Delicious & Easy Spinach Artichoke Hand Pies: A Family-Friendly Recipe from Bakeaholic Mama
Today, we are absolutely delighted to introduce you to a truly wonderful and inspiring blogger: Carrie, the creative mind and passionate baker behind Bakeaholic Mama. Carrie embodies the perfect blend of culinary talent and a genuine, sweet demeanor. Her blog is a testament to her philosophy that delicious, homemade meals can be both achievable and enjoyable, even amidst the hustle and bustle of raising three busy children and managing family life.
We are quite certain that if given the chance, Carrie and we would bond instantly over our shared love for all things baked, perhaps while indulging in a batch of her famously delectable brownies! Carrie’s repertoire is diverse and exciting, featuring everything from rich Milk Chocolate Cadbury Mini Egg Brownies, to the ultimate comfort food, Buffalo Mac N’ Cheese, and charming Biscoff Pudding Cups. Today, she’s generously sharing a savory sensation that’s perfect for any occasion: her mouth-watering Spinach Artichoke Hand Pies.
A Warm Welcome from Carrie: The Bakeaholic Mama
Hello, wonderful readers! I’m Carrie, the face and heart behind Bakeaholic Mama. By day, I’m a “master mama” navigating the beautiful chaos of three energetic children and a loving husband. By passion, I’m a self-proclaimed wannabe baker who believes in the power of wholesome, homemade food. For me, nourishing my family well is paramount, but so is making the process enjoyable and efficient. I am a firm advocate for creating delicious dinners from scratch in 30 minutes or less – meals that not only taste fantastic but are also fun to make and eat!
The Irresistible Appeal of Savory Hand Pies
One secret weapon in my kitchen for pleasing even the pickiest eaters? Anything wrapped in pastry! Whether it’s the delicate crispness of phyllo, the flaky layers of puff pastry, or the rich, buttery embrace of a classic pie crust, if it’s got that wonderful texture, I can cleverly tuck almost any ingredient inside, and my kids will happily gobble it up. Savory pies and tarts are a consistent hit at our dinner table, offering a versatile and satisfying meal solution that’s always met with enthusiasm.
Today, I’m especially thrilled to share my recipe for Spinach Artichoke Hand Pies. I crafted these using my favorite homemade pie crust, which I then cut into perfect 4-inch circles. Each circle is generously filled with a creamy, dreamy spinach artichoke dip – a classic flavor combination that’s elevated to new heights when baked inside a golden, flaky crust. These hand pies are truly cheesy, savory perfection, delivering comfort and joy in every portable bite. They make for an ideal appetizer, a light lunch, or a fun way to get those veggies in!
Spinach Artichoke Hand Pies
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Ingredients
To embark on your hand pie adventure, gather the following ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its approachable components, which effortlessly combine to create a rich, savory filling encased in a golden, flaky crust. For optimal results, ensure your butter is impeccably cold if you’re making your pie crust from scratch, and always thoroughly thaw and drain the spinach and artichokes to prevent any excess moisture from compromising your delicious filling.
- 1 batch uncooked double pie crust
- 2 teaspoon all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoon butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup frozen artichoke hearts thawed and chopped
- 1/2 cup frozen chopped spinach thawed and drained
- 2-3 additional tbs of grated Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
Instructions
Crafting these delectable Spinach Artichoke Hand Pies is a straightforward and rewarding process. Each step is designed for ease, ensuring that you achieve perfectly golden, flavor-packed pastries that will impress family and friends. For the best results, we recommend reading through all the instructions before you begin your culinary adventure.
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Begin by preheating your oven to a precise 350°F (175°C). Ensuring your oven reaches and maintains the correct temperature is key to achieving an evenly baked, beautifully golden, and crisp crust for your hand pies.
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To prepare the savory filling, place a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Melt the butter until it shimmers. Gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour, stirring constantly until a thick, smooth paste, known as a roux, forms – this typically takes about 1 to 2 minutes. Slowly incorporate the milk, continuing to whisk vigorously to prevent lumps. Next, stir in the ground nutmeg and both the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Keep stirring until all the cheese has completely melted, resulting in a creamy and cohesive mixture. Remove the saucepan from the heat and gently fold in the thoroughly thawed and well-drained chopped spinach and artichokes. It’s crucial to allow this delicious filling to cool slightly before proceeding; a cooled filling is much easier to manage and helps prevent the pie crust from becoming soggy.
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On a lightly floured surface, carefully roll out your prepared pie crust dough. Aim for a thickness of approximately 1/4 to 1/8 of an inch – thin enough to ensure flakiness but robust enough to hold the generous filling. Utilize a 4-inch round cutter, or even a similar-sized bowl as a template, to cut out perfect circles from your dough. From a standard batch of double pie crust, you should yield around 20 circles. Gather and gently re-roll any dough scraps, being careful not to overwork the dough, and cut additional circles until all dough is used.
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Spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of your cooled spinach artichoke filling into the center of each dough circle. Be mindful not to overfill, as this can make the sealing process challenging and potentially cause the pies to burst. Fold one side of the dough over the filling to meet the opposite side, creating a classic half-moon shape. Using the tines of a floured fork, firmly crimp the edges together to seal the pies completely. This decorative crimping not only adds a rustic charm but also ensures the delectable filling remains securely inside during baking.
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Carefully arrange your prepared hand pies on a non-stick baking sheet. Ensure there is approximately 1 inch of space between each pie; this allows for optimal air circulation, which is vital for even baking and a beautifully crisp crust. If a non-stick sheet isn’t available, a baking sheet lined with parchment paper works equally well.
