puff pastry isn’t available, you can use pie dough or even make your own shortcrust pastry. The result will be equally delicious, with a slightly different texture.
Portability: These savory pies are perfect for meal prep. They hold up well in lunch boxes and can be reheated easily. They’re a fantastic option for picnics, road trips, or work lunches.

Nutritional Information (Per Pie)

Calories: Approximately 350
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 400mg

Variations to Try

Cheese Lovers’ Delight: Add shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) into the filling for a rich, cheesy bite.
Spicy Version: For a spicier kick, throw in some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Breakfast Hand Pies: Replace the meat and veggies with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese for a delicious morning treat.

Conclusion

Savory hand pies are a delightful treat, packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, a side dish, or a main course, these flaky, flavorful pies are sure to be a hit. Plus, with their portability, they make an excellent option for packed lunches or picnics. Best of all, they’re easy to customize, allowing you to create the perfect pie to suit your tastes.

So why not give these savory hand pies a try today? They’re sure to become a family favorite!