Description
Ham & Cheese Breakfast Hand Pies are a quick and delicious handheld breakfast option featuring flaky pastry filled with savory ham and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy mornings or leisurely brunches, these portable pies are customizable, kid-friendly, and deliver a delightful balance of buttery crust and gooey filling that will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Dough and Crust
- All-purpose flour, 2 cups
- Cold butter, 1 cup (2 sticks), chilled and diced
- Salt, 1/2 teaspoon
- Cold water, 4-6 tablespoons
For the Filling
- Ham, 1 cup diced (pre-cooked or leftover)
- Cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly
- Milk or egg wash, for brushing (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water or 2 tablespoons milk)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Start by making or thawing your pastry dough. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness, then cut into equal squares about 4 to 5 inches wide — these will form the bases of your individual pies.
- Prepare the Filling: Dice the ham and shred your cheese. In a bowl, combine the ham, cheese, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This simple mixture packs big flavor and will be the delicious heart of your hand pies.
- Assemble the Hand Pies: Spoon a generous tablespoon of the ham and cheese filling into the center of each dough square. Be careful not to overfill to avoid leaks when baking.
- Seal and Shape: Fold each dough square in half diagonally to create a triangle. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal the pies well and prevent the filling from escaping.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Brush the tops with milk or egg wash to encourage browning in the oven. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Keep dough cold to ensure a flaky texture and easier handling without sticking.
- Don’t overfill the pies to avoid any leaking during baking.
- Use sharp cheese for better melting and enhanced flavor.
- Brush egg or milk wash generously on the surface for a golden, shiny finish.
- Let pies cool briefly before serving to avoid burns and allow filling to settle.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Ham and Cheese Breakfast Hand Pies, handheld breakfast, savory hand pies, flaky pastry hand pies, portable breakfast, kid-friendly breakfast, quick breakfast recipe
