Spring's here, and that means it's time to whip up some tasty hand pies that celebrate the season! Imagine flaky pastry filled with fresh ingredients like asparagus, peas, and spinach. Sounds delicious, right? These savory bites are perfect for picnics or just a quick snack at home. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these mouthwatering recipes that are not just fun to make but also a delight to eat. Are you curious to find out how to create them?
Asparagus and Goat Cheese Hand Pies
Asparagus and Goat Cheese Hand Pies are a delightful and savory treat that combines the earthy flavor of fresh asparagus with the creamy tang of goat cheese, all wrapped in a flaky pastry.
Perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or appetizer, these hand pies are both easy to make and impressive to serve. With a golden-brown crust and a delicious filling, they're sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for added flavor
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the chopped asparagus. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until just tender.
In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed asparagus, goat cheese, ricotta cheese, lemon zest, salt, and pepper, mixing until well incorporated.
Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and cut it into squares (about 4×4 inches).
Place a spoonful of the asparagus and cheese mixture in the center of each square, fold the pastry over to create a triangle, and seal the edges with a fork.
Brush the tops with the beaten egg and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, make sure your puff pastry is cold when you work with it; this helps achieve a flaky texture.
Feel free to customize the filling by adding other ingredients like sautéed onions or different cheeses.
If you have leftover filling, consider using it as a spread on crackers or bread.
Finally, serve these hand pies warm for the best flavor, but they can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
Enjoy your cooking!
Spring Pea and Mint Hand Pies
Spring Pea and Mint Hand Pies are a delightful way to celebrate the season with fresh flavors. These hand pies feature a flaky pastry enveloping a vibrant filling of sweet spring peas, aromatic mint, and creamy ricotta, making them the perfect snack or appetizer for gatherings.
Whether you're enjoying them warm out of the oven or at room temperature, these hand pies are sure to impress with their bright taste and charming presentation.
Ingredients:
- 1 package of pre-made pie crusts (or homemade pastry dough)
- 1 cup fresh spring peas (or frozen peas, thawed)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Flour for dusting
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crusts and cut them into circles (about 5-6 inches in diameter).
In a bowl, combine the peas, ricotta, mint, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, mixing until well combined.
Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough circle, then fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape.
Press the edges together to seal, and use a fork to crimp the edges for extra security.
Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a golden finish, and make a small slit in each pie to allow steam to escape.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Extra Tips:
For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to the filling.
You can also prepare the hand pies in advance and freeze them before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you're ready to cook them from frozen.
Experiment with different herbs like basil or chives if you want to customize the flavor further.
Enjoy your Spring Pea and Mint Hand Pies as a perfect springtime treat!
Mushroom and Spinach Hand Pies
Mushroom and spinach hand pies are a delightful and savory treat that combines earthy mushrooms with vibrant spinach, all encased in a flaky pastry. Perfect for a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal, these hand pies are versatile and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. The filling isn't only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a satisfying option for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 package of ready-made puff pastry (2 sheets)
- 1 cup of fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup of mushrooms, diced (button or cremini work well)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and sauté the onions until they become translucent.
Add the mushrooms and garlic, cooking until the mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown. Stir in the chopped spinach and thyme, cooking just until the spinach wilts.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface and cut them into circles (about 4-5 inches in diameter).
Place a spoonful of the mushroom and spinach filling in the center of each circle, fold the pastry over to create a half-moon shape, and seal the edges by pressing with a fork.
Brush the tops with the beaten egg and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Extra Tips:
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a bit of grated cheese, such as feta or mozzarella, to the filling mixture.
If you prefer a more robust flavor, try incorporating some cooked bacon or sausage into the filling.
Be sure not to overfill the hand pies, as this can make them difficult to seal properly.
You can also experiment with different herbs or spices to customize the flavor profile to your taste.
Serve these hand pies with a side of marinara or a tangy dipping sauce for an added kick!
Roasted Vegetable and Feta Hand Pies
Roasted Vegetable and Feta Hand Pies are a delightful and portable meal perfect for any occasion. These savory pastries are filled with a medley of roasted vegetables and creamy feta cheese, all wrapped in a flaky, golden-brown crust. They make for a great snack, lunch, or appetizer, and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Making these hand pies requires a bit of preparation, but the end result is well worth the effort.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 1 cup diced zucchini
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup diced eggplant
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, and red onion. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Toss to coat the vegetables evenly.
Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they're tender and slightly caramelized. Once done, let them cool slightly before mixing in the crumbled feta cheese.
Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and cut it into circles (about 5-6 inches in diameter). Place a generous spoonful of the roasted vegetable mixture in the center of each circle, fold the pastry over to create a half-moon shape, and seal the edges with a fork. Brush the tops with the beaten egg, and place the hand pies on a lined baking sheet.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Extra Tips:
To improve the flavors of your hand pies, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the filling. You can also experiment with different vegetables based on what's in season or what you have on hand—mushrooms, spinach, or sweet potatoes can make great additions.
If you want to prepare these hand pies in advance, you can assemble them and freeze them before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you cook them from frozen. Enjoy your delicious, homemade hand pies!
Herb and Ricotta Hand Pies
Herb and Ricotta Hand Pies are a delightful savory treat, perfect for a snack or a light meal. Flaky pastry envelops a creamy filling made with ricotta cheese and fresh herbs, creating a deliciously comforting bite.
These hand pies can be served warm or at room temperature, making them an ideal option for picnics, parties, or meal prep. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch that will impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Flour (for dusting)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to about 1/8 inch thick and cut it into 4-inch squares.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, parsley, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper, mixing until well combined. Place a generous tablespoon of the filling in the center of each pastry square, then fold the corners over to form a triangle and press to seal.
Brush the tops with the beaten egg and make a small slit in the center of each pie to allow steam to escape. Arrange the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Extra Tips:
For an added depth of flavor, consider incorporating other herbs like thyme or chives into the filling. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as feta or goat cheese, to give your hand pies a unique twist.
If you prefer a crunchier texture, bake the hand pies a little longer but keep an eye on them to prevent burning. These hand pies freeze well, so feel free to make a double batch and store them for later enjoyment—just bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.