Ham and Cheese Stuffed Baked Hand Pies

Description

These Ham and Cheese Stuffed Baked Hand Pies are golden, flaky, and filled with a delicious mixture of savory ham, melted cheese, and tender dough. They are perfect for breakfast, lunch, snacks, or party appetizers. The soft homemade dough bakes into a beautifully crisp, buttery crust while the cheesy ham filling becomes warm and gooey inside. Easy to prepare and freezer-friendly, these hand pies are a comforting recipe that everyone loves. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, soup, or salad for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup warm milk
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

For the Filling:

• 1½ cups cooked ham, diced
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup pineapple chunks (optional, as shown in the image)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon milk

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
3. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg to the flour. Mix until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. While the dough rises, prepare the filling by mixing diced ham, mozzarella, cheddar cheese, pineapple, garlic powder, and black pepper in a bowl.
7. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 10-12 equal portions.
8. Roll each piece into a small circle about 5 inches in diameter.
9. Spoon 2 tablespoons of filling onto one side of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
10. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and press the edges together. Seal the edges with a fork.
11. Arrange the hand pies on a parchment-lined baking tray.
12. Mix the egg and milk for the egg wash and brush it generously over each pie.
13. Let the hand pies rest for 15 minutes while the oven preheats to 375°F (190°C).
14. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown and shiny.
15. Allow the hand pies to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Notes

• Use different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Swiss for extra flavor.
• Ensure the filling is not overloaded to prevent bursting during baking.
• Seal the edges tightly with a fork for perfectly shaped hand pies.
• Add cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or jalapeños for a delicious variation.
• These hand pies freeze beautifully and can be reheated directly from frozen.

Q&A

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the pies and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Freeze baked or unbaked pies for up to 2 months.

Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes. Pizza dough or puff pastry works well if you’re short on time.

What dipping sauces pair well with these hand pies?
Honey mustard, garlic aioli, marinara sauce, and ranch dressing all pair wonderfully.

Servings

Makes: 10-12 hand pies

Approximate Nutrition Per Hand Pie

• Calories: 290
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 420mg

These Ham and Cheese Stuffed Baked Hand Pies are crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside, making them an irresistible homemade treat. Whether served for breakfast, lunchboxes, parties, or a cozy snack, these golden hand pies deliver the perfect combination of buttery dough and savory filling in every bite.