There’s something incredibly satisfying about digging into a warm, flaky hand pie, especially when it’s filled with a rich and savory mixture of delectable ingredients. The Savory Hand Pies are a culinary delight that offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, featuring a beautiful pastry shell cradling a scrumptious blend of sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and aromatic herbs. These hand pies are not only visually appealing but are also incredibly versatile, making them the perfect snack, appetizer, or even a light meal for any occasion.
One of the best aspects of these hand pies is their simplicity. With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward preparation methods, you can whip them up in no time. Plus, the use of frozen puff pastry ensures that you get that delightful flakiness without the fuss of making dough from scratch. Customizing these savory pastries is a breeze; you can add your favorite vegetables or herbs to the mix. So, whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply want a tasty treat to enjoy during a cozy night in, these hand pies will surely hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Savory Hand Pies
- Flaky and Buttery Pastry: Perfectly golden and flaky puff pastry creates an irresistible outer layer.
- Flavorful Filling: A hearty blend of sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions offers a rich, savory flavor profile.
- Quick to Make: With a total time of just 45 minutes, these hand pies can be prepared quickly.
- Versatile: Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal option.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze them for a later date; simply bake straight from the freezer!
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you embark on your journey to create these delightful Savory Hand Pies, it’s essential to properly prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools. First, make sure your workspace is clean and organized to facilitate an efficient cooking experience. Gather your ingredients—puff pastry, mushrooms, onions, and herbs—keeping them within easy reach to streamline the preparation process.
For this recipe, you’ll need a few key kitchen tools: a high-quality skillet for sautéing, a sharp knife for chopping, and a cutting board. A pastry brush will be handy for applying the egg wash before baking, while a fork is perfect for crimping the edges of the hand pies. Additionally, having a baking sheet lined with parchment paper will prevent the pies from sticking and ensure an easy cleanup.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups mushrooms (cremini or button), finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or full-fat milk
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
- Sea salt flakes for sprinkling
Instructions
Step 1: Caramelizing the Onions
Begin by heating the olive oil and butter in a skillet set over medium heat. Once hot, add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet. Allow them to sauté for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a beautiful golden brown color and attain a rich sweetness from the caramelization process.
Step 2: Adding the Mushrooms and Seasoning
Next, add the finely chopped mushrooms to the skillet along with minced garlic, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Sauté this mixture for an additional 6–8 minutes. The mushrooms will release their liquid during cooking, which will then evaporate, leaving behind a concentrated flavor that melds beautifully with the other ingredients.
Step 3: Thickening the Filling
Once the mushrooms have cooked down, sprinkle the flour over the mixture. Stir it in thoroughly and allow it to cook for about 1–2 minutes, which will help eliminate any raw flour taste. Then, pour in the vegetable broth or water and heavy cream, stirring as you go. Let this simmer for 3–4 minutes until the filling thickens, then remove it from the heat and let it cool completely.
Step 4: Preparing the Puff Pastry
On a clean, floured surface, roll out the thawed sheets of puff pastry to your desired thickness. Once rolled, cut each sheet into squares measuring roughly 3×3 inches. You should end up with 12 squares total, perfect for filling!
Step 5: Assembling the Hand Pies
Place approximately 1 to 1½ tablespoons of your cooled filling onto half of the pastry squares. Be careful not to overfill to prevent any spilling during baking. Brush the edges of these squares lightly with water, effectively sealing the edges. Top with the remaining squares and use a fork to crimp the edges to ensure they stay sealed during baking.
Step 6: Baking the Hand Pies
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the assembled hand pies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Before baking, brush the tops with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with sea salt flakes or additional thyme for flavor and presentation. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastries are golden and puffed. Once done, allow them to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Variations
- Protein: Add cooked chicken, turkey, or tofu for an extra protein boost.
- Vegetables: Experiment with spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers for more filling options.
- Spices: For a bit of heat, include red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Cooking Notes
- Keep an eye on the baking process to prevent overbrowning.
- These hand pies can be frozen before baking; just add an extra few minutes to baking time when cooking from frozen.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of dipping sauce, such as garlic aioli or marinara.
- A simple green salad pairs beautifully for a light meal.
Tips
- For added flair, feel free to sprinkle fresh herbs on top before serving.
- Allow enough cooling time to set the filling before biting into the hand pies to avoid burns!
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 250 calories per hand pie
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: Varies based on added salt and broth used
FAQs
Can I make these hand pies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free puff pastry instead of the regular version, and ensure your broth is gluten-free as well.
How do I store the leftovers?
Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in the oven for a few minutes until heated through.
Can I freeze the hand pies before baking?
Yes! Assemble the hand pies, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be baked straight from the freezer.
What other flavors can I use?
Feel free to experiment with different fillings! Cheese, spinach, or even different meats can create delightful alternatives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these Savory Hand Pies are more than just a snack; they are a flavorful and versatile addition to any menu. Their flaky pastry, rich filling, and simple preparation make them a beloved choice for both casual and formal dining alike. Whether you’re preparing a celebratory gathering or just looking to satisfy a personal craving, these hand pies promise satisfaction with every bite. Don’t forget to get creative with your filling variations or dipping sauces, and feel free to share your own twists in the comments below. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious morsel!
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Savory Hand Pies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Savory Hand Pies are a culinary delight filled with a savory mixture of sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups mushrooms (cremini or button), finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or full-fat milk
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
- Sea salt flakes for sprinkling
Instructions
- Begin by heating the olive oil and butter in a skillet set over medium heat. Once hot, add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet. Allow them to sauté for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a beautiful golden brown color and attain a rich sweetness from the caramelization process.
- Next, add the finely chopped mushrooms to the skillet along with minced garlic, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Sauté this mixture for an additional 6–8 minutes. The mushrooms will release their liquid during cooking, which will then evaporate, leaving behind a concentrated flavor that melds beautifully with the other ingredients.
- Once the mushrooms have cooked down, sprinkle the flour over the mixture. Stir it in thoroughly and allow it to cook for about 1–2 minutes, which will help eliminate any raw flour taste. Then, pour in the vegetable broth or water and heavy cream, stirring as you go. Let this simmer for 3–4 minutes until the filling thickens, then remove it from the heat and let it cool completely.
- On a clean, floured surface, roll out the thawed sheets of puff pastry to your desired thickness. Once rolled, cut each sheet into squares measuring roughly 3×3 inches. You should end up with 12 squares total, perfect for filling!
- Place approximately 1 to 1½ tablespoons of your cooled filling onto half of the pastry squares. Be careful not to overfill to prevent any spilling during baking. Brush the edges of these squares lightly with water, effectively sealing the edges. Top with the remaining squares and use a fork to crimp the edges to ensure they stay sealed during baking.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the assembled hand pies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Before baking, brush the tops with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with sea salt flakes or additional thyme for flavor and presentation. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastries are golden and puffed. Once done, allow them to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
These hand pies can be frozen before baking; just add an extra few minutes to baking time when cooking from frozen.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 250 calories per hand pie
- Sodium: Varies based on added salt and broth used
- Protein: 4 g