If you are craving a delightful snack that combines smoky, savory, and cheesy flavors all wrapped up in flaky pastry, then you are absolutely going to love this BBQ Bacon Cheese Hand Pies Recipe. These hand pies are the perfect handheld indulgence, packing crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and tangy barbecue sauce into a perfectly golden crust. They’re great for casual get-togethers, game day treats, or any time you want a cozy snack with a big flavor punch. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your new favorite go-to recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these BBQ Bacon Cheese Hand Pies Recipe lies in their simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, from the savory bacon to the melty cheese and the tangy barbecue sauce, creating a balance of taste, texture, and irresistible color that makes each bite a joy.
- Refrigerated pie crusts (1 package, 2 crusts): These save you time and effort, providing the perfect flaky, buttery base for your hand pies.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Offers a rich, melty texture and sharp flavor that complements the smoky bacon perfectly.
- Cooked bacon, crumbled (1 cup): Adds a satisfyingly crispy and smoky element; feel free to swap in turkey bacon or pancetta for a twist.
- Barbecue sauce (½ cup): Gives the filling a tangy, savory punch that punctuates every bite beautifully.
- Beaten egg (1): Brushed on top to ensure a gorgeous golden crust that’s both eye-catching and delicious.
- Chopped green onions (¼ cup): Adds freshness and subtle crunch, balancing richness with a mild bite.
- Black pepper (½ tsp): A simple seasoning that sharpens the overall flavor profile without overpowering.
How to Make BBQ Bacon Cheese Hand Pies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat level is perfect for baking the hand pies evenly and coaxing out that stunning golden-brown finish that everyone adores. While it warms up, you can get everything else ready, so the process keeps flowing smoothly.
Step 2: Preparing the Pie Crusts
Gently roll out your refrigerated pie crusts on a floured surface to prevent sticking. Then slice each crust into four neat squares. Keeping the edges tidy helps when it’s time to fold and seal, ensuring your filling stays put and your finished pies look picture-perfect.
Step 3: Mixing the Filling
Combine the shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, barbecue sauce, green onions, and black pepper in a bowl. Stir it all together until the filling is thick but still moist enough to hold its shape inside the crust. This flavorful mixture is the heart of your BBQ Bacon Cheese Hand Pies Recipe.
Step 4: Filling, Sealing, and Shaping
Now for the most fun part! Spoon a generous portion of the filling onto each square of crust. Fold the dough over to form triangles, then press the edges with a fork to seal everything in tightly. This step keeps all those tasty ingredients inside during baking and gives your hand pies a charming, rustic edge detail.
Step 5: Brushing and Baking
Brush each hand pie with the beaten egg to create a shiny, golden crust that looks as good as it tastes. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they puff up and turn that irresistible golden brown. Once baked, let them cool just enough so they’re perfectly warm for serving.
How to Serve BBQ Bacon Cheese Hand Pies Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or additional green onions on top can brighten up the presentation and add a refreshing contrast to the rich filling. You can also serve with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce to amp up the flavor even more.
Side Dishes
These hand pies pair wonderfully with crisp coleslaw, a fresh garden salad, or even some roasted vegetables for a more complete meal. The cool crunch of a side salad complements the warm, cheesy filling beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange your BBQ Bacon Cheese Hand Pies Recipe on a wooden board alongside miniature dipping sauces or a trio of barbecue sauces with varying heat levels. This setup turns your snack into a crowd-pleasing appetizer platter perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover hand pies keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just make sure they’ve fully cooled before storing to maintain that flaky crust texture without sogginess.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the uncooked hand pies on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months and can be baked directly from frozen with a few extra minutes added to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your hand pies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes. This method crisps up the crust again without drying out the filling. Avoid microwaving, which can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pie crust for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade pie crust adds a lovely personal touch and flaky texture, but store-bought crusts work wonderfully for convenience and still yield delicious hand pies.
Is it necessary to use barbecue sauce?
Barbecue sauce is key for that signature tang and sweetness—it really ties the flavors together. If you’re not a fan, you could experiment with other sauces like ranch or a spicy aioli, but it won’t be quite the same BBQ Bacon Cheese Hand Pies Recipe experience.
Can I make these hand pies vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon and perhaps add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions instead for that savory depth. Consider adding smoked paprika to keep a hint of smoky flavor.
What is the best cheese to use?
Cheddar works beautifully for its meltiness and sharp flavor, but feel free to swap in pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for creaminess. Mixing cheeses can also create a more complex, delicious filling.
How do I keep the hand pies from leaking during baking?
Make sure to seal the edges thoroughly with a fork and avoid overfilling. Chill the filled hand pies for a few minutes before baking to help the crust hold its shape better.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Bacon Cheese Hand Pies Recipe perfectly captures that warm, comforting feeling of a homemade treat with flavors that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re sharing with family or treating yourself, these hand pies are a fantastic way to bring bold, smoky goodness wrapped up in buttery pastry. Give them a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
BBQ Bacon Cheese Hand Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These BBQ Bacon Cheese Hand Pies are deliciously savory pastries filled with a flavorful mix of sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, tangy barbecue sauce, and fresh green onions. Wrapped in flaky pie crusts and baked to golden perfection, they make a perfect snack or appetizer for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
Filling
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- ½ tsp black pepper
For Finishing
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even baking and a beautiful golden color on your hand pies.
- Preparing the Pie Crusts: Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Cut each crust into four equal squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, keeping the edges neat for easy sealing.
- Mixing the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, barbecue sauce, chopped green onions, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is well combined and holds together without being too dry.
- Filling, Sealing, and Shaping: Spoon some filling onto the center of each crust square. Fold the crust over to form a triangle and press the edges together using a fork to seal and add decorative ridges.
- Brushing and Baking: Brush the tops of the hand pies with the beaten egg to achieve a golden-brown finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the pies are puffed and browned. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a different flavor twist, try substituting cheddar cheese with pepper jack or gouda.
- Turkey bacon or crispy pancetta can be used as alternatives to traditional bacon.
- Use your preferred brand of barbecue sauce to customize the sweetness or tanginess of the filling.
- These hand pies are best served warm and fresh from the oven.
- You can prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble just before baking.
