33+ Delicious English Hand Pies: An Amazing Ultimate Guide

33+ Delicious English Hand Pies are a wonderful way to enjoy savory or sweet fillings wrapped in flaky pastry. These delightful pastries are not only easy to hold but also bursting with flavor in every bite. From classic apple and cherry to adventurous options like cheese and onion, English hand pies are perfect for any occasion. They’re great for picnics, parties, or a comforting snack at home.
If you’ve never experienced the joy of a hand pie, you’re missing out on something truly special. These morsels are a testament to the versatility of British cuisine. Hand pies can be made with various fillings, offering something delightful for everyone, whether you prefer sweet fruits or savory meats. In this guide, you will learn how to prepare these tasty treats from scratch, including why they are loved by many. Let’s explore the amazing world of English hand pies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

English hand pies stand out for several reasons. Here’s why you’ll adore making and eating these delicious pastries:
1. Variety of Fillings: Whether you crave sweet or savory, there’s an option for everyone.
2. Perfect for Any Meal: Enjoy them for breakfast, appetizers, or desserts.
3. Make Ahead: Hand pies can be made in advance and frozen for later use.
4. Kid-Friendly: Their portable size makes them perfect for children and adults alike.
5. Easy to Customize: You can easily tweak the recipes to accommodate dietary preferences or restrictions.
6. Fun to Prepare: Making hand pies with loved ones can be a delightful bonding experience in the kitchen.
With these incredible features, it’s no wonder that hand pies have become a beloved choice among households. They offer a delightful culinary experience that is sure to impress!

Preparation and Cooking Time

Making these delicious English hand pies takes a bit of time, but the results are well worth it. Here’s a breakdown of the time needed:
– Preparation Time: 30 minutes
– Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
– Cooling Time: 10 minutes
In total, you’ll need around 1 hour to have your hand pies ready to serve. This timeframe allows you to enjoy the process without feeling rushed.

Ingredients

– For the Pastry:
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 6–8 tablespoons cold water
– For the Savory Filling (e.g., Cheese & Onion):
– 1 cup grated cheese (e.g., cheddar or any preferred cheese)
– 1 cup finely chopped onions
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– For the Sweet Filling (e.g., Apple Cinnamon):
– 2 cups diced apples
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Egg Wash:
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating fabulous English hand pies can be straightforward if you follow these steps:

For the Pastry

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add butter and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add Water: Gradually add cold water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.
3. Chill: Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

For the Savory Filling

4. Sauté the Onions: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent. Season with salt and pepper, then let cool.
5. Combine Filling: Mix cooled onions with grated cheese.

For the Sweet Filling

6. Prepare Apples: In a bowl, mix diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.

Assemble the Hand Pies

7. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
8. Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thick.
9. Cut the Dough: Use a round cutter to cut circles (approximately 4–5 inches) from the pastry.
10. Fill the Pies: Place 1–2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each circle.
11. Seal: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges with a fork to seal.
12. Egg Wash: Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
13. Bake: Place hand pies on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
14. Cool: Let cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

To elevate your hand pie experience, consider these serving suggestions:
1. Dip Options: Pair savory hand pies with a tangy dipping sauce, such as barbecue or ranch. For sweet pies, vanilla ice cream or whipped cream is delightful.
2. Presentation: Serve on a cutting board or a decorative platter for an inviting look.
3. Accompaniments: Fresh fruit or a side salad works well with savory hand pies, while coffee or tea is perfect for sweet varieties.
4. Storage: Hand pies can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days, or they can be frozen for longer storage.
By considering these serving tips, you’ll create a memorable experience for yourself and your guests with these amazing English hand pies. Each bite is a wonderful journey filled with delicious flavors!

Additional Tips

– Experiment with Spices: Enhance the flavor profile of your fillings by adding spices like nutmeg, paprika, or cumin. These spices can elevate both sweet and savory fillings.
– Egg Wash Alternatives: For a vegan option, use almond milk or soy milk instead of an egg wash for that golden crust.
– Glaze Your Hand Pies: Consider drizzling a simple icing or glaze on sweet hand pies after baking for an extra touch of sweetness.

Recipe Variation

Explore your culinary creativity by trying some of these delightful variations:
1. Meat Lovers’ Hand Pie: Incorporate cooked ground beef or chicken with vegetables and herbs for a heartier filling.
2. Veggie Delight: Load your pies with seasonal vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers mixed with cheese for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
3. Fruit Medley: Mix different fruits like berries, peaches, or cherries for a colorful and flavorful sweet filling.

Freezing and Storage

– Storage: Keep your hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness.
– Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the baked hand pies for up to three months. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

Special Equipment

To create perfect English hand pies, here are some essential tools you may need:
– Rolling Pin: For rolling out the dough evenly.
– Round Cutter: A circular cutter for shaping dough circles.
– Baking Sheet: To place your hand pies for baking.
– Parchment Paper: For lining the baking sheet to avoid sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake hand pies in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake hand pies a day before and store them in an airtight container. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
What’s the best way to reheat frozen hand pies?
For best results, reheat frozen hand pies in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
How do I know when my hand pies are done?
The hand pies are done when they are golden brown on top and the filling is bubbly.
Can I use store-bought pastry?
Yes, store-bought pastry makes the process quicker if you want to save time. Just ensure to handle it carefully while assembling.

Conclusion

33+ Delicious English Hand Pies are not just easy to make; they are also a delight to eat! These hand-held treasures, filled with your choice of savory or sweet goodness, bring joy to any meal or occasion. Their versatility and scrumptiousness make them a perfect addition to gatherings, picnics, or casual snacks at home. With this ultimate guide, you are now equipped to create your hand pies from scratch. Dive into this delightful culinary adventure, and enjoy each delicious bite!