27 Delicious Handheld Meal Pies for Busy Mornings

Sandra Walker

October 26, 2025

Unleashing the versatility and convenience of hand pies, this delightful treat has become a staple for any meal on the go. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, there’s a hand pie to suit every occasion. From sweet fillings like apples and cinnamon to savory ingredients like chicken curry, the possibilities are endless. With their portability and ease of consumption, hand pies make an ideal snack or dessert option.

Their versatility also means they’re perfect for breakfast, making them a great alternative to traditional morning meals. According to historical records, the concept of hand pies dates back to 19th century England, where a similar pastry was enjoyed by locals. Interestingly, variations of hand pies can be found in numerous cultures around the world, whether it’s empanadas or sweet fruit-filled pastries, there’s a recipe for every pastry enthusiast.

15+ Quick + Easy Hand Pie Recipes and Ideas

15+ Quick + Easy Hand Pie Recipes and Ideas

Apple Hand Pies

Apple Hand Pies

Juicing up the classic combination of apple pie and turnover, these hand pies bring together the perfect blend of comfort food and seasonal flavors. With a buttery exterior giving way to a rich, oozing filling of fall apples, they’re a true delight. The aromatic spices of cinnamon, clove, ginger, and nutmeg perfectly capture the essence of autumn, while a drizzle of caramel sauce adds the final flourish.

Blueberry Hand Pies

Blueberry Hand Pies

Varying my apple hand pies for blueberry ones when warmer weather arrives is a ritual I thoroughly enjoy. The switch is not just about changing flavors, but also about introducing a different texture and color palette to the mix. Each golden brown hand pie is bursting with the sweetness of juicy blueberries, making every bite a delightful surprise.

For an added layer of sweetness, you can sprinkle some turbinado sugar on top of the pies before baking, although I believe they are more than adequately sweet without it.

Strawberry Hand Pies

Strawberry Hand Pies

Unlocking the flavors of spring, I’m excited to share a delightful dessert that embodies the season’s essence. Strawberry hand pies are the perfect treat for warm weather, blending opulence with freshness in a truly unique way. The sweet strawberry filling is elevated by a hint of citrus from the lemon zest, adding a bright and refreshing twist. While strawberries will always hold a special place in my heart, it’s actually the crust that deserves some attention!

Made with just three simple ingredients – butter, cream cheese, and a touch of magic – this hand pie crust is rich, indulgent, and utterly divine.

Beef Empanadas

Beef Empanadas

Juxtaposing sweet and savory flavors, hand pies offer a diverse range of options beyond just fruit-based fillings. Take, for instance, the mouth-watering beef empanada, which showcases the Mexican twist on this handheld pastry.

Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies

Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies

Often associated with traditional British cuisine, chicken pot pies have been elevated to a new level of convenience by being turned into portable hand pies. Opting for puff pastry dough allows for an incredibly flaky and effortless rolling out process. Once the dough is cut into squares, it’s time to load up on the creamy chicken filling, being mindful not to overdo it to avoid overflowing when sealing the pies, resulting in a messy outcome.

Raspberry Hand Pies

Raspberry Hand Pies

Fresh from the oven, these adorable fruit hand pies are an ideal choice for a quick pick-me-up or a lavish brunch gathering. Forming the dough with cold water and butter results in a crust that’s not only tender but also impressively flaky and richly buttery. Furthermore, to achieve the perfect filling consistency, you’ll need to incorporate some cornstarch into the fresh raspberry puree.

Crawfish Hand Pies

Crawfish Hand Pies

Generally, traditional southern-style crawfish boils are a labor-intensive affair, but with this alternative recipe, I’ve found a way to achieve similar flavors without the hassle. Gone are the days of tedious preparation and long hours spent over a boiling pot, as this recipe streamlines the process while still delivering on taste. The spicy succulent filling is encased in a Pepperidge Farm puff pastry crust, providing a convenient yet satisfying solution.

If you’re unable to source fresh crawfish from your local store, don’t worry – crab or shrimp can be used as a suitable substitute.

Curry Chicken Hand Pies

Curry Chicken Hand Pies

With leftover chicken that’s just begging for a new life, why not try turning it into a mouthwatering chicken curry hand pie? The filling is a delicious combination of aromatic spices, creamy mayo, and tender chicken pieces. If you’re using frozen puff pastry, this recipe will take about an hour to complete from start to finish. Alternatively, if you have fresh puff pastry on hand, you can whip up these tasty hand pies in just 30 minutes, perfect for satisfying your cravings.

