Super Bowl Party Savory Hand Pies

Name: Super Bowl Party Savory Hand Pies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 hand pies
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced; 6-8 tbsp ice water; 1 cup ground beef, cooked and seasoned; 1 cup shredded chicken with herbs; 1 cup sautéed mushrooms and spinach; 1 cup cheese blend (cheddar, mozzarella); 1 egg, beaten for egg wash; Sesame seeds or poppy seeds, optional for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I love preparing these savory hand pies for our Super Bowl gatherings! They’re the perfect finger food, bursting with flavor, and easy to grab between plays. Each bite is a delightful combination of flaky pastry and a savory filling, making them a popular choice among friends and family. We often experiment with different fillings, from seasoned meats to hearty vegetables, which allows us to cater to everyone's taste buds. Whipping these up is not only a breeze, but they also become the highlight of our party spread!

Created by

Imogen Price

Last updated on 2026-01-14T00:22:12.455Z

When I first made these hand pies, I was impressed by how simple yet delicious they turned out. The combination of rich, flavorful fillings wrapped in a buttery crust creates a satisfying snack that pairs perfectly with the excitement of the game. I recommend using fresh herbs in the filling to elevate the flavor profile.

As I continued to perfect my recipe, I discovered that chilling the pastry dough before rolling it out makes a significant difference. This extra step results in a crispier, flakier crust that everyone loves. Trust me, these small details can really elevate your party offerings!

        Why You'll Love These Hand Pies
        Irresistibly flaky crust with a savory filling
Versatile for various fillings to suit any palate
Perfectly portable snack for game day or parties

      

Making the Perfect Hand Pie Dough

Achieving a tender and flaky hand pie crust hinges on the quality of your dough. Start with cold, unsalted butter; the coldness keeps the butter from melting before the dough hits the oven, ensuring that distinct flaky layers develop. When mixing, it's crucial to stop as soon as the butter is incorporated into coarse crumbs; over-mixing can lead to a tough crust. The addition of ice water should be gradual—add just enough until the dough holds together without being sticky or wet.

After forming the dough into a ball, always refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period not only allows the gluten to relax but also further solidifies the butter, enhancing the flakiness. If you’re short on time, you could chill it for just 15 minutes in the freezer, but ensure you don’t skip this step as it greatly affects the final texture of your hand pies.

Choosing and Preparing the Filling

The filling of your hand pies is where you can get creative! Whether you opt for seasoned ground beef, herbed chicken, or a vegetable medley, ensure that all ingredients are pre-cooked and diced finely to fit within the pastry comfortably. For a richer flavor, consider simmering your filling mixture with spices for 10-15 minutes before assembling. This not only melds the flavors together but also reduces moisture, preventing soggy hand pies.

If you're looking for a vegetarian option, combining sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and a sprinkle of feta can yield a delicious filling. If you have leftover meat or roasted vegetables, this is also an excellent moment to repurpose them. Just remember to balance your fillings with seasoning; a pinch of salt can elevate the taste dramatically, so taste as you go!

Storage and Serving Tips

These savory hand pies are best enjoyed fresh but can be made ahead of time. Once assembled, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag for up to a month. When ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw—simply add a few extra minutes to your baking time, and keep an eye out for that golden-brown finish to know they’re done.

When serving, consider presenting them with a variety of dipping sauces to complement the savory flavors. A zesty dipping sauce like a spicy aioli or a tangy BBQ sauce can really enhance the overall experience. Additionally, try arranging these hand pies on a festive platter, surrounded by fresh vegetables or a light salad to add color and freshness to your Super Bowl spread.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create delicious hand pies:

Hand Pie Dough

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
6-8 tbsp ice water

Savory Filling (choose one or mix):

1 cup ground beef, cooked and seasoned
1 cup shredded chicken with herbs
1 cup sautéed mushrooms and spinach
1 cup cheese blend (cheddar, mozzarella)

For Assembly:

1 egg, beaten for egg wash
Sesame seeds or poppy seeds, optional for garnish

Make sure to have all ingredients ready before you start preparing the hand pies.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious savory hand pies:

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the diced butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the mixture forms a ball.

Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling

In a separate bowl, combine your chosen filling ingredients until well mixed. Season to taste and set aside.

Assemble the Hand Pies

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into circles. Place a spoonful of filling on one half of each circle, fold over and seal with a fork.

Brush tops with beaten egg and sprinkle seeds if desired.

Bake

Place the hand pies on a greased baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy your savory hand pies warm, and add your favorite dipping sauces for extra flavor!

Pro Tips

For a twist, try adding spices like cumin or smoked paprika to your filling for an extra layer of flavor. Serve with a side of salsa or aioli for dipping.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your hand pies are leaking during baking, it may be due to overfilling. To prevent this, keep the filling to about one tablespoon, making sure there’s enough dough to seal the edges tightly. Before sealing, also check that your dough edges are clean, as any moisture can prevent a good seal. Finally, a light prick in the tops of your pies can allow steam to escape, reducing the chance of bursting.

For an unappealing dark brown crust, your oven temperature may be too high or the baking time too long. To remedy this, check your oven's accuracy with an oven thermometer and consider rotating the baking sheet halfway through to ensure even browning. Lowering the temperature to 375°F (190°C) can also help achieve a beautifully baked hand pie without burning.

Scaling the Recipe

If you’re expecting a crowd for the Super Bowl, scaling up this hand pie recipe is easy. For larger batches, you can double or even triple the dough recipe and freeze the extras. Just be sure to maintain the same ratio of flour to butter for the best texture. Prepare the dough in batches, refraining from any long mixtures during the hand pie assembly process so that the dough doesn’t warm up too much.

When increasing the ingredients for the savory filling, consider mixing different types together for variety. A mix of chicken and cheese or beef and veggies can keep your offerings exciting for your guests. Be sure to adjust your seasoning accordingly to complement the increased volume, as flavors may need to be boosted when preparing larger quantities.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. Store it in the fridge until you are ready to roll it out.

→ What fillings can I use?

You can get creative! Use any leftover meats or vegetables you have. Just ensure they are well-seasoned.

→ Can the hand pies be frozen?

Absolutely! Freeze them unbaked in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake directly from frozen for 10-15 minutes longer.

→ How do I know when they are done baking?

They should be golden brown and flaky when done. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes of baking.