These Philly Cheesesteak Hand Pies take the classic Philly cheesesteak and wrap it in a flaky, buttery pie crust. The creamy cheese and tender steak filling are perfectly balanced with the sweetness of caramelized onions and bell peppers. Each hand pie is a little bite of comfort, making it the ideal handheld meal.
Perfect for serving at a gathering or as a quick weeknight dinner, these savory hand pies will definitely satisfy your cravings. The combination of melty cheese, steak, and crispy pastry makes these pies an irresistible snack for any occasion.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb rib-eye steak, thinly sliced
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 onion, thinly sliced
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1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
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4 oz cream cheese
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1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
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1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 package refrigerated pie dough (2 sheets)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 egg (for egg wash)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the rib-eye steak and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes until browned. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from the pan and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook for 4-5 minutes until tender.
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Add the steak back to the pan, mixing it with the vegetables. Stir in the cream cheese until melted and well-combined. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
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Unroll the pie dough on a floured surface and cut into circles using a biscuit cutter or a small bowl (about 4-5 inches in diameter).
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Spoon a small amount of the steak and vegetable mixture onto each dough circle. Sprinkle with provolone and mozzarella cheese.
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Fold the dough over the filling, crimping the edges with a fork to seal the hand pies.
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Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with the egg wash (whisked egg) for a golden finish.
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Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
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Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Philly Cheesesteak Hand Pies!
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 400 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Appeal of Hand Pies
Hand pies are a fantastic way to enjoy comfort food in a new, more convenient way. The concept is simple – a savory filling wrapped in a flaky, buttery pastry – but the results are always impressive. These hand pies take the iconic Philly cheesesteak and transform it into a fun and practical dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, a main course, or even a party snack. They’re portable, easy to eat, and absolutely packed with flavor.
Unlike traditional Philly cheesesteaks, which are served on a long hoagie roll, these hand pies allow you to enjoy the same rich, savory fillings in a way that’s perfect for on-the-go dining. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a fun dinner idea, or just craving a comforting snack, Philly Cheesesteak Hand Pies are the perfect solution.
The Perfect Combination of Steak and Cheese
The magic of the Philly cheesesteak lies in the combination of thinly sliced rib-eye steak, melted cheese, and sautéed vegetables. Rib-eye steak is a great choice for this recipe because of its tenderness and rich flavor. It cooks quickly and provides the perfect texture when paired with the other ingredients. The creamy blend of cream cheese, provolone, and mozzarella cheeses creates that melt-in-your-mouth effect that makes the Philly cheesesteak so irresistible.
Adding caramelized onions and bell peppers to the mix brings in a touch of sweetness that perfectly balances the savory steak and cheese. These veggies help to add texture and depth to the filling, while also enhancing the overall flavor. They become tender and slightly sweet when sautéed, which complements the rich and savory steak and cheese.
Flaky, Buttery Pie Crust: The Perfect Base
A good pie crust is essential to the success of any hand pie, and in this case, a store-bought, refrigerated pie dough makes the process quick and easy. The pie dough forms a flaky, golden shell that holds all the delicious filling in place while also providing that satisfying crunch with each bite.
While homemade pie crust can certainly be used for a more personalized touch, using pre-made dough cuts down on preparation time and ensures that the crust turns out perfectly every time. The buttery flavor and crisp texture of the dough complement the creamy filling, giving you that perfect bite of savory goodness.
Making the Hand Pies: A Simple and Quick Process
One of the best things about Philly Cheesesteak Hand Pies is how easy they are to prepare. You start by cooking the steak, vegetables, and cream cheese filling in a skillet. Once everything is cooked and cooled slightly, you simply spoon the filling onto circles of pie dough, fold them over, and seal them. After brushing the tops with an egg wash, the hand pies are ready to bake.
Baking the hand pies at a high temperature (400°F or 200°C) ensures that the crust becomes golden brown and crisp while the filling stays warm and gooey. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have perfectly baked hand pies that are crispy on the outside and full of cheesy, savory filling on the inside.
Customizing the Philly Cheesesteak Hand Pies
While the traditional Philly cheesesteak features thinly sliced rib-eye steak, this recipe can easily be customized to suit different tastes or dietary preferences. If you prefer a leaner cut of meat, you could substitute the rib-eye with flank steak or even chicken for a lighter option. Vegetarian variations can be made by omitting the steak altogether and replacing it with sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or a blend of other vegetables like zucchini and spinach.
The cheese mixture can also be adjusted to your liking. Provolone is the most commonly used cheese in Philly cheesesteaks, but you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or Swiss for a unique twist. You could even add some spicy ingredients like jalapeños or hot sauce to give the hand pies a bit of heat if that’s your style.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Philly Cheesesteak Hand Pies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed at any time of the day. They make for an excellent appetizer for a party or family gathering, offering a fun and delicious way to serve a crowd. These hand pies are also great for casual weeknight dinners when you want something easy to prepare but full of flavor.
They’re also perfect for meal prep. Make a batch ahead of time, store them in the refrigerator or freezer, and reheat them whenever you’re craving something savory. This makes them a great option for busy people who want a tasty and satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
While the hand pies are delicious on their own, you can serve them with a variety of sides to create a more complete meal. A fresh side salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the richness of the hand pies, helping to cut through the heaviness of the steak and cheese. For a heartier option, you can serve the pies with roasted vegetables or crispy fries for a true comfort food experience.
Another great option is to serve the hand pies with a dipping sauce. A classic cheese sauce or a tangy mustard-based sauce can enhance the flavor of the pies and give them an extra layer of complexity. For a twist, try serving them with a spicy aioli or a sweet and smoky barbecue sauce.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Philly Cheesesteak Hand Pies
Philly Cheesesteak Hand Pies are a fun, flavorful, and practical twist on a beloved classic. These hand-held savory pies deliver all the delicious flavors of a traditional Philly cheesesteak but in a convenient, portable form. With tender steak, creamy cheese, and sautéed veggies wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust, these hand pies are sure to impress at any gathering or become a go-to meal in your regular recipe rotation.
Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick dinner, or simply craving something comforting and indulgent, Philly Cheesesteak Hand Pies are the perfect choice. They’re easy to make, customizable to your tastes, and absolutely irresistible. Try them out the next time you’re in the mood for a savory snack or meal, and you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.