Hearty and delicious, savory pies are a perfect choice for dinner during the colder months. From comforting veggie pies to meaty fillings, these easy recipes will not only satisfy your taste buds but also warm up the entire family.
Honestly, I find that savory pies have a way of bringing people together. Whether they’re wrapped in a flaky pastry crust or topped with a generous helping of creamy mashed potatoes, they just radiate warmth and coziness.
Easy Tamale-Style Ground Beef Pie
Year after year, I’ve been a huge fan of tamales, and ordering them when we dine out has become a regular habit. The unbeatable flavor combination is one of the main reasons I adore them – it’s simply too good to make myself! Let’s face it; making tamales can be a bit finicky. Therefore, this pie offers an ideal solution for capturing those wonderful flavors without investing hours in the kitchen. In fact, when I have leftover carnitas on hand, I prefer using it over ground beef.
The chunks of meat add a fantastic texture to the dish, perfectly complementing the beans and cornbread.
Cuban Meat Pockets with a Twist
Making a big splash in snack culture, these Cuban empanadas have won over many hearts. Made with puff pastry, which not only streamlines preparation time but also adds a delightful texture and flakiness to each bite, they are an ideal treat. Upon reviewing the ingredient list, you might do a double take when reaching the end. Raisins may seem like an unconventional addition, but trust that their sweetness is a deliberate choice, perfectly balancing the savory flavors of the olives.
Classic Comfort Dish with a Twist
Among classic dishes that evoke nostalgia, Shepherd’s pie stands tall. Made with a harmonious blend of meat, vegetables, and potatoes, it has a way of transporting you back to your childhood memories with just one bite. While it’s perfectly fine to use a frozen vegetable mix as a time-saving measure, I appreciate the addition of fresh ingredients for an enhanced flavor experience.
Some might be inclined to dismiss the cream cheese in the mashed potatoes as an unconventional choice, but personally, I believe it adds a delightful tanginess and keeps the potatoes tender and smooth.
French-Canadian Tourtière with Mashed Potato Twist
Joining mashed potatoes with your pie meat is a clever way to create a cohesive filling and add an inviting creamy texture. Just as it’s common to combine ground beef and pork, you could also opt for using some pork sausage meat to elevate the flavor even further. Interestingly, thanks to the incorporation of mashed potatoes, this will result in a perfectly sliceable pie.
Bacon and Egg Pastry Delight
Highlighting its versatility, this incredibly simple recipe is perfect for any meal time – whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The flaky pastry provides a delightful housing for one of the best combinations out there – crispy bacon and eggs! Before serving, cook the bacon to your desired level of crispiness, then mix it with the eggs. If you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to add some sausage to the mix as well.
This pie can be enjoyed either warm from the oven or chilled and sliced, allowing for a delightful textural contrast.
Zucchini Feta Pie, A Spinach-Free Delight
People have different preferences when it comes to vegetables, but that doesn’t mean they need to miss out on great-tasting dishes altogether. This fantastic recipe uses grated zucchini (or summer squash) instead of spinach for a lighter, more subtle flavor profile that will appeal to those who don’t like the strong taste of spinach. The filling is mostly similar, with onion, garlic, and feta still playing starring roles, while the same crispy crust adds an extra layer of texture and crunch.
Pumpkin Pastries with Global Flair
Often considered a delightful snack in its own right, hand pies can also be a satisfying meal when paired with a variety of steamed vegetables. Whether enjoyed on their own or as part of a hearty dinner, these versatile treats are a staple in many UK bakeries, showcasing a wide range of fillings including chicken, ham and leek, cheese and onion, and even savory options like mushroom and spinach. However, the pumpkin-filled variety stands out from the rest.
By using pre-made vegan pastry and combining it with an assortment of herbs and spices, these pies cater specifically to plant-based diets or special occasions like Meatless Mondays. Roasting the vegetables beforehand enhances their flavor and guarantees that everything is cooked through once the pastry reaches its golden brown perfection.
Easy Italian-Style Cheese & Tomato Tart
Clearly, the distinction between a pie and a tart lies in their depth. Pies are typically characterized by their deep-dish design, whereas tarts are thinner and more delicate. Despite its technical classification as a tart, I’m including this recipe anyway because it’s an absolute delight to make and devour. One of the best things about this dish is how effortlessly it comes together – just grab a store-bought pie crust and fill it about halfway with your chosen cheese.
