7 Best Savory Pie Recipes: Delicious Dishes for Every Occasion

Savory pies are a delicious way to enjoy a variety of flavors and ingredients all in one dish. They can be filled with meats, vegetables, and cheeses, and baked to perfection. In this article, I will share seven of the best savory pie recipes that are sure to impress your family and friends.

Creating a savory pie allows for both creativity and comfort in cooking. These recipes can be simple for a quick weeknight dinner or more elaborate for special occasions. Each pie brings unique tastes and textures that can elevate any meal.

1. Classic Chicken Pot Pie

Classic Chicken Pot Pie is a comforting dish made with chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all enclosed in a flaky pie crust. It’s perfect for a family meal and can be made with leftover chicken.

Making this pot pie is quite simple. I usually find it a straightforward recipe for even beginners.

Here are the steps I follow:

1. Prepare the Filling: Sauté onions, carrots, and peas in a pan. Add cooked chicken and pour in a mixture of broth and cream. Season to taste.
2. Make the Pie Crust: I use a pre-made pie crust for convenience, but homemade works well too.
3. Fill the Pie: Place the bottom crust in a pie dish. Pour in the chicken mixture and cover with the top crust.
4. Bake: I bake it in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 30 minutes.
5. Cool and Serve: Once golden brown, I let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.

This dish combines hearty flavors, making it an ideal choice for any dinner table.

2. Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s Pie is a traditional dish made with minced meat, usually lamb, and topped with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s hearty and comforting, perfect for family dinners.

I find Shepherd’s Pie easy to make. The preparation typically takes about 30 minutes, and the cooking time is around 30 to 40 minutes.

To cook, I follow these simple steps:

1. Brown 1 pound of ground lamb in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add 1 chopped onion, 2 carrots, and 2 garlic cloves. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and 1 cup of beef or vegetable broth. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Spread the meat mixture in a baking dish.
5. Prepare 2 cups of mashed potatoes and layer them on top of the meat.
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Shepherd’s Pie is satisfying and allows for personal twists, like adding peas or using different seasonings.

3. Beef and Guinness Pie

Beef and Guinness Pie is a hearty dish filled with tender beef, rich gravy, and a hint of stout. It’s a comforting meal perfect for any occasion.

I find this recipe quite easy to make, even for beginner cooks. The process involves basic cooking techniques, and the result is satisfying.

Here are the steps:

1. Prep the ingredients: Chop 1 pound of beef, 1 onion, and 2 carrots. Gather 1 cup of Guinness beer, 2 cups of beef broth, and 1 tablespoon of flour.
2. Sear the beef: In a hot pan, add oil and brown the beef. This step should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add vegetables: Next, add the onion and carrots. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until soft.
4. Make the gravy: Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir. Pour in the Guinness and beef broth. Let it simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Assemble the pie: Pour the mixture into a pie dish and cover with pastry.
6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 30-35 minutes until golden.

This pie is a delight on cold days, filling the kitchen with inviting aromas.

4. Spinach and Feta Pie

Spinach and feta pie is a savory dish that combines tender spinach with rich feta cheese, all encased in a flaky pastry. This pie is both flavorful and satisfying.

I find this recipe easy to make, even for beginners. It requires only a few ingredients and simple steps.

Here’s how I prepare it:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Sauté 1 onion and 2 cups of fresh spinach in a pan until the spinach wilts.
3. Mix in 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese, salt, and pepper.
4. Roll out pastry dough and place it in a pie dish.
5. Add the spinach mixture, then cover with another layer of pastry.
6. Cut slits for steam to escape and brush the top with an egg wash.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.

This pie makes a delicious meal or snack. I often serve it warm and enjoy the combination of flavors.

5. Mushroom and Leek Pie

Mushroom and leek pie is a savory dish that combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms with the mild sweetness of leeks. This pie is a great choice for a comforting meal.

Making this pie is quite easy. I find it enjoyable to prepare, even if you’re not an experienced cook. It typically requires a few ingredients like mushrooms, leeks, cream, and pastry.

Here are some simple steps to follow:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Sauté sliced leeks and chopped mushrooms in a pan until they soften.
3. Add a splash of cream and season with salt and pepper.
4. Roll out your pastry and fill it with the mushroom mixture.
5. Cover with pastry, seal the edges, and make small slits on top for steam.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

This pie is not only delicious but also versatile. I can serve it warm or at room temperature, making it suitable for any occasion. Enjoy!