Spanakopita Hand Pies

Spanakopita Hand Pies

Pumpkin Hand Pies

Pumpkin Hand Pies

Handcrafted in mere minutes, these delicious hand pies are surprisingly easy to prepare. The simplicity of the recipe lies in its minimal ingredient list, requiring only four components for the filling, while the dough is conveniently store-bought. To assemble each pie pocket, fill it with a generous amount of pumpkin pie spiced filling, and then give the dough a gentle brush with an egg to achieve a beautifully golden-brown crust.

Breakfast Sausage Hand Pie

Breakfast Sausage Hand Pie

Zest for life comes in many forms, including a delicious breakfast or lazy Sunday treat that’s both indulgent and convenient. The filling of these hand pies is a thoughtful combination of sustainably sourced sausage, crispy dino kale, button mushrooms, and sharp cheddar cheese. To ensure the filling turns out tender on the inside, it’s essential to sauté everything but the cheese before assembling the pies.

Broccoli Cheese Hand Pies

Broccoli Cheese Hand Pies

Lighting up the faces of fussy eaters has never been easier, thanks to the simple yet effective addition of cheese and a crispy pastry wrapping that makes even the most reluctant broccoli consumers finish their serving without complaint. This vegetarian recipe is incredibly quick, taking just 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish, making it an ideal solution for busy weeknights or school lunches.

What’s more, its exceptional freezability means you can cook up a batch and store some in the freezer for later use.

Samoas

Samoas

Let’s be honest, even the most skeptical foodies would struggle to believe that these delectable treats are actually vegan. It’s not uncommon for people to assume that certain ingredients are off-limits in plant-based cuisine, but in this case, the truth is quite surprising! The combination of partially mashed spicy potatoes, peas, and peanuts creates a flavor explosion that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about vegan food. And the best part?

Achieving a perfect hand pie crust without dairy is easier than you think, thanks to the help of some cooking oil spray.

Peach Hand Pies

Peach Hand Pies

Relying on the sweetness of peaches, another popular summer fruit is perfectly suited for filling buttery hand pies. Rich in flavor, the peach filling boasts a delightful combination of almond and lemon essence, complemented by a hint of sugar and cinnamon that adds to its charm. To elevate these delectable pastries further, top them with an elegant drizzle of almond-infused icing.

Olive, Tomato, and Onion Hand Pies

Olive, Tomato, and Onion Hand Pies

Among all the dips I’ve tried, this one stands out for its simplicity and bold flavors. A mix of crumbled feta, green olives, roasted tomatoes, and onions creates a taste experience that’s hard to match. Although the recipe does require some elbow grease, the end result is well worth the extra effort.

Pepperoni Pizza Hand Pies

Pepperoni Pizza Hand Pies

Virtually everyone who grew up in the 80s or 90s likely has fond memories of eating Hot Pockets, especially pepperoni pizza ones, as a kid. This recipe is a nostalgic nod to those childhood favorites, but with an upgrade in terms of flavor and texture. What’s more, it requires only four simple ingredients, making it almost as easy to prepare as popping a frozen Hot Pocket into the microwave.

Cranberry Hand Pies

Cranberry Hand Pies

Pleasing the crowd with sweet treats is a surefire way to create lasting memories during the holiday season. It’s hard to resist the charm of tart cranberries wrapped in a delicate flaky pie crust, reminiscent of traditional holiday desserts. Not only are these hand pies adorable and easy to make, but they’re also perfect for impressing friends and family alike.

To avoid any conflicts over seconds, consider baking up a double batch – that way, everyone can enjoy a second helping without the hassle of deciding who gets left out.

17 Best Hand Pies Recipe Collection

Delight in the convenience of hand pies, which can be customized with a variety of fillings ranging from sweet fruits to savory meats like beef and chicken. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast option, a satisfying lunch, or an easy dinner solution, hand pies are an ideal choice.

Instructions

Instructions

Pick any delicious recipe that catches your eye, gather and organize all the necessary ingredients, and get ready to whip up a mouth-watering hand pie in under 30 minutes!

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