Save Golden flaky hand pies filled with a creamy broccoli and cheddar mixture delivering all the flavor of quiche without the eggs or a traditional pie crust.
The first time I made these hand pies for friends, everyone was amazed that something so flavorful could be made without eggs or a classic crust. The creamy broccoli cheddar filling was a hit at our weekend gathering.
Ingredients
- Broccoli florets: 2 cups (180 g), finely chopped
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Small onion: finely diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Smoked paprika: 1/4 teaspoon
- All-purpose flour: 1 tablespoon for filling
- Milk: 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole or unsweetened plant-based
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 1 cup (110 g), grated
- Puff pastry: 2 sheets, thawed (about 450 g total)
- All-purpose flour: 1 tablespoon for dusting
- Milk: 2 tablespoons for brushing
- Sesame seeds: 1 tablespoon (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare oven and sheet:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3 4 minutes until translucent.
- Add broccoli and garlic:
- Mix in garlic and broccoli. Sauté 4 5 minutes until broccoli is tender.
- Season and thicken:
- Add salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle flour over mixture, cook 1 minute, then slowly add milk, stirring until thick and creamy (about 2 minutes).
- Add cheese:
- Remove from heat and fold in cheddar until melted. Let filling cool slightly.
- Prepare pastry:
- On lightly floured surface, roll out puff pastry sheets. Cut each into 4 rectangles for 8 total.
- Fill pies:
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons filling onto half of each rectangle, leaving border.
- Seal and shape:
- Fold rectangle over filling, press edges to seal, and crimp with fork.
- Top and arrange:
- Place hand pies on baking sheet. Brush tops with milk and sprinkle sesame seeds if using.
- Vent and bake:
- Cut small slit on top for steam escape. Bake 20 25 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
- Cool and serve:
- Let hand pies cool slightly before serving.
Save My sister requests these every time she visits. Baking together and sharing warm hand pies is a family tradition we now look forward to every season.
Serving Suggestions
Hand pies are delicious on their own or paired with a simple side salad or tomato soup for a complete meal.
Ingredient Swaps
Try gruyère instead of cheddar for a different flavor or add a pinch of chili flakes to spice things up.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, parchment paper, skillet, knife, cutting board, rolling pin, pastry brush, fork.
Save Once baked, these hand pies stay crisp and delicious even when reheated. Make extra to enjoy for quick snacks throughout the week.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I make these hand pies dairy-free?
Yes, substitute regular milk with unsweetened plant-based milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives to make this dish dairy-free.
- → What is the best way to seal the edges of the hand pies?
Press the edges firmly together and crimp them with a fork to ensure the filling stays inside during baking.
- → Can I add more vegetables to the filling?
Certainly! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be sautéed along with broccoli for added flavor and texture.
- → How do I achieve a flaky crust with puff pastry?
Use cold puff pastry dough and avoid overworking it. Keep it chilled before baking to maintain its flakiness and crisp texture.
- → Can these hand pies be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the hand pies and refrigerate them before baking. Bake fresh to retain maximum flakiness and flavor.