Super Bowl Party Savory Hand Pies

Name: Super Bowl Party Savory Hand Pies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 hand pies
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 6-8 tablespoons ice water; 1 pound ground beef or chicken; 1 onion, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice); 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love making these Super Bowl Party Savory Hand Pies for game day! They are the perfect finger food that everyone can enjoy while cheering for their favorite team. The flaky pastry pairs wonderfully with savory fillings, and you can customize the ingredients based on your preferences. Whether it's savory beef, spicy chicken, or a vegetarian option, these hand pies are always a hit. The best part? They can be made ahead of time and simply heated up when your guests arrive, which makes entertaining so much easier!

Created by

Helena Wright

Last updated on 2026-01-14T04:07:23.581Z

I remember the first time I made these savory hand pies for a Super Bowl party. I experimented with different fillings, and the combination of spiced beef and cheese was a game changer! I learned that chilling the pastry before rolling it out helps achieve that flaky texture; it makes all the difference in every bite. Plus, the smell wafting through the kitchen as they bake is incredible!

Another tip I discovered is to avoid overfilling the pies, as it can cause them to burst open in the oven. A light brush of egg wash gives them a beautiful golden color, making them as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Everyone was raving about them, and I can’t wait to make them again!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Flaky, buttery crust that melts in your mouth
Customizable fillings for every taste preference
Perfect bite-sized snacks for parties and gatherings

      

Perfecting the Pastry

Creating the perfect flaky pastry is essential for these hand pies. The key is to keep the butter cold; this ensures that when the dough is baked, the butter melts and creates lovely steam pockets. If at any point the dough feels warm or too soft to handle, chill it again for about 10 minutes. This technique promotes a light, airy texture that balances well with any savory filling you choose.

When mixing the dough, it's important not to overwork it. You want to mix just until the ingredients come together, which will allow the butter to stay in small pieces, ensuring that beautiful flakiness. If you find the dough too crumbly, add another tablespoon of ice water. Remember, the ideal consistency should be cohesive but not overly sticky.

Filling Options and Flavor Variations

While the recipe suggests ground beef or chicken, don’t hesitate to experiment with other protein options like turkey or pork. For a vegetarian twist, try using sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or lentils mixed with spices and cheese. If you're looking for heat, diced jalapeños can be added directly into the filling, or you could even use a spicy cheese to amp up the flavor.

Make sure to let your filling cool slightly before assembling the pies. This allows the cheese to set a bit without making the dough soggy. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding herbs like chopped parsley or basil to the mixture, which can elevate the overall taste and offer fresh notes amidst your savory ingredients.

Baking Tips and Serving Suggestions

For the best results, space your hand pies apart on the baking sheet to allow for even cooking and browning. If you find that the edges are browning too quickly, you can cover them loosely with aluminum foil for the remainder of baking. They should be baked until they reach a golden brown color, usually about 25-30 minutes at 400°F, but always keep an eye on them toward the end for perfect timing.

After baking, let the hand pies cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. This helps prevent the bottoms from becoming soggy. For serving, pair them with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or salsa, or even a zesty aioli to add an extra layer of flavor. These hand pies are just as good served warm or at room temperature, making them a versatile choice for any game day spread.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients to ensure a smooth baking experience.

For the pastry:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the filling:

1 pound ground beef or chicken
1 onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Once you have everything ready, you're set to begin making these delicious hand pies!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your hand pies with ease.

Make the pastry dough

In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the cold butter and rub in with your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough comes together. Divide into two discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the filling

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat with onion and bell pepper until browned. Stir in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and mix in the shredded cheese; let cool.

Assemble the hand pies

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out one disc of dough on a floured surface. Cut into circles (about 5-6 inches in diameter). Place 1-2 tablespoons of filling in the center, fold over and seal edges with a fork. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake

Brush the tops with the beaten egg. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy these hand pies fresh out of the oven or at room temperature at your next gathering!

Pro Tips

For a vegetarian option, consider using a mix of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and ricotta cheese as a filling. You can also experiment with different spices to find your favorite flavor profile.

Make-Ahead and Storage

These savory hand pies can be made ahead of time, allowing for a stress-free game day. You can assemble them the day before and store uncooked hand pies in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Alternatively, freeze the unbaked pies by placing them on a baking sheet and putting them in the freezer until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag where they'll keep well for up to a month.

To bake frozen hand pies, simply preheat the oven and add a few extra minutes to the baking time. There’s no need to thaw them before baking; just brush the tops with egg wash and bake straight from the freezer. This allows you to enjoy freshly baked, piping hot hand pies without any last-minute fuss.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe can easily be scaled to accommodate larger gatherings. If you want to make a double batch, simply double the ingredients and prepare your pastry and filling accordingly. Keep in mind that when making larger quantities, you might need to work in batches, especially when rolling out and cutting the dough to maintain quality.

For those who want to experiment with different flavors, consider preparing multiple fillings at once, such as a classic beef filling alongside a veggie alternative. This allows you to offer a variety for guests, catering to different dietary preferences while keeping the preparation straightforward.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

→ What other fillings can I use?

You can fill these with vegetables, cheeses, or even leftover meats—get creative!

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

→ Can I freeze the hand pies?

Absolutely! Freeze them before baking, and bake from frozen when you’re ready to enjoy.