Super Bowl Party Food Savory Hand Pies

Name: Super Bowl Party Food Savory Hand Pies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 hand pies
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 4 to 5 tablespoons cold water; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Highlighted under: Everyday World Food Collection

I love serving these savory hand pies during Super Bowl parties; they’re the perfect bite-sized treat! Filled with a delicious mixture of seasoned meat and veggies, they’ll have everyone reaching for seconds. The flaky crust and hearty filling blend together to create the ultimate game-day snack. Whether you’re watching the big game with family or hosting friends, these hand pies are sure to impress. Plus, they can be made ahead of time, making them a stress-free addition to your party spread.

Created by

Matilda Rowe

Last updated on 2026-01-06T12:25:34.887Z

When I first made these hand pies, I wanted to create something that combined my favorite game day flavors in a fun and portable way. After several tests in the kitchen, I learned that a simple mixture of ground beef, cheese, and vegetables made for a delicious filling.

My favorite tip is to chill the dough before rolling it out; this ensures that the crust remains flaky and tender once baked. These hand pies have quickly become a standout at my Super Bowl parties, leaving my guests asking for the recipe!

Why You'll Love These Hand Pies
Flaky, tender crust encapsulating a savory filling
Perfect for easy serving during game-day gatherings
Customizable with your favorite meats and veggies

Crafting the Perfect Crust

The crust of these savory hand pies is crucial for achieving that flaky, tender result. Using chilled butter is essential; it helps create steam pockets during baking which leads to the ideal texture. When cutting the butter into your flour, aim for pea-sized pieces before adding water. This will maintain the integrity of the butter, ensuring your crust remains light and crisp. Remember, overworking the dough can lead to a tough crust, so mix just until combined.

If you’re in a pinch for time, you can substitute store-bought pie dough for the homemade version. However, the flavor and flakiness of a homemade crust can elevate your hand pies significantly. If using a pre-made dough, keep it chilled until you’re ready to roll it out to avoid sticking and easy handling during assembly.

Flavorful Filling Options

While this recipe calls for ground beef, feel free to get creative with your filling. Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives work great and can bring a unique flavor to your hand pies. Adjust your seasonings accordingly—especially if substituting a milder protein. For those who prefer a vegetarian option, consider using sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or mixed vegetables combined with crumbled feta or mozzarella for a delicious twist.

Incorporating herbs and spices into your filling can also enhance its depth. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano add brightness. For a spicy kick, consider mixing jalapeños or crushed red pepper into your filling. Just keep in mind to balance the added moisture if using fresh vegetables to prevent a soggy crust.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

These hand pies can be prepared in advance, making them an excellent choice for busy party hosts. Once assembled, you can freeze them before baking. Just place the unbaked pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer bag. They can be baked straight from the freezer—simply add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time for perfectly golden results.

For leftovers, allow the hand pies to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, ensuring the crust stays crispy. Avoid using the microwave as it could make the crust soggy.

Ingredients for Savory Hand Pies

For the Filling

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 to 5 tablespoons cold water

For Baking

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, mixing until a dough forms. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Cook the Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and bell pepper until the beef is browned and vegetables are softened. Stir in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and mix in cheese.

Assemble the Hand Pies

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into circles. Spoon filling onto one half of each circle, fold over, and crimp the edges to seal. Brush tops with beaten egg.

Bake

Arrange hand pies on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try mixing in some spices like cumin or chili powder into the filling or adding diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

These savory hand pies are superb on their own, but pairing them with dips can raise the flavor profile even more. Consider serving them with a spicy mustard or a homemade ranch dressing for added depth. You could also try a chunky salsa or guacamole to compliment the savory filling. These options enhance the experience and offer a variety of tastes for your guests to enjoy.

Plating is key to impressing your guests. Arrange the hand pies on a large platter, garnished with fresh herbs or sliced veggies for a pop of color. You may even add some small bowls of dipping sauces around the platter to create a festive look. This not only heightens the visual appeal but also makes it easy for everyone to grab and go during the game.

Scaling the Recipe

This hand pie recipe is easily scalable for larger gatherings. To make a larger batch, you can double or triple both the dough and filling. Just remember to adjust oven space accordingly, as baking too many at once can lower the temperature inside the oven, affecting cooking time. Keep an eye on them as they bake, and rotate the trays halfway for even cooking.

If you decide to make mini hand pies, adjust the cooking time to about 15-20 minutes. Smaller pies will bake quicker, so watch for that golden brown color on the crust as your visual cue to remove them from the oven.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days.

→ What other fillings work well?

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients such as chicken, vegetables, or even gourmet cheeses!

→ Can I freeze the hand pies?

Absolutely! You can freeze uncooked hand pies for up to three months. Just bake from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

→ How do I reheat the hand pies?

Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.