Mozzarella is a personal favorite, but feel free to mix and match to suit your taste. Top it off with sliced tomatoes and sprinkle with oregano and basil for an authentic pizza-like experience that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Twisted Spaghetti Crust Lasagna Bake
Giving quirky recipes a try is always exciting! When cooked, the spaghetti crust develops an incredible crunch on the outside, paired with a tender middle that’s firm enough to hold a slice without collapsing. The filling bears a striking resemblance to a traditional lasagna, expertly layering ricotta cheese and rich meat sauce with an assortment of melted cheeses.
Feel free to add some diced chilies if you prefer a spicy kick, and don’t be shy about sprinkling extra cheese on top to take it over the edge!
Quick Irish Potato Pie Delight
Gathering just a few simple ingredients is all it takes to whip up this incredible pie, which can be baked in under 15 minutes. And with fewer than 10 essential components, you’ll be on your way to a delicious meal in no time. Potatoes, onion, and bacon are already a match made in heaven, but the addition of frozen puff pastry brings an unbeatable level of flakiness to the crust, while cooking the potatoes in bacon grease is a game-changing move that elevates this dish to new heights.
For an added layer of flavor, consider sprinkling some grated mature cheddar over the top as soon as it emerges from the oven.
Spinach Cheese Pies with a Twist
Love the convenience of using regular store-bought pastry to recreate a delicious spanakopita experience without the fuss of working with phyllo dough? Look no further! This recipe captures the essence of the traditional Greek dish, substituting in spinach, cheeses, and onion for the base. By ditching the phyllo, you’ll appreciate how straightforward and easy it is to prepare this version.
The addition of ricotta and cream cheese takes the filling to a new level of creaminess, while some feta can be added if you prefer a salty kick.
Revive Your Leftovers with Turkey Pie Delight
Brighten up your post-holiday meals with this delicious turkey pot pie recipe that’s perfect for using up leftovers. By incorporating your leftover turkey and vegetables into the filling, you can create a family favorite dish without much fuss. This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative with what you add – I’ve even thrown in some chopped Brussels sprouts and honey parsnips to give it an extra boost of flavor.
Mature Cheddar & Caramelized Onion Tart
Essentially, this classic combination can be found in many forms throughout the UK. In fact, it’s a match made in heaven – cheese and onion have a natural affinity for one another. When it comes to choosing a cheese, I would highly recommend opting for a strong mature cheddar, as it truly takes centre stage in this dish!
To ensure the best results, make sure to soften the onions before combining them with the cheese, and don’t be shy about adding a little extra mustard to give it an extra boost of flavour.
Cheesy Broccoli Bites Perfect for Snacking
Restoring balance to your meals has never been easier than with these vibrant vegetarian bites. Infused with a subtle tanginess from sour cream and an unapologetic richness from melted cheese, they cater to even the most discerning palates – including those who require a bit of persuasion to indulge in the unadulterated goodness of broccoli.
For those who prefer a certain texture, a quick blitz in the food processor yields a consistent result; however, if you’re in the mood for something heartier, simply set aside some of the broccoli and roughly chop it with a knife.
Quick Chicken Pot Pie from Scratch
Ultimately, the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and convenience. Using cream of chicken soup and frozen vegetables allows for a prep time that’s as short as 10 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy home cooks who want to get dinner on the table quickly without sacrificing flavor. Some may view using these shortcuts as cheating, but I believe they’re a helpful way to save time in the kitchen!
After cooking for days during the holidays, it’s understandable that you’d be looking forward to a break and some well-deserved relaxation. Meanwhile, the crust is incredibly easy to make with no rolling required, although it will end up being quite thick compared to traditional pies. If you’re short on time or not feeling up to making your own crust from scratch, an excellent alternative is to purchase two ready-to-bake pie crusts and use one as the lid for your pie.
Simply let it thaw, carefully place it over the filling, trim the edges, and brush with some egg wash to complete the look.
Bisquick Cheeseburger Pie: Easy Biscuit Crust Delight
Making this pie is such a delightful experience, similar to whipping up other super-fast Bisquick desserts. One of its most notable features is that it doesn’t require making a traditional pie crust or rolling it out, which can be time-consuming and tedious. Instead, the crust gets poured over the top of the filling, creating a unique texture that’s both tender and biscuit-like.
When using the Bisquick mix, the heavier batter will sink into the meat during baking, leaving behind a deliciously moist and flavorful filling dotted with cheese and other seasonings. What’s more, this recipe can be easily adapted to accommodate gluten-free diets by substituting the regular mix with its gluten-free counterpart.
