Super Bowl Party Food Veggie Hand Pies
Highlighted under: Everyday Kitchen
I absolutely love making these Veggie Hand Pies for Super Bowl parties! They’re not just fun finger food; they’re packed with flavor and make for a perfect snack while cheering for your favorite team. I like to load them up with seasonal veggies and herbs, which means every bite is bursting with freshness. Plus, they’re easy to pick up and enjoy without fuss, making them the ultimate crowd-pleaser. This recipe has become a staple in my game day menu, and I’m sure it will be in yours too!
When I first decided to make these Veggie Hand Pies, I wanted a recipe that would be both satisfying and healthy. I experimented with different combinations of vegetables, and finally settled on a mix of spinach, mushrooms, and feta. The combination of flavors was a hit at my last gathering, and attendees couldn't get enough of them.
One key tip I discovered is to ensure that the filling is not too wet, as this helps the crust stay flaky and crisp. For the best result, let the filling cool completely before spooning it into the pastry. Trust me, your guests will be raving about these hand pies for days!
Why You'll Love These Hand Pies
- Savory filling packed with vibrant veggies
- Delicious flaky crust that's easy to handle
- Perfect for game day or any party occasion
The Importance of Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh, seasonal vegetables in these hand pies elevates both their flavor and nutritional value. Fresh spinach, for example, contributes vibrant color and essential vitamins, while mushrooms add an earthy depth. If you're working with vegetables that are not in season, consider using frozen alternatives, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture, which can lead to soggy pastries.
Feta cheese is another star ingredient in these hand pies. Its tangy flavor complements the vegetables perfectly. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, try crumbled tofu seasoned with nutritional yeast and a bit of lemon juice to mimic the tangy taste. However, keep in mind that this substitution could slightly alter the texture of the filling.
Mastering the Crust
Achieving a flaky, tender crust is the key to successful hand pies. Make sure your butter is perfectly chilled—this prevents it from melting into the flour and creating a tough dough. For best results, use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. If your dough feels sticky while rolling, lightly dust with flour to maintain the perfect texture.
If you have leftover dough after cutting out your circles, you can re-roll it. However, be cautious not to overwork the dough, as this can lead to a tougher crust. The goal is to keep the dough as cold as possible; at any point, you can return it to the refrigerator to firm up if it becomes too soft.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Hand Pies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the cold water until dough forms. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Cook the Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onions and mushrooms until soft. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and stir in feta cheese. Let the mixture cool.
Assemble the Hand Pies
Roll out the dough on a floured surface. Cut into circles, about 5 inches in diameter. Place a spoonful of the veggie filling on one half of each circle. Fold over and seal the edges with a fork. Brush with beaten egg.
Bake
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve
Allow the hand pies to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, consider incorporating spices like paprika or garlic powder into the veggie filling. You can also substitute the veggies based on your preference or what's in season.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
These veggie hand pies can be made ahead of time, making them the perfect addition to your game day spread. Prepare the filling and dough a day in advance, store them separately in the refrigerator, and assemble the pies just before baking. They'll still taste fresh and delicious, and you can bake them directly from chilled for about 25-30 minutes, adjusting the time as necessary based on your oven's characteristics.
If you have any leftover hand pies, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator. Alternatively, freeze them unbaked. Before freezing, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually and then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These hand pies go wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces. Consider serving them with a creamy tzatziki to complement the feta and veggies, or a spicy mustard for an unexpected kick. A fresh herb sauce made from cilantro or parsley can also elevate the flavor and add a splash of color to your platter.
For a well-rounded game day menu, serve these hand pies alongside other finger foods like buffalo cauliflower bites or a vibrant veggie tray. Balancing out the savory flavors with something crunchy and refreshing enhances the overall experience and gives your guests plenty of options to taste and enjoy.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the veggie filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to assemble the hand pies.
→ How can I make these hand pies vegan?
You can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and replace the egg wash with a mixture of plant milk and a bit of flour for a similar effect.
→ Can I freeze the hand pies?
Absolutely! After baking, let them cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
→ What dipping sauces go well with these hand pies?
They pair wonderfully with tzatziki sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy ketchup for a flavor kick.
Super Bowl Party Food Veggie Hand Pies
I absolutely love making these Veggie Hand Pies for Super Bowl parties! They’re not just fun finger food; they’re packed with flavor and make for a perfect snack while cheering for your favorite team. I like to load them up with seasonal veggies and herbs, which means every bite is bursting with freshness. Plus, they’re easy to pick up and enjoy without fuss, making them the ultimate crowd-pleaser. This recipe has become a staple in my game day menu, and I’m sure it will be in yours too!
Created by: Vanessa Whitlock
Recipe Type: Everyday Kitchen
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 hand pies
What You'll Need
For the Hand Pies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How-To Steps
In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the cold water until dough forms. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onions and mushrooms until soft. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and stir in feta cheese. Let the mixture cool.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface. Cut into circles, about 5 inches in diameter. Place a spoonful of the veggie filling on one half of each circle. Fold over and seal the edges with a fork. Brush with beaten egg.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Allow the hand pies to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, consider incorporating spices like paprika or garlic powder into the veggie filling. You can also substitute the veggies based on your preference or what's in season.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 6g