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: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced; 1/4 cup ice water; 1 pound ground beef or turkey; 1 cup diced onion; 1 cup diced bell pepper; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded cheese (optional); 1 egg (for egg wash)

Highlighted under: Festive Ideas

I love throwing a Super Bowl party, and these savory hand pies have become the star of the show at every gathering. With a flaky crust enveloping a delicious filling of seasoned meats and veggies, they are perfect for guests to grab and enjoy while cheering for their favorite team. The best part? They are easy to make in advance and freeze like a charm, so on game day, all you need to do is pop them in the oven. Trust me, these hand pies will make your Super Bowl bash unforgettable!

Created by

Una Merrick

Last updated on 2026-01-06T16:02:34.825Z

When I first experimented with these hand pies, I wanted to create a snack that was both portable and packed with flavor. After a couple of trials, I found that using leftover roasted vegetables combined with seasoned ground meat creates a rich, comforting filling that everyone loves. Pairing it with a homemade flaky crust elevates the dish even further!

During the Super Bowl last year, I served these hand pies alongside a selection of dipping sauces, and they disappeared faster than I could keep them stocked. The crust is key; I recommend chilling the ingredients separately before mixing to ensure that it bakes up beautifully golden and crisp.

        Why You'll Love These Hand Pies
        Easy to grab and perfect for sharing
Savory filling that satisfies any crowd
Flaky, buttery crust that rivals any bakery

      

Understanding the Dough

The crust is the star of any hand pie, and achieving the perfect texture is essential. Using chilled butter cuts creates a flaky, buttery dough that bakes up beautifully. Make sure your butter is cold—ready to be diced and mixed into the flour until it appears crumbly. If the mixture seems too dry, you can add another tablespoon of ice water; it should hold together without becoming sticky.

Resting the dough is a crucial step—don’t skip the refrigerating phase! This allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out and reducing the risk of shrinkage during baking. Aim for at least 30 minutes in the fridge; if you plan ahead, it can be made a day in advance and stored wrapped tightly until you’re ready to use it.

Perfecting the Filling

The filling can be customized to fit your flavor preferences or even dietary restrictions. For a vegetarian option, swap the ground meat with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or beans. You can also experiment with different seasonings, such as cumin or smoked paprika, to enhance the flavor profile, adding a twist to your savory hand pies.

When cooking the filling, make sure to sauté the vegetables until they are well softened. Not only does this build flavor, but it also prevents the pie from becoming watery. Additionally, if you’re adding cheese, mixing it in off the heat helps retain its creaminess and prevents separation. This will create a luscious, gooey filling that complements the crispy crust.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your hand pies:

For the Crust

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

For the Filling

1 pound ground beef or turkey
1 cup diced onion
1 cup diced bell pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
1 egg (for egg wash)

Make sure everything is prepped before you start...

Instructions

Follow these steps for tasty hand pies:

Make the Dough

In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the ice water gradually until a dough forms. Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat until browned. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; sauté until soft. Season with chili powder, salt, and pepper. If using cheese, mix it in after removing from heat.

Roll Out the Dough

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out circles using a 5-inch round cutter.

Assemble the Hand Pies

Place a heaping tablespoon of filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and crimp the edges to seal. Brush the top with egg wash.

Bake

Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy your delicious hand pies during the game!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, try adding your favorite spices to the filling or mixing in some diced jalapeños for heat. These pies also freeze well - just bake straight from the freezer for a quick snack anytime!

Make-Ahead Tips

These savory hand pies can be made ahead of time and frozen for future indulgence. After assembling them, arrange the hand pies on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to three months. On game day, bake them straight from the freezer, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time for perfectly golden results.

To reheat leftovers, simply place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this can lead to a soggy crust. For best results, allow them to sit at room temperature while the oven preheats; this helps them warm evenly.

Serving Suggestions

Consider pairing these hand pies with a variety of dipping sauces to elevate your Super Bowl spread. A zesty salsa or tangy sour cream can add a refreshing contrast to the savory filling. You might also set out a few pickled jalapeños for some added heat—these hand pies are versatile enough to complement a range of flavors.

For a full meal experience, serve the hand pies alongside a crisp salad or hearty soup. This not only diversifies the menu but also provides guests with a chance to enjoy a more balanced meal while they cheer for their teams. The combo of flaky pastry with a side of fresh greens is both satisfying and elegant.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the dough in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day ahead and keep it in the refrigerator.

→ What can I use instead of ground meat?

You can use diced vegetables, lentils, or even quinoa for a vegetarian option.

→ How do I store leftovers?

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

→ Can these hand pies be frozen?

Yes! Assemble the pies and freeze them before baking. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.