Mini Spinach-Feta & Sun-Dried Tomato Hand Pies

What Are These Delicious Hand Pies?

These Mini Spinach-Feta & Sun-Dried Tomato Hand Pies are everything you want in a savory snack: flaky, golden-brown puff pastry encasing a rich, Mediterranean-inspired filling. They are a delightful twist on classic savory pastries like spanakopita or savory turnovers, made convenient for modern life. The hand pie format means they are perfectly portioned—no need for slicing or plates! They are truly grab-and-go goodness.

At the heart of these mini treats is a vibrant and balanced filling. You have the gentle earthy flavor of fresh spinach, which provides a lovely color contrast against the pastry. This is beautifully paired with the tangy, salty bite of crumbled feta cheese, a cornerstone of Greek-style baking. The third key player is the sun-dried tomato, which offers a concentrated, sweet-tart burst of flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese and pastry. Finally, the optional but highly recommended addition of cream cheese adds an extra layer of velvety texture, ensuring the filling is extra creamy and satisfying. Whether served warm from the oven as an elegant appetizer or tucked into a lunchbox for a midday boost, these savory hand pies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

The Global Inspiration Behind the Savory Hand Pie

While the name “hand pie” often conjures up images of American sweet fruit turnovers, the concept of a portable, single-serving savory pastry is ancient and global. Nearly every culture boasts its own version of a savory hand pie or turnover, a testament to its genius as a practical food source.

Think of the British pasty, historically carried by Cornish tin miners for a hearty lunch. Consider the Spanish empanada, or the Middle Eastern sambusak. This particular Mini Spinach-Feta & Sun-Dried Tomato Hand Pies recipe draws heavily on Greek culinary tradition, specifically the beloved spanakopita (spinach pie). Spanakopita uses flaky phyllo dough and a filling primarily of spinach and feta. By substituting the phyllo with puff pastry and introducing the robust, slightly sweet flavor of sun-dried tomatoes, we achieve a modern, quicker, and texturally distinct pastry. The use of puff pastry makes the preparation incredibly accessible, transforming a complex traditional dish into a simple, elegant snack you can whip up any weekend. This fusion of Mediterranean flavors with quick pastry techniques is what makes these mini hand pies so special and highly sought after.

Ingredients and Preparation Details

Achieving the perfect flaky crust and flavorful filling for these Mini Spinach-Feta & Sun-Dried Tomato Hand Pies relies on quality ingredients. The cold temperature of the puff pastry is crucial for maximum lift and flakiness.

Yields: ~12–14 mini pies

Time: 15 min prep • 25–30 min bake

Step-by-Step Directions for Baking

These savory hand pies come together surprisingly quickly, making them ideal for last-minute entertaining or a cozy night in.

Step 1: Preheat and Line

Preheat your oven to a hot 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Crafting the Creamy Filling

In a medium-sized bowl, combine all the filling ingredients: the chopped spinach, salty crumbled feta, sweet-tart chopped sun-dried tomatoes, the optional cream cheese, minced garlic, pepper, salt, and any optional herbs like oregano. Mix everything thoroughly until it’s evenly combined. A note on moisture control: Squeeze excess liquid from spinach (especially if using frozen) to prevent a soggy bottom crust, ensuring your mini hand pies are perfectly flaky.

Step 3: Preparing the Puff Pastry

Lightly flour your work surface. Carefully unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. Use a rolling pin to lightly roll it out—you want it slightly thinner, but not too thin. Using a ruler or cookie cutter, cut the pastry into approximately 4×4 inch squares. For a slightly more rustic look, use a cookie cutter to cut circles instead. The goal is to maximize the number of Mini Spinach-Feta Hand Pies you can get from the sheet.

Step 4: Assembling and Sealing

Take one pastry square and place 1 to 2 teaspoons of the filling mixture slightly off-center. Do not overfill! Overfilling will cause the pies to burst open during baking. Fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or rectangle. Use the tines of a fork to press and crimp the edges firmly together, creating a beautiful seal that also prevents the filling from leaking out. This is a critical step for perfect savory hand pies.

Step 5: The Egg Wash and Bake

In a small bowl, whisk the egg and water together to create the egg wash. Place the assembled pies on the lined baking sheet. Brush the tops of the pastries with the egg wash. This is what gives them that signature glossy, deep golden-brown color. Optionally, sprinkle the tops with sesame seeds for a little crunch and visual appeal. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and gorgeously golden brown. Remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on the tray before serving. They are best enjoyed warm!

Creative Variations for Savory Hand Pies

The core structure of these Mini Spinach-Feta Hand Pies is incredibly versatile, allowing for endless flavor experiments. Here are a few ways you can switch up the filling:

• Greek Olive & Herb: Replace the sun-dried tomatoes with finely chopped Kalamata olives and increase the dried oregano. This offers a stronger, saltier, classic Mediterranean profile.

• Caramelized Onion & Swiss: Swap the feta for grated Swiss cheese (or Gruyère) and incorporate sweet, slow-cooked caramelized onions into the spinach mixture. This creates a deeply savory and sweeter flavor profile, similar to a French onion tart.

• Roasted Red Pepper & Mozzarella: For an Italian twist, substitute the feta with shredded mozzarella or provolone, and add finely diced roasted red peppers and a dash of basil. These savory hand pies become reminiscent of a portable pizza pocket.

• Spicy Kick: Introduce a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling mixture for those who enjoy a little heat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use shortcrust pastry instead of puff pastry?

A: Yes, you can! Shortcrust or pie crust can be used, but the texture will be denser and less flaky. Puff pastry is preferred for these Mini Spinach-Feta Hand Pies because it delivers that light, airy, restaurant-quality flakiness.

Q: How can I prevent the filling from being too watery?

A: The most common culprit is excess moisture from the spinach. If using frozen spinach, thaw it completely and squeeze it aggressively with your hands or in a clean kitchen towel until no more liquid comes out. If using fresh spinach, sauté it briefly to wilt and then squeeze it dry before chopping and adding it to the filling. Moisture control is key to a perfect bottom crust for your savory hand pies.

Q: Are these Mini Spinach-Feta Hand Pies freezer-friendly?

A: Absolutely! They are excellent for make-ahead preparation. Assemble the pies as directed in Step 4, but stop before the egg wash. Place them on a tray and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen pies to an airtight freezer bag. When ready to bake, brush with egg wash and bake straight from frozen for an extra 5–10 minutes.

Q: Can I bake these without the egg wash?

A: You can, but the appearance will be different. The egg wash is what creates that signature deep golden-brown color and shiny finish. Without it, the pastry will be paler and duller. You can brush them with milk or melted butter as a less effective alternative.

Conclusion: The Perfect Savory Bite

The Mini Spinach-Feta & Sun-Dried Tomato Hand Pies are more than just a recipe; they are a ticket to effortlessly elegant entertaining and gourmet snacking. This recipe delivers a complex, satisfying flavor profile, perfectly balancing the saltiness of the feta, the earthy spinach, and the sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes, all wrapped up in a cloud of delicate puff pastry. By focusing on fresh, bold ingredients and mastering simple techniques like moisture control and proper sealing, you can achieve a result that truly surpasses other online recipes. Whether you’re planning a sophisticated brunch, packing a memorable picnic, or simply craving a delicious savory hand pie at home, this recipe is a must-try. Enjoy the flaky, cheesy, herb-filled goodness!