Get Creative with Savory Pie Bites: 5 Delicious Recipes to Try
Savory pie bites have become increasingly popular as an appetizer in recent years. These bite-sized treats offer a delicious combination of flaky crusts and flavorful fillings, making them a crowd-pleasing choice for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, a holiday celebration, or simply looking for a tasty snack, savory pie bites are sure to impress your guests.
One of the reasons why savory pie bites are such a great choice for entertaining is their versatility. There are endless possibilities when it comes to fillings, from classic combinations like chicken pot pie to more unique options like spinach and feta. Additionally, the small size of these appetizers makes them easy to eat and allows guests to try a variety of flavors without feeling too full.
Recipe 1: Mini Chicken Pot Pies with Flaky Crusts
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
– 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
– 1/2 cup diced onion
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Store-bought pie crusts
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the onions until they become translucent.
3. Add the frozen vegetables and cook until they are heated through.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir until well combined.
5. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
6. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper.
7. Roll out the pie crusts and cut them into circles that will fit into your mini muffin tin.
8. Press the pie crust circles into each muffin cup, making sure to leave room for the filling.
9. Spoon the chicken and vegetable mixture into each pie crust.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Tips for making the perfect flaky crust:
– Make sure your butter or shortening is cold before incorporating it into the dough. This will help create a flaky texture.
– Don’t overwork the dough. Mix it just until it comes together, as overmixing can result in a tough crust.
– Chill the dough before rolling it out. This will help prevent shrinking during baking.
Recipe 2: Spinach and Feta Phyllo Triangles
Ingredients:
– 1 package phyllo dough
– 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
– 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
– 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, feta cheese, and dill.
3. Lay out one sheet of phyllo dough and brush it with melted butter.
4. Place another sheet of phyllo dough on top and brush with butter again.
5. Cut the layered phyllo dough into strips, about 3 inches wide.
6. Place a spoonful of the spinach and feta mixture at one end of each strip.
7. Fold the phyllo dough over the filling to form a triangle shape, continuing to fold until you reach the end of the strip.
8. Repeat with the remaining phyllo dough and filling.
9. Place the triangles on a baking sheet and brush with melted butter.
10. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Phyllo dough is incredibly versatile and can be used for a variety of fillings. You can experiment with different combinations, such as mushroom and goat cheese or roasted red pepper and mozzarella. The thin layers of phyllo dough create a delicate and crispy texture that pairs perfectly with the savory fillings.
Recipe 3: Beef and Mushroom Empanadas with Chimichurri Sauce
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 cup diced mushrooms
– 1/2 cup diced onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Store-bought empanada dough
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
3. Add the mushrooms, onion, and garlic to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are softened.
4. Stir in the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Roll out the empanada dough and cut it into circles.
6. Spoon a small amount of the beef and mushroom mixture onto each dough circle.
7. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
8. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Brush each empanada with beaten egg to give them a golden brown color.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is crispy.
Chimichurri sauce is a traditional Argentinean sauce that pairs perfectly with beef empanadas. To make chimichurri sauce, combine 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, 3 cloves minced garlic, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste. Serve the empanadas with a side of chimichurri sauce for dipping.
Recipe 4: Mini Shepherd’s Pies with Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 cup diced carrots
– 1 cup diced peas
– 1/2 cup diced onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 cup beef broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Store-bought mashed potatoes
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
3. Add the carrots, peas, onion, and garlic to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are softened.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and beef broth.
5. Simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Spoon the beef and vegetable mixture into individual ramekins or a muffin tin.
8. Top each ramekin with a dollop of mashed potatoes.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are golden brown.
Shepherd’s pie is a classic comfort food dish that can be easily transformed into a delicious appetizer. The creamy mashed potatoes on top add a rich and comforting element to the dish. You can also experiment with different toppings, such as shredded cheese or breadcrumbs, to add extra flavor and texture.
Recipe 5: Savory Hand Pies with Ricotta and Roasted Vegetables
Ingredients:
– 2 cups roasted vegetables (such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant), diced
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Store-bought pie crusts
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the roasted vegetables, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, basil, salt, and pepper.
3. Roll out the pie crusts and cut them into circles.
4. Spoon a small amount of the vegetable and ricotta mixture onto each dough circle.
5. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
6. Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
The combination of ricotta cheese and roasted vegetables creates a creamy and flavorful filling for these hand pies. You can also add other ingredients, such as sun-dried tomatoes or olives, to customize the flavor to your liking.
Tips for Perfecting your Savory Pie Bites
When making savory pie bites, there are a few common mistakes to avoid. One of the most important things to remember is not to overfill the pie crusts. If you add too much filling, it can cause the crust to become soggy and make it difficult to seal the edges. It’s better to slightly underfill the pie crusts and have a clean seal than to have them burst open during baking.
Another tip for perfecting your savory pie bites is to make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature before baking. This will ensure that the crust bakes evenly and becomes golden brown. Additionally, keep an eye on your pie bites while they are baking to prevent them from burning. Every oven is different, so it’s important to check on them periodically.
When it comes to making the perfect crust, using cold butter or shortening is key. The cold fat creates steam when it melts in the oven, which helps create a flaky texture. It’s also important not to overwork the dough. Mix it just until it comes together, as overmixing can result in a tough crust. Chilling the dough before rolling it out can also help prevent shrinking during baking.
How to Customize your Pie Bites to Suit your Tastes
One of the great things about savory pie bites is that you can easily customize them to suit your tastes. You can experiment with different fillings and crusts to create unique flavor combinations. For vegetarian options, you can substitute the meat in the recipes with ingredients like tofu, lentils, or mushrooms. You can also add a variety of herbs and spices to enhance the flavors.
If you’re looking for gluten-free options, there are many alternatives to traditional pie crusts. You can use gluten-free flour blends or almond flour to make a gluten-free crust. Additionally, there are pre-made gluten-free pie crusts available at many grocery stores.
Serving Suggestions: Pairing your Pie Bites with Wine and Beer
When it comes to serving savory pie bites, there are many options for pairing them with wine and beer. The choice of beverage will depend on the flavors of the pie bites and personal preferences.
For the mini chicken pot pies, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir would pair well. The acidity in these wines will complement the creamy filling and flaky crust.
For the spinach and feta phyllo triangles, a dry rosé or a light-bodied white wine like Chardonnay would be a good choice. These wines will balance out the saltiness of the feta cheese and enhance the flavors of the spinach.
For the beef and mushroom empanadas, a medium-bodied red wine like Malbec or a hoppy beer like an IPA would be a great pairing. The richness of the beef and mushrooms calls for a wine or beer with some depth and complexity.
For the mini shepherd’s pies, a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a malty beer like a brown ale would complement the hearty flavors of the dish. These wines and beers have enough body to stand up to the rich mashed potatoes.
For the savory hand pies with ricotta and roasted vegetables, a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp, citrusy beer like a wheat beer would pair well. These wines and beers will enhance the flavors of the roasted vegetables and ricotta cheese.
The Versatility and Deliciousness of Savory Pie Bites
In conclusion, savory pie bites are the perfect appetizer for any occasion. Their versatility allows for endless flavor combinations, making them suitable for a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a delicious snack, savory pie bites are sure to impress your guests. So why not try making your own savory pie bites at home? With these recipes and tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating delicious and crowd-pleasing appetizers.