Squash, Leek, and Goat Cheese Rustic Pie
Having a passion for baking can sometimes be a challenge, especially when it comes to handling delicate pastries. As someone who often finds themselves with warm hands and not the lightest touch, I’ve learned that working with pastry can be frustrating at times – the inevitable cracks and breaks that occur as I try to shape them into a perfect dish are a constant reminder of this. However, making galettes has taught me that perfection is not always necessary.
These rustic pies are incredibly forgiving, allowing for a more relaxed approach to cooking. The beauty of a well-made galette lies in its simplicity – all it requires is a filling of squash, leeks, and goat’s cheese, which is then topped with a simple fold of the pastry edges, leaving the middle open to showcase the delicious ingredients inside.
Mushroom & Leek Masterpiece Quiche
Unlike other vegetables, leeks offer a unique onion flavor that adds depth to dishes, while also providing a pop of color. This distinct taste is especially enhanced when combined with earthy mushrooms in a cheesy quiche filling. As mentioned previously, you can use any variety of mushroom you prefer, so don’t be afraid to get creative. However, before adding the buttery leeks and cooking them together, make sure to wash and dry the mushrooms thoroughly to bring out their natural flavors.
Beefy Mushroom Filling Delights
Looking at classic pub favorites, steak pie stands out as a beloved dish among many. Cooking the beef until it’s fork-tender is just the beginning, as the addition of chunky veggies and an abundance of mushrooms takes this comfort food to the next level. The combination of carrots, celery, and onion provides a solid foundation for the filling, making them a staple in many soups and stews.
However, it’s with the variety of mushrooms that you can get creative and have some fun – experiment with different types, mix and match textures and flavors, and see what unique flavor combinations you can come up with.
Phyllo Pastry Spanakopita Recipe Greek Style
Jumping into phyllo pastry cooking is a great idea right now, as this ingredient perfectly complements the filling of spinach, feta, garlic, and onion. The texture of the pastry needs to be crisp, which is only achievable with phyllo. To keep it from drying out, make sure it’s covered with a damp cloth at all times. When placing each sheet in the dish, brush them with oil or butter to prevent sticking.
It’s also essential to squeeze excess moisture from your spinach before assembling the dish, and when reheating leftovers, pop them into the oven for a crispy finish.
Hearty Beef Stew Pie
Understanding the appeal of comfort food is essential in creating recipes that warm the heart and soul. A big bowl of beef stew or pie is often considered the ultimate winter warmer, and for good reason – the combination of dark meat paired with an array of vegetables and a rich, deep gravy is incredibly satisfying. The filling of this particular pie is actually an amazing stew, crafted using tender beef chuck and a generous amount of stout beer to add depth and complexity to the dish.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility – I like to make extra and divide it into three separate meals, but you can easily adapt it to suit your needs by topping it with mashed potatoes or keeping it as a simple stew and adding plenty of veggies and potatoes.
Kid-Friendly Chicken Empanada Delights
Getting kids involved in cooking can be an excellent way to spend quality time together, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Empanadas are an ideal dish for this purpose, as they allow children to get creative with various fillings and have fun with the process of assembling them. In this recipe, we’re combining the classic chicken and cheese combination with the subtle heat of green chilies, adding depth and excitement to each bite.
To elevate the experience, serve the empanadas alongside a generous helping of spicy guacamole for dipping.
Canadian Salmon Pie Recipe Delight
Often, when it comes to choosing a protein for a savory pie, salmon is often overlooked. However, this underappreciated fish is an excellent choice for creating a light and flavorful filling. Its delicate flavor and firm texture make it an ideal substitute for traditional options like beef or chicken. Having grown up with a dish that’s similar to a fish pot pie, I can attest to the fact that salmon makes an exceptional addition to any savory pie recipe.
The combination of creamy sauce, shrimp, and lemon-dill flavors is truly unbeatable, and I highly recommend incorporating a hint of lemon and dill into the filling for an added burst of flavor.
Ham Pot Pie
Flexing your culinary muscles this holiday season? Why not try something new and swap out traditional turkey for a delicious ham in your pot pie recipe? The versatility of a basic pot pie is one of its most endearing qualities, allowing it to pair seamlessly with an array of meats, including the salty goodness of ham.
This combination is nothing short of magical, as the savory flavors of the ham perfectly complement the rich and creamy filling, resulting in a beautifully presented dish that’s sure to impress.