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Bake the hand pies for an initial 15 minutes in your preheated oven. After this period, carefully remove the baking sheet. Generously sprinkle the tops of the hand pies with the additional grated Parmesan cheese. This extra layer of cheese will melt into a wonderful golden crust, enhancing both flavor and appearance. Return the hand pies to the oven and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crust achieves a beautiful golden-brown color and the filling is thoroughly heated and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them during this final stage to prevent overbrowning.
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Serve these delightful Spinach Artichoke Hand Pies hot! They are truly at their best when enjoyed warm, allowing the cheesy filling to remain perfectly gooey and comforting.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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Tips for Achieving Hand Pie Perfection
Creating perfectly golden and utterly delicious hand pies is more straightforward than you might anticipate, especially with a few invaluable tips and tricks:
- Maintain Cold Dough: Whether you opt for a homemade or store-bought pie crust, it is paramount to keep your dough as cold as possible until you are ready to roll and cut it. Cold dough is significantly less sticky, much easier to handle, and crucially, less prone to shrinking during the baking process. Remember to avoid overworking the dough, as this can develop the gluten too much, leading to a tough and less flaky crust.
- Cool the Filling Thoroughly: A critical step is ensuring your spinach artichoke filling is completely cooled before you spoon it onto the pie crust circles. Introducing hot filling to cold dough will melt the butter within the pastry, resulting in a greasy, difficult-to-seal pie and potentially a soggy bottom crust. Patience here ensures flakiness!
- Avoid Overfilling: While the creamy, cheesy filling is undeniably tempting, resist the urge to overfill your hand pies. Excess filling can lead to the pies bursting open during baking, creating a messy situation and losing that precious internal goodness. Adhere to the recommended 2-3 tablespoons per circle for optimal sealing and containment.
- Secure Sealing is Key: Dedicate a little extra time to firmly crimping the edges of your hand pies with the tines of a floured fork. A robust, well-sealed edge is essential for preventing the filling from leaking out, which could result in dry pies and a burnt mess on your baking sheet. For extra security, you can even perform a double crimp.
- Ensure Even Baking: When arranging your hand pies on the baking sheet, ensure they are spaced approximately 1 inch apart. This crucial spacing allows for proper air circulation around each pastry, which is fundamental for achieving evenly baked and beautifully golden-brown crusts. If you know your oven has hot spots, consider rotating the baking sheet halfway through the baking time.
- Achieve Golden Perfection: The final sprinkle of Parmesan cheese is not merely for an extra burst of flavor; it also plays a vital role in achieving that gorgeous, appetizing golden-brown color on your crust. Bake until the tops are deeply golden, indicating a perfectly cooked-through and crispy pastry.
Creative Variations to Explore
While these Spinach Artichoke Hand Pies are exceptionally delightful in their original form, they also provide an excellent foundation for culinary experimentation and customization. Here are several imaginative ideas to adapt them to your unique tastes and preferences:
- Diverse Cheese Blends: Feel free to experiment with a variety of cheeses! Incorporate a dollop of cream cheese into the filling for an even richer, creamier texture, or add a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella for that coveted cheesy pull. For a tangy, slightly salty counterpoint that beautifully complements the spinach, consider mixing in some crumbled feta cheese.
- Enhanced Herbaceousness: Fresh herbs can significantly elevate the flavor profile of your filling. Finely chopped fresh dill, parsley, or chives can add bright, aromatic notes. Dried herbs like a pinch of oregano or basil could also work well.
- Introduce a Protein: To create a heartier hand pie that can stand as a more substantial meal, consider adding cooked, finely diced chicken breast, savory crumbled and cooked bacon, or even some earthy sautéed mushrooms to the filling mixture.
- Adjust the Spice Level: For those who appreciate a hint of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a subtle warmth. Alternatively, a dash of your favorite hot sauce mixed into the filling can provide a more pronounced spicy kick.
- Alternative Dough Options: If time is of the essence, high-quality store-bought puff pastry sheets offer a fantastic and convenient alternative to traditional pie crust. Simply cut them into squares or circles and proceed with the filling and baking instructions. For an even flakier and lighter crust, delicate phyllo dough can also be used, though it requires a slightly different handling technique.
- Boost the Veggies: Don’t hesitate to incorporate other finely chopped and thoroughly drained vegetables into the filling. Roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes (chopped), or even finely grated zucchini (ensuring you squeeze out all excess moisture) can add wonderful depth and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions & Storage Solutions
These versatile Spinach Artichoke Hand Pies are incredibly adaptable and can be savored in numerous ways. They shine as an elegant appetizer at your next dinner gathering, serve as a convenient and satisfying snack for after-school cravings, or make a delightful side dish to a light soup or fresh salad for an easy dinner. While they are utterly delicious on their own, for those who love to dip, consider serving them alongside a warm marinara sauce, a zesty ranch dressing, or a creamy garlic aioli for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage: Should you find yourself with any delightful leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will remain fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, these hand pies freeze exceptionally well! Once they have cooled completely, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until they are solid. Then, transfer the frozen hand pies to a freezer-safe bag or container, and they will keep beautifully for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: To best enjoy your stored hand pies, reheat frozen ones directly from the freezer in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until they are heated through and the crust has regained its satisfying crispness. Thawed hand pies can be reheated in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or for a quicker method that ensures a crispy crust, a toaster oven works wonderfully.
Thank you so much, Carrie, for sharing this truly amazing and inspiring recipe! Your commitment to making wholesome, delicious, and approachable food for families is genuinely admirable and deeply appreciated.
For more fantastic recipes, family-friendly cooking insights, and delightful baking adventures, be sure to connect with Carrie and follow Bakeaholic Mama on her social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest. Dive into her vibrant world of “master mama” cooking and rediscover how fun, flavorful, and fulfilling homemade meals can be!