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; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1/4 cup ice water; 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded; 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella); 1/4 cup chopped green onions; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love making savory hand pies for the Super Bowl! These delicious little pockets are not only easy to grab and eat during the game, but they can also be filled with a variety of flavorful ingredients that everyone will enjoy. I often get creative with the fillings, whether it's seasoned meats, veggies, or a mix of both, and they always manage to impress my guests. Plus, the flaky crust adds an irresistible texture that pairs perfectly with the hearty fillings.

Created by

Noelle Chambers

Last updated on 2026-01-14T01:55:08.527Z

When I first decided to create savory hand pies for a Super Bowl party, I faced the challenge of making the crust just right. After several attempts, I discovered that using cold butter and chilling the dough before rolling it out made all the difference. The result was a perfectly flaky crust that contrasted beautifully with the savory filling.

One tip I learned is to let the hand pies rest for a few minutes after baking. This allows the steam to settle, preventing a burst when you take your first bite. Trust me, the wait is worth it when that golden crust and warm filling meet your taste buds!

        Why You'll Love These Hand Pies
        Versatile fillings to suit every taste
Flaky, buttery crust that melts in your mouth
Perfect for sharing at game day gatherings

      

Perfecting the Crust

The crust is the foundation of these savory hand pies, so getting it just right is crucial. Using cold butter is essential for achieving a flaky texture; the cold fat creates steam during baking, resulting in those lovely, airy layers. Be careful not to overwork the dough. After you combine the ingredients, you want to stop as soon as a dough forms. If you find the dough too crumbly, add a teaspoon of ice water at a time until it holds together.

Once the dough is rested, rolling it out evenly is key. Aim for about 1/8 inch thickness to ensure that the pastries bake uniformly. If the dough gets too soft while rolling, chill it for a few minutes before cutting. Also, don’t forget to dust your work surface with flour to prevent sticking, which is a common stumbling block when making hand pies.

Filling Variations

While this recipe uses chicken, feel free to get creative with the filling! Ground beef, turkey, or even a mix of roasted vegetables work wonderfully. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or spinach and incorporate a variety of cheeses for added richness. Just remember to keep the filling at a manageable moisture level; too much liquid can lead to soggy hand pies.

Consider adding spices or herbs to the filling for an extra punch of flavor. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can elevate the taste or even experiment with crushed red pepper for a hint of spice. If you decide to go this route, a teaspoon may suffice, but always taste as you mix to get the balance just right!

Serving and Storage Tips

These hand pies are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. For serving, consider pairing them with a dipping sauce—ranch, sriracha mayo, or even a tangy barbecue sauce can complement the savory filling perfectly. If you’re serving a crowd, arrange them on a large platter for a fun, communal snack that invites sharing.

If you have leftovers, store the hand pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. For longer storage, these pies freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Reheating from frozen? Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your delicious hand pies:

For the Crust

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/4 cup ice water

For the Filling

1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Once you have all your ingredients ready, you can start making your hand pies!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your hand pies:

Make the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cubed cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, mixing until a dough forms.

Divide the dough into two disks, wrap them in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cheese, green onions, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.

Roll and Fill

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). On a floured surface, roll out each dough disk to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter to cut out circles.

Spoon the filling onto one half of each circle, then fold the dough over and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.

Bake

Place the hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush the tops with an egg wash (beaten egg with a splash of water) for a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Let the hand pies cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm and watch your guests devour them!

Pro Tips

Feel free to experiment with different fillings, such as spinach and feta, or ground beef with spices. These hand pies can also be frozen before baking for a quick meal later.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're in a pinch and don't have shredded chicken, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. The pre-cooked meat not only saves time but also infuses your hand pies with extra flavor. Similarly, if you don’t have cheese on hand, a nutty alternative like nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy taste without the dairy.

For those avoiding gluten, you can swap out the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. However, keep in mind that you may need to adjust the water content slightly, as gluten-free flours can absorb moisture differently. Always check the consistency of your dough after mixing to ensure it’s workable.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue in hand pie making is the filling leaking during baking. To prevent this, be sure to seal the edges well before baking. Crimping with a fork is effective but also placing a thin layer of egg wash along the edges before folding can help create a better seal.

If your hand pies are browning too quickly, this could indicate your oven temperature is too high. Make sure to use an oven thermometer for accuracy. Alternatively, you can cover the pies with aluminum foil halfway through baking to allow the insides to cook without over-browning the crust.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought pie crust?

Yes, using store-bought crust can save time, but homemade crust adds a special touch.

→ How do I store leftover hand pies?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the uncooked hand pies?

Absolutely! Freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

→ What other fillings can I use?

You can use any combination of meats, cheeses, and vegetables. Get creative with your favorite ingredients!