Oven-Baked Cheese Hand Pies with Golden Crust

Introduction

These oven-baked cheese hand pies are everything you want in a savory pastry—crispy on the outside, warm and gooey on the inside. Made with a flaky crust and a rich cheese filling, they’re baked to golden perfection without frying. Perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or a cozy snack, these hand pies are easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• ½ cup cold butter, cubed
• ¾ cup cold milk (or water)

For the Cheese Filling

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup cheddar cheese (or any melting cheese)
• 2 tbsp cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp dried oregano or parsley
• Black pepper to taste

For Brushing

• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tbsp milk

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. In a bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Add cold butter and rub it into the flour until crumbly.
3. Gradually add milk and mix until a soft dough forms.
4. Wrap and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes.

2. Make the Filling

In a bowl, combine all cheeses, garlic powder, herbs, and black pepper. Mix well.

3. Assemble the Hand Pies

1. Roll out the dough on a floured surface.
2. Cut into circles (about 4–5 inches wide).
3. Place 1–2 tablespoons of cheese filling on one side.
4. Fold over, seal edges with a fork.

4. Bake

1. Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Place pies on a lined baking tray.
3. Brush with egg wash.
4. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden and puffed.

Tips for the Best Golden Crust

• Always use cold butter for flaky pastry
• Don’t overfill to prevent leaks
• Let pies rest 5 minutes before serving

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with marinara or garlic sauce
• Pair with soup or salad
• Great as appetizers or lunch snacks

Storage & Reheating

• Store in an airtight container up to 3 days
• Reheat in oven at 170°C (340°F) for 8–10 minutes