Turkey Hand Pies

Turkey Hand Pies are a delicious way to use up leftover turkey, transforming it into comfort food encased in a flaky, buttery crust. These portable meat pies are savory and hearty, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, and they become a satisfying option for lunch or dinner.

A common mistake with hand pies is using warm dough, which leads to a greasy crust. This recipe emphasizes chilling the pie dough until it's firm. Doing so ensures that the butter stays cold, creating steam as the pies bake, resulting in a beautifully flaky texture that holds up to the flavorful turkey filling.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Flaky crust — Chilling the dough prevents the butter from melting, creating steam that puffs up as the pies bake.
• Savory filling — The combination of leftover turkey, vegetables, and herbs gives the filling a depth of flavor you won't find in store-bought options.
• Make-ahead friendly — These hand pies freeze well, allowing you to prepare them in advance for quick meals later.
• Versatile — You can customize the filling with whatever leftover vegetables you have on hand, making each batch unique.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Serves 12 hand pies

For the Pie Crust

• 4-½ cups all-purpose flour — forms the structure of the crust; whole wheat flour can add nuttiness but may create a denser texture.
• 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt — enhances flavor; regular salt can be used but may alter the taste slightly.
• 27 tablespoons cold unsalted butter — vital for a flaky texture; margarine can work, but it lacks the richness.
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar — tenderizes the dough; lemon juice can be an alternative but adds a slight tang.
• 3/4 cup ice water — helps bring the dough together without warming the butter; keep it icy.

For the Filling

• 1 tablespoon oil — for sautéing the onion; can substitute with butter or broth for a dairy-free option.
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced — adds sweetness and flavor; shallots can enhance the taste further.
• 1-½ teaspoons coarse kosher salt — balances the flavors of the filling; adjust based on your broth's saltiness.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter — enriches the filling; using all oil instead will change the flavor profile.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour — thickens the filling; cornstarch works well but may yield a slightly different texture.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme — contributes aromatic earthiness; use fresh thyme for a more vibrant flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper — enhances the filling’s warmth; white pepper can provide a milder taste.
• 2 cups stock (turkey, chicken, or veggie) — forms the base for the filling; water can substitute but will lack depth.
• 2 cups leftover turkey, diced — the star of the filling; chicken or even mushrooms can be used for a different take.
• 2 cups leftover veggies, diced — adds nutrition and flavor; any mix of cooked vegetables works well.
• 1-2 teaspoons white wine vinegar — brightens the filling; omit if necessary, but it does enhance the taste.
• Egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 tablespoon of water) — gives the pies a golden sheen; milk can be an alternative for a similar effect.

How to Make Turkey Hand Pies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine 4-½ cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of coarse kosher salt. Stir the dry ingredients until evenly mixed. Add 27 tablespoons of cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces, and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs, with pea-sized chunks of butter remaining.

Step 2: Add Liquid

Stir in 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into the flour mixture. Gradually add 3/4 cup of ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough begins to come together. It should be moist but not sticky. Divide the dough in half, flatten it into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.

Step 3: Make the Filling

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in 1-½ teaspoons of coarse kosher salt and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, and let it melt. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, stirring for another minute to cook out the raw taste.

Step 4: Combine Filling Ingredients

Gradually pour in 2 cups of stock, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until thickened. Mix in 2 cups of diced leftover turkey, 2 cups of leftover veggies, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 1-2 teaspoons of white wine vinegar. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 5: Assemble the Pies

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one piece of dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out 4-inch circles using a round cutter. Place a generous tablespoon of filling in the center of each circle, then fold the dough over and seal the edges using a fork. Brush each pie with the egg wash.

Step 6: Bake

Arrange the assembled hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges. The pies are done when you hear a light crackling from the filling.

Step 7: Cool Before Serving

Remove the hand pies from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. This cooling time helps the filling set, making them easier to handle. Enjoy them warm or store leftovers in an airtight container.

How to Serve Turkey Hand Pies

Turkey hand pies are deliciously portable and can be enjoyed hot or cold. These savory pockets are perfect for lunchboxes, snacks, or a light dinner. Here’s how to serve them to get the most out of these comforting bites.

