Broccoli cheese hand pies—oh, the mere thought takes me back to a chilly autumn afternoon when I stumbled upon this delightful treat at a local farmer’s market. Imagine biting into a flaky, golden crust only to be met with a burst of creamy cheese and tender broccoli—pure bliss! It’s like a cozy hug in pie form, perfect for any occasion, whether you’re lounging on the couch or hosting a casual get-together.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sauté finely chopped onions for about 5 minutes until they soften. Add minced garlic and grated broccoli, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the broccoli is crisp-tender.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and blend in shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until the mixture is well combined.
- Unroll the ready-made pie dough and cut it into 3-4 inch rounds using a cup or cookie cutter. Place a tablespoon of the broccoli and cheese mixture in the center of each round.
- Fold the dough over the filling to create a semi-circle, pressing the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a secure closure.
- Brush the tops of the hand pies with an egg wash made from a beaten egg and a tablespoon of water.
- Bake the hand pies in the oven for 20-22 minutes until they are crispy and golden brown.
- Serve the hand pies warm, optionally with lemon wedges for a fresh burst of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 head of broccoli, grated
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 sheets of ready-made pie dough
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
Nutritional Values
Calories: 4992kcal | Carbohydrates: 432g | Protein: 120g | Fat: 288g | Saturated Fat: 120g | Cholesterol: 288mg | Sodium: 4680mg | Potassium: 5184mg | Fiber: 48g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 10560IU | Vitamin C: 1104mg | Calcium: 2496mg | Iron: 28.8mg
FAQ
- How long can you store Broccoli & Cheese Hand Pies?
- These hand pies can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. You can also prepare and assemble them, apply the egg wash, and then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a ziplock bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, simply add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.
- What type of dough is recommended for these hand pies?
- Ready-made pie dough is recommended for its convenience, though using your own favorite dough recipe is also an option. Puff pastry can be used as an alternative, keeping in mind that the baking time might differ.
- How should savory hand pies be served?
- These hand pies are great as appetizers and can be served as they are with just a lemon wedge for added flavor. Adding some fresh greens like microgreens or placing them on a bed of lettuce, arugula, or spinach can enhance presentation.
- Can the ingredients be substituted in this recipe?
- While it’s best to follow the recipe as is, some substitutions can be made. Puff pastry can replace pie dough, though baking times might change. Cheese and sour cream can be swapped with vegan alternatives. For an egg-free option, you can spray oil or brush almond milk on top before baking.
- What is the best way to prepare broccoli for the filling?
- Broccoli should be grated for the filling, using a food processor if available. Alternatively, you can finely chop it with a knife. It’s important to sauté the broccoli with onions and garlic to soften them and enhance their flavor before mixing with the cheese and sour cream.
Tips
- Chop Broccoli Finely: If you don’t have a grater, use a knife to cut the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces. This ensures you can pack more broccoli into each hand pie and helps in even cooking.
- Pre-cook Vegetables: To avoid biting into raw onions, sauté them with broccoli before stuffing the pies. This softens the vegetables and enhances their flavors, creating a more enjoyable filling.
- Seal the Edges Well: Use a fork or your fingertips to press the edges of the dough together firmly. Brushing with egg wash not only provides a golden crust but also helps seal the pies, preventing the filling from leaking.
- Brighten with Lemon: Serve the hand pies with lemon wedges. A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can brighten the flavors, adding a refreshing touch to the cheesy broccoli filling.
Equipment
- Food Processor (for grating broccoli)
- Large Skillet (for sautéing ingredients)
- Baking Sheet (for baking the hand pies)
- Parchment Paper (for lining the baking sheet)
- Cookie Cutter (for cutting out pie dough rounds)
