Super Bowl Veggie Hand Pies
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
I absolutely love making these Super Bowl Veggie Hand Pies whenever game day comes around. They are a fantastic way to enjoy a pie filled with colorful vegetables and flavorful spices, and they make for the perfect finger food! I often prepare these with a variety of fillings depending on what I have on hand, ensuring that each batch is bursting with flavor. With a golden crust that's flaky and satisfying, I guarantee these will be a hit at your next gathering.
When I first ventured into making hand pies, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy they were to assemble. The key is to get the dough just right—crispy on the outside, yet tender and flaky. I played around with different vegetable combinations before settling on a mix of mushrooms, spinach, and cheese that truly captivates the taste buds.
One of my favorite tactics is preparing the filling ahead of time. This not only enhances the flavors as they meld together but also saves me time on game day! Ensuring that each pie is evenly sealed is crucial, so I always make sure to crimp the edges well before baking.
Why You'll Love These Hand Pies
- Bursting with fresh vegetable flavors and spices
- Perfectly portable for game day snacking
- A customizable filling that everyone can enjoy
Understanding the Dough
The dough for these hand pies is key to achieving the perfect flaky crust. Using cold, cubed unsalted butter is essential because it creates air pockets as it melts during baking, resulting in a tender texture. If you find the dough too dry when mixing, add ice water a teaspoon at a time. Avoid overworking the dough as this can develop gluten and lead to a tougher crust, which is not desirable for hand pies.
Chilling the dough before rolling it out is a crucial step. It not only keeps the butter cold but also relaxes the gluten, making it easier to shape. I find that letting the dough rest for at least 30 minutes enhances the texture remarkably. For extra convenience, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to two days. Just remember to let it soften slightly at room temperature before rolling.
Choosing the Filling Wisely
The vegetable filling can be customized based on what you have in your kitchen. While I love using spinach and mushrooms for their savory flavor, you can easily substitute or add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. If you're using watery vegetables, such as tomatoes, ensure to sauté them thoroughly to reduce moisture. Otherwise, you may end up with soggy hand pies. A quick tip: let the filling cool completely before assembling the pies to avoid melting the dough.
Another delightful option is to experiment with different cheeses or add protein like cooked chicken or beans for a heartier filling. If you're looking for a dairy-free or vegan option, nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor and can be combined with a variety of vegetables for a robust filling. Don't shy away from seasoning your filling. This step enhances the flavor profile, making your hand pies irresistibly tasty.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to get started on your hand pies:
Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 6–8 tablespoons ice water
Filling:
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1 cup diced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Flour (for dusting)
Once you have all these ingredients ready, you can start putting your hand pies together!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create delicious Super Bowl Veggie Hand Pies:
Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the ice water a tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together.
Make the Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté mushrooms until soft. Add spinach, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Assemble the Hand Pies
On a floured surface, roll out one dough half to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 4-inch circles. Place a tablespoon of filling in the center of each circle, then fold in half and crimp the edges to seal. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
Bake the Pies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush tops with beaten egg. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Your hand pies are now ready to enjoy! Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Pro Tips
- Don't hesitate to mix up the fillings! Try adding different vegetables or even some cooked chicken for a heartier option. You can also freeze the unbaked pies for a quick snack later on.
Serving Suggestions
These hand pies are perfect for game day gatherings, but they can also be enjoyed as quick snacks or light lunches. I often serve them with a side of homemade dipping sauce, such as a simple garlic aioli or marinara. If you're looking to impress your guests, try offering a variety of dipping sauces to complement the flavors of the pies. Additionally, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil adds an appealing touch.
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, ensuring they’re crispy again. For longer storage, these hand pies freeze wonderfully. I recommend freezing them before baking on a baking sheet, then transferring them to a freezer bag once frozen. They can be baked directly from frozen; just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your dough feels too sticky when rolling, it usually means you’ve incorporated too much water. Adding a bit more flour while rolling can help manage stickiness. Conversely, if it cracks while rolling, it likely needs more hydration. You can repair any cracks by pressing the edges together gently. If all fails, just roll it into a ball, let it rest a moment, then roll it out again.
When it comes to baking, keep an eye on the color of the hand pies. If some appear to be browning too quickly, consider rotating the baking sheet halfway through. If your hand pies are not browning as expected after the suggested time, they might need a little more time in the oven. Look for a rich golden hue and puffed structure before determining they are ready to come out.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use pre-made pastry dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought pie crust or puff pastry can be a huge time-saver.
→ How can I make these gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend for the dough, and make sure all filling ingredients are certified gluten-free.
→ Can these hand pies be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked pies. Just bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
→ What dipping sauces pair well with these hand pies?
Ranch dressing, spicy mustard, or a tangy dipping sauce made from yogurt and herbs work wonderfully!
Super Bowl Veggie Hand Pies
I absolutely love making these Super Bowl Veggie Hand Pies whenever game day comes around. They are a fantastic way to enjoy a pie filled with colorful vegetables and flavorful spices, and they make for the perfect finger food! I often prepare these with a variety of fillings depending on what I have on hand, ensuring that each batch is bursting with flavor. With a golden crust that's flaky and satisfying, I guarantee these will be a hit at your next gathering.
Created by: Anya Coleman
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 hand pies
What You'll Need
Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 6–8 tablespoons ice water
Filling:
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1 cup diced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Flour (for dusting)
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the ice water a tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together. Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté mushrooms until soft. Add spinach, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheese. Let the filling cool slightly.
On a floured surface, roll out one dough half to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 4-inch circles. Place a tablespoon of filling in the center of each circle, then fold in half and crimp the edges to seal. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush tops with beaten egg. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Extra Tips
- Don't hesitate to mix up the fillings! Try adding different vegetables or even some cooked chicken for a heartier option. You can also freeze the unbaked pies for a quick snack later on.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 210mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 6g