Serving Ideas

• Serve warm for the best experience — Reheat the hand pies in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This restores the crispness of the crust while warming the filling thoroughly.
• Pair them with a dipping sauce — Serve the pies alongside a tangy dipping sauce, like cranberry sauce or aioli, which brightens the savory filling without overshadowing it.
• Use parchment-lined baking sheets — If presenting the hand pies on a platter, arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to keep them crisp and prevent sticking.
• Perfect for parties — Cut the hand pies in half for bite-sized portions. This makes them easy to pick up and enjoy as party snacks, ensuring everyone has a chance to try them.

What to Serve Alongside

1. Cranberry sauce — Its sweetness and acidity contrast beautifully with the savory turkey filling.
2. Fresh salad — A simple green salad adds a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the pie.
3. Pickles — The briny crunch of pickles complements the texture of the flaky crust and savory interior.
4. Mashed potatoes — Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort and soak up any filling drippings.
5. Roasted vegetables — They add an earthy flavor and color, creating a beautiful plate as a side dish.
6. Apple slaw — Its sweetness and crispness bring a bright and tangy note that pairs well with the savory flavors of the pie.

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Tips for the Best Turkey Hand Pies

To ensure your turkey hand pies turn out flaky and flavorful, here are some practical tips to follow.

• Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes — After mixing, refrigerate the pie dough to keep the butter cold, which results in a flakier crust when baked.
• Roll the dough to 1/8 inch thick — This thickness helps the crust bake evenly without becoming tough. If it’s too thick, it won’t cook through properly.
• Seal the edges with a fork — Use a fork to crimp the edges after filling. This prevents the filling from leaking out during baking, ensuring a complete pie experience.
• Let the pies rest before baking — Chilling the filled hand pies for 15 minutes helps the dough retain its shape and achieve a better lift in the oven.
• Bake until golden brown — They should be golden on the outside with bubbling filling at the edges. This visual cue indicates they’re fully cooked and ready to eat.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers — Keeping them sealed prevents moisture loss, ensuring your hand pies stay fresh for up to a week in the fridge.
• Reheat in a toaster oven for best results — If you have leftovers, using a toaster oven helps maintain the crust's texture while warming the filling evenly.

How to Store Turkey Hand Pies

These Turkey Hand Pies keep best when stored properly. For short-term storage, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps maintain the flaky crust and flavorful filling.

Room Temperature

• Time: Up to 2 days
• Container: Airtight container
• Signs of spoilage: Look for a hardened crust or off smells; these indicate that they have gone past their best.

Freezing Turkey Hand Pies

• Time: Up to 3 months
• Container: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag, pressing out as much air as possible.
• Signs of spoilage: If you see freezer burn or a dull color on the crust, it’s time to toss them.

Refrigerator

If you plan to store them for longer, place them in the fridge. While this can extend their life to about a week, be aware that refrigeration can dry out the crust. To maintain the best texture, use it only when necessary.

Reheating Turkey Hand Pies

Reheat them at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until the crust is warmed and crispy again. If you're in a hurry, a microwave set to medium power for 1-2 minutes can work, but the crust won't be as crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Turkey Hand Pies and their answers.

Can I make Turkey Hand Pies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and the pie crust in advance. Assemble the pies and freeze them. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

Why did my Turkey Hand Pies turn out dense?

If they are dense, it may be due to overworking the dough. Stop mixing as soon as the flour is incorporated to keep the butter cold, ensuring a flaky crust.

Can I halve the recipe for Turkey Hand Pies?

Absolutely! Simply divide all ingredients in half, and the baking time won't change significantly. This way, you can still enjoy these hand pies with less waste.

Does it freeze well?

Yes, Turkey Hand Pies freeze very well. They can be stored for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture. Just ensure they are well-wrapped.

What pan can I use instead of a baking sheet?

You can use any flat, rimmed baking dish as an alternative. Just make sure the sides are high enough to catch any bubbling filling.

Final Thoughts

Turkey Hand Pies are a comforting and versatile dish that transforms leftover turkey into savory treats. The flaky crust holds a wealth of flavors from the turkey and vegetables, making them an ideal option for lunch or dinner. Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite leftover veggies or switch out spices to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the deliciousness!