When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a savory pie, right? Picture sinking your teeth into a warm, flaky crust filled with hearty ingredients. Whether you're craving chicken, beef, or even something a bit lighter, these five savory pie recipes have got you covered. They're perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. So, are you ready to discover which pie will steal the show at your next meal? Let's get cooking!
Classic Chicken Pot Pie
Classic Chicken Pot Pie is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together tender chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce all encased in a flaky, golden crust.
This classic recipe is perfect for family dinners, especially on chilly evenings. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, it's no wonder that chicken pot pie is a beloved favorite among many.
Whether you're preparing it for a special occasion or a simple weeknight meal, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup potatoes, diced and cooked
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups chicken broth
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, onion powder, and garlic powder, cooking for about 2 minutes until smooth.
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, cooking until the mixture thickens. Add the shredded chicken, carrots, peas, potatoes, salt, and pepper, mixing well.
Roll out one pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Pour the chicken mixture into the crust and cover it with the second crust, sealing the edges.
Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush with beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Extra Tips:
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the filling.
You can also customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or prefer, such as corn or green beans.
Make sure to let the pie cool for a few minutes before slicing to allow the filling to set.
If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can prepare the filling and store it in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake just before serving.
Enjoy your delicious homemade chicken pot pie!
Hearty Beef and Mushroom Pie
Hearty Beef and Mushroom Pie is a comforting dish that brings together tender chunks of beef, earthy mushrooms, and a rich gravy encased in a flaky pastry. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering, this savory pie is sure to satisfy your appetite.
With its hearty filling and golden crust, it's a delightful meal that can be enjoyed any time of the year.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) beef chuck, diced
- 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package of refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the diced beef, browning it on all sides. Once the beef is browned, stir in the sliced mushrooms, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and beef broth.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and reduce the heat to low, covering the skillet to let the beef cook for about 1.5 hours until tender. If needed, mix cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the filling to thicken.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the pie crust and place one layer in a pie dish. Fill it with the beef and mushroom mixture, then cover with the second crust, sealing the edges and making slits on top for steam to escape.
Brush the crust with a beaten egg and bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
Extra Tips:
For an even richer flavor, consider marinating the beef in red wine for a few hours before cooking.
You can also experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as cremini or shiitake, for added depth. If you prefer a slightly sweeter pie, add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the filling.
Serve with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
Spinach and Feta Cheese Pie
Spinach and feta cheese pie is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings together the earthy flavor of spinach with the rich, tangy notes of feta cheese, all enveloped in a flaky pastry crust. This savory pie is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a hearty snack. It's a great way to incorporate greens into your meal and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile addition to any table.
Ingredients:
- 1 package of phyllo pastry (about 1 pound)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound fresh spinach, washed and chopped (or 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for topping)
To prepare the spinach and feta cheese pie, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted (if using fresh) or heated through (if using frozen). Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, combine the spinach mixture with feta cheese, eggs, yogurt, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Lay out a few sheets of phyllo pastry in a greased pie dish, brushing each layer with olive oil.
Pour the spinach and feta filling into the crust, then fold the edges of the phyllo over the top. Brush with more olive oil, sprinkle sesame seeds on top, and bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
When making this spinach and feta pie, feel free to get creative with the filling by adding other ingredients, such as sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or herbs like dill or parsley for added flavor.
If you prefer a richer filling, you can substitute cream cheese for some of the feta. Remember to keep the phyllo pastry covered with a damp cloth while you work to prevent it from drying out.
Enjoy your savory pie warm or at room temperature, and it pairs well with a simple Greek salad on the side for a complete meal!
Savory Vegetable and Lentil Pie
Savory Vegetable and Lentil Pie is a hearty and nutritious dish that brings together a medley of vibrant vegetables and protein-packed lentils, all encased in a flaky pastry crust. This comforting pie is perfect for a cozy dinner or as a satisfying lunch option.
With a blend of spices and herbs, it delivers a delightful flavor profile that will please both vegetarians and meat lovers alike. Preparing this pie is straightforward, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced cooks.
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-prepared pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cooked lentils (green or brown)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
Add the carrot, zucchini, and bell pepper, cooking until they begin to soften. Stir in the cooked lentils, spinach, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
Pour in the vegetable broth and soy sauce, allowing the mixture to simmer until slightly thickened. Once the filling is ready, transfer it to the pie crust, spreading it evenly.
If desired, brush the edges of the crust with beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Extra Tips:
Feel free to customize the pie by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs, such as mushrooms or fresh parsley.
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a handful of cheese to the filling. If you're short on time, you can use canned lentils instead of cooking them from scratch.
To guarantee a flaky crust, avoid overworking the pastry and chill it in the fridge for a while before rolling it out. Serve the pie warm with a side salad for a complete meal.
Rustic Apple and Sausage Pie
Rustic Apple and Sausage Pie is a delightful twist on traditional savory pies, combining the sweetness of apples with the hearty flavor of sausage. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or as a unique addition to a potluck. The flaky crust encases a savory filling that balances sweet and savory notes, making each bite a comforting experience. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a rustic pie that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 1 prepared pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 pound ground sausage (pork or turkey)
- 2 medium apples, peeled and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they're soft and fragrant.
Add the ground sausage to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned.
Once the sausage is cooked, stir in the sliced apples, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the apples are slightly tender.
Remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a pie dish, then fill it with the sausage and apple mixture.
Cover with another layer of pie crust, crimping the edges to seal.
Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape and brush the top with the beaten egg.
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and flaky.
Extra Tips:
For added depth of flavor, consider using a mix of sweet and tart apples in your filling.
If you want a bit of a kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture.
Let the pie rest for about 10 minutes after baking before slicing, as this will help the filling set and make for cleaner slices.
Serve the Rustic Apple and Sausage Pie warm, and enjoy it with a side salad for a complete meal!