Broccoli Cheddar Hand Pies: Delicious and Easy Recipe for a Perfect Snack

Broccoli Cheddar Hand Pies are a delightful fusion of flavors that bring comfort and convenience to any meal. As a fan of savory pastries, I can’t help but be drawn to these golden, flaky pockets filled with a creamy blend of broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese. Originating from the classic hand pie tradition, which has roots in various cultures around the world, these little delights have become a beloved staple in many households, including my own.

What I adore about Broccoli Cheddar Hand Pies is their perfect balance of taste and texture. The crisp exterior gives way to a warm, cheesy filling that is both satisfying and nutritious. They are incredibly versatile, making them an ideal choice for lunchboxes, quick snacks, or even as a party appetizer. It’s no wonder that people love this dish; it’s not only delicious but also a convenient way to sneak in some veggies. Join me as we explore how to create these irresistible hand pies that are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh broccoli florets, chopped
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 package (1 lb) refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade if you prefer)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Preparing the Filling

Let’s start by preparing the delicious filling for our hand pies. This is where the magic begins!

1. In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent.
2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
3. Next, toss in the chopped broccoli florets. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender but still bright green. You want them to retain some crunch for texture.
4. Once the broccoli is cooked, remove the skillet from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed broccoli mixture with the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix everything together until well combined. This cheesy filling is going to be the star of our hand pies!

Preparing the Dough

Now that our filling is ready, let’s move on to the dough. If you’re using store-bought pie crusts, this part will be a breeze!

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that our hand pies bake perfectly.
2. Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. If you’re using homemade dough, roll it out to about 1/8-inch thickness.
3. Using a round cutter (about 4-5 inches in diameter), cut out circles from the dough. You should be able to get about 8-10 circles from one package of pie crusts.

Assembling the Hand Pies

Now comes the fun part—assembling our hand pies! This is where you can get creative.

1. Take one of the dough circles and place about 2 tablespoons of the broccoli and cheese filling in the center. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing the pies difficult.
2. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal. You can use your fingers or a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
3. Repeat this process with the remaining dough circles and filling until everything is assembled. If you have any leftover dough, you can roll it out again to make more circles.

Preparing for Baking

Before we pop these beauties into the oven, we need to give them a little love with an egg wash.

1. In a small bowl, beat the egg until it’s well mixed. This will give our hand pies a beautiful golden color when baked.
2. Using a pastry brush, gently brush the tops of each hand pie with the beaten egg. This step is crucial for that lovely golden finish!
3. If you’d like, you can sprinkle a little extra cheese or some sesame seeds on top for added flavor and texture.

Baking the Hand Pies

It’s almost time to enjoy our delicious broccoli cheddar hand pies! Let’s get them in the oven.

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place the assembled hand pies on the baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
2. Carefully place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the hand pies are golden brown and flaky.


Conclusion:

In wrapping up this delightful journey into the world of Broccoli Cheddar Hand Pies, I can confidently say that this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their snack game or impress guests at their next gathering. The combination of tender, flaky pastry and a rich, cheesy filling packed with nutritious broccoli makes for a satisfying treat that’s both comforting and wholesome. For serving suggestions, these hand pies are perfect on their own, but you can also pair them with a zesty dipping sauce or a fresh side salad to create a more complete meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider experimenting with variations by adding cooked chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or even a sprinkle of your favorite herbs and spices to the filling. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this recipe so versatile! I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making these Broccoli Cheddar Hand Pies in your own kitchen. I’d love to hear about your experience, any tweaks you made, or how they turned out for you! Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tag your friends to spread the joy of cooking. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite! Print

Broccoli Cheddar Hand Pies: Delicious and Easy Recipe for a Perfect Snack
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• Author: Maria
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 hand pies 1x
Print Recipe
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Description
These Broccoli Cheddar Hand Pies feature a delicious filling of fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese, all wrapped in a flaky crust. Perfect for snacks, appetizers, or light meals, they are easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Enjoy them warm from the oven for a delightful treat!
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Ingredients
Scale 1x2x3x
• 1 cup fresh broccoli florets, chopped
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 package (1 lb) refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade if you prefer)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
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Instructions
1. In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent.
2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
3. Toss in the chopped broccoli florets and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender but still bright green.
4. Remove the skillet from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed broccoli mixture with the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until well combined.
6. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
7. Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. If using homemade dough, roll it out to about 1/8-inch thickness.
8. Using a round cutter (about 4-5 inches in diameter), cut out circles from the dough, yielding about 8-10 circles.
9. Take one dough circle and place about 2 tablespoons of the broccoli and cheese filling in the center.
10. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges together to seal. Use fingers or a fork to crimp the edges.
11. Repeat with the remaining dough circles and filling.
12. In a small bowl, beat the egg until well mixed.
13. Brush the tops of each hand pie with the beaten egg using a pastry brush.
14. Optionally, sprinkle extra cheese or sesame seeds on top.
15. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the assembled hand pies on it, leaving space between each.
16. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and flaky.
Notes
• Feel free to customize the filling by adding other vegetables or proteins.
• These hand pies can be made ahead of time and frozen before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes