Super Bowl Veggie Hand Pies

Name: Super Bowl Veggie Hand Pies
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 hand pies
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed; 4-6 tablespoons cold water; 1 cup chopped spinach; 1 cup diced bell peppers; 1/2 cup sweet corn; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Highlighted under: Everyday Quick Meals Favorites

I absolutely love making these Super Bowl Veggie Hand Pies when game day approaches. They are not only a fantastic option for guests who prefer a vegetarian bite but also incredibly fun to eat while cheering on your favorite team. The flaky pastry paired with a flavorful medley of vegetables makes these hand pies a standout snack. Plus, they are easy to prepare ahead of time, allowing me to enjoy the game without being stuck in the kitchen during the big moments.

Created by

Lauren Mitchell

Last updated on 2026-01-13T03:37:36.403Z

One of the best parts about making these hand pies is how versatile they can be. I often experiment with seasonal vegetables, ensuring I use what’s fresh and available. Recently, I tried adding some roasted red peppers and spinach, which brought out incredible flavors. The key is to season the filling well and avoid overloading the pastry, so it cooks properly and turns golden brown.

Another tip I’ve found helpful is to make sure the dough is cold when working with it. Chilling helps achieve that perfect flaky texture. I usually cut the shapes ahead of time and then refrigerate them before filling. It's made a noticeable difference in texture, and trust me, your guests will notice the difference too!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Crispy, flaky pastry that cradles a flavorful veggie filling
Easy to prepare ahead of time for stress-free game day
Perfect for sharing and makes a great conversation starter

      

Understanding the Pastry

The pastry is the heart of these hand pies, and it’s essential to achieve that perfect flaky texture. Using chilled butter is crucial; it creates steam pockets during baking, which helps the pastry puff up and become crispy. I recommend cutting the butter into the flour quickly to avoid it warming up too much. If you're in a warmer climate, consider chilling your mixing bowl too before you start.

If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought puff pastry instead. Just be sure to roll it out slightly thinner before cutting into circles. While it may save time, making your own pastry definitely enhances the texture and flavor, allowing you to customize it to your liking. You can also experiment with whole wheat flour for a more robust flavor.

Filling Variations

This veggie filling is versatile and can easily be tailored to whatever vegetables you have on hand. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the sautéed mixture. Alternatively, substituting zucchini or mushrooms for the corn can provide a different texture and flavor profile, enhancing the overall taste of your hand pies.

Don't forget to experiment with different herbs in the filling! Fresh basil or thyme can elevate the flavor considerably. Additionally, if you're not a fan of eggs or want to keep this recipe vegan, you can brush the tops with a mixture of almond milk and a bit of nutritional yeast for a golden finish without using egg wash.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

These hand pies can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for game day or other gatherings. After baking, let them cool completely on a wire rack before transferring to an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispy texture.

For something fun and interactive, serve these hand pies with a variety of dips. A spicy salsa or a cool yogurt-based dip complements the flavors beautifully. Additionally, consider presenting them on a large platter with garnishes like fresh herbs or a drizzle of balsamic reduction for an appealing display that’s sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

To make these delicious hand pies, gather the following ingredients:

For the Pastry

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
4-6 tablespoons cold water

For the Filling

1 cup chopped spinach
1 cup diced bell peppers
1/2 cup sweet corn
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Once you have all your ingredients ready, you can start assembling your hand pies!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Super Bowl Veggie Hand Pies:

Make the Pastry

In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the cubed butter and mix with a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Divide into two discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sautéing until softened. Stir in spinach, bell peppers, and corn, cooking until the vegetables are tender. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool.

Assemble the Hand Pies

Roll out the chilled pastry on a floured surface until about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out circles (about 4-5 inches in diameter). Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle. Fold over and crimp the edges with a fork to seal. Brush the tops with beaten egg.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy your delicious hand pies while watching the game!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, try adding some cheese to the filling or experimenting with different herbs like oregano or basil. These hand pies can also be frozen and baked directly from frozen
just add a few additional minutes to the baking time.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your pastry doesn’t come together as expected or feels too dry, it may be because the butter wasn’t cold enough or the water was added too quickly. Make sure to keep everything chilled until you’re ready to mix, and add the water gradually until the dough holds together without being sticky.

Another common issue occurs when the hand pies leak filling during baking. Ensure that the edges are crimped well and the filling is not overstuffed. A small spoonful in the center is ample; this helps prevent overflow as they bake.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling this recipe is easy if you're planning for a larger crowd. Simply double the ingredients while maintaining the same proportions. For larger batches, consider making the pastry dough in two separate bowls to avoid overworking it. You can also prepare the filling in batches to speed up your assembly process.

If you decide to make mini hand pies for appetizers, aim for circles about 3 inches in diameter. This will reduce baking time to approximately 15-20 minutes. Adjust the filling amount accordingly, keeping each mini pie filled but not overstuffed to ensure they bake evenly.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the hand pies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them in advance and freeze them before baking. Simply bake from frozen when you're ready.

→ What vegetables can I use in the filling?

You can use any vegetables you like! Broccoli, mushrooms, and zucchini are great options.

→ How do I ensure the pastry stays flaky?

Make sure to keep your ingredients cold and avoid over-working the dough. Chilling the dough before rolling helps maintain flakiness.

→ Can I make these hand pies vegan?

Yes! Substitute the butter in the pastry with a vegan alternative and skip the egg wash or use a plant-based milk instead.