6. Ham and Cheese Hand Pies

Ham and cheese hand pies are delicious pastries filled with savory ingredients. They are simple to make and perfect for snacks or meals.

To prepare these hand pies, I use store-bought pastry dough. This saves time and makes the process easier. The filling includes diced ham and shredded cheese. You can choose your favorite cheese for a different flavor.

Here’s how I make them:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the pastry dough and cut it into circles.
3. Place diced ham and cheese in the center of each circle.
4. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Seal the edges with a fork.
5. Brush the tops with an egg wash for a golden color.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

These hand pies are not only tasty, but they are also easy to customize. You can add herbs or other ingredients to suit your taste. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!

7. Lamb and Rosemary Pie

Lamb and rosemary pie is a flavorful dish that combines tender lamb with aromatic rosemary. The combination creates a rich and savory experience that many enjoy.

Making this pie is quite easy and rewarding. I find it perfect for a cozy dinner.

Here are the basic steps to prepare it:

1. Prepare the filling: Brown 1 pound of diced lamb in a pan. Add 1 chopped onion, 2 garlic cloves, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh rosemary. Cook until the onions are soft.
2. Add seasoning: Stir in salt, pepper, and 1 cup of beef broth. Simmer for 30 minutes, letting the flavors blend together.
3. Assemble the pie: Place the filling in a pie crust. Top it with another crust, sealing the edges.
4. Bake: Brush the crust with beaten egg. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.

That’s it! The lamb and rosemary pie is now ready to be enjoyed. It’s a comforting meal that fills the room with a lovely aroma.

What Are the Benefits of Savory Pies?

Savory pies offer a range of benefits that make them a popular choice in many kitchens. Their adaptability in ingredients allows for countless variations. Additionally, they can be nutritious, providing essential vitamins and minerals.

How Do Savory Pies Offer Versatility in Ingredients?

I appreciate the versatility of savory pies. I can use a variety of fillings, from meats to vegetables, which makes them suitable for different tastes and dietary needs.

Here’s a list of popular fillings:

• Meat: Chicken, beef, or pork
• Vegetables: Spinach, mushrooms, and peppers
• Cheese: Feta, cheddar, or mozzarella

The crust can also vary, from flaky pastry to a whole grain base. This adaptability encourages creativity in the kitchen. I often mix and match ingredients based on what’s available or in season, making each pie unique.

What Is the Nutritional Value of Savory Pies?

Savory pies can be quite nutritious if I choose healthy fillings. For instance, a pie made with lean meat and plenty of vegetables can offer a balanced meal.

Here’s a breakdown of some common nutrients:

• Protein: Found in meat and cheese
• Vitamins: Abundant in vegetables
• Fiber: Present in the crust and vegetable fillings

Choosing whole grains for the crust can increase fiber intake, benefiting digestion. By being mindful of my ingredient choices, I can enjoy a delicious meal that contributes positively to my health.

What Are the Techniques for Perfect Crusts?

Achieving a perfect pie crust comes down to a few essential techniques. I will cover how to choose the right flour and share tips for blind baking. These methods will help ensure my savory pies have the ideal texture and flavor.

How Do You Choose the Right Flour for a Savory Pie Crust?

When it comes to pie crust, flour selection is crucial. I prefer using all-purpose flour for its balance of protein content. This flour creates a tender yet sturdy crust that holds fillings well.

Another option is pastry flour, which has a lower protein percentage. This results in a more delicate texture, ideal for sweet pies or lighter savory options.

For those avoiding gluten, gluten-free flour blends can also work. I recommend checking the packaging for recommendations on moisture and fat adjustments, as these can vary widely.

What Are Some Blind Baking Tips for Savory Pies?

Blind baking is a technique to pre-bake the crust before adding the filling. This helps prevent a soggy bottom. First, I roll out the dough and fit it into the pie pan, making sure to trim any excess.

Next, I line the crust with parchment paper or foil and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. This weight keeps the crust from puffing up while baking. I recommend baking it at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.

After the initial baking, I remove the weights and parchment. My goal is to let it bake for another 5-10 minutes until it’s golden brown. This technique creates a crust that’s both crisp and flavorful, ready for my savory fillings.