• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Girl Heart Food®
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Handheld Meals

    Savoury Hand Pies (Turkey or Chicken)

    Published: November 3, 2019 Updated: November 3, 2019 / By: Dawn | Girl Heart Food 25 Comments

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    Jump to Recipe
    Close-up of savoury hand pies next to a small pot of gravy.

    Looking for an easy leftover turkey idea? These savoury hand pies are filled with turkey, sweet cranberry sauce, dressing, carrot and creamy cheese. Every bite is satisfying and delicious! Dunk in some gravy for an extra special treat!

    Close-up of savoury hand pies next to a small pot of gravy.

    I have a slight obsession with hand pies.

    The flavour? Well, yes; though that’s not quite it.

    The name? Most definitely.

    Besides the deliciousness that is a hand pie, I actually love the name.

    It conjures up all sorts of warm and fuzzy vibes.

    I’m an odd one, right?

    And who doesn’t love a little portable personal-sized savoury pie (or pasty)?

    Plus, if you have leftover turkey or chicken on hand from Sunday supper or a special meal, these savoury hand pies are a great way to use it! They’re delicious on their own or with a simple side salad to round things out.

    Savoury hand pie on a parchment paper-lined sheet pan after being baked.

    What Are Hand Pies?

    Hand pies are essentially filling that’s encased in some sort of pastry. They can be found sweet or savoury, baked or fried.

    For convenience, I made these hand pies with puff pastry so they come together super quickly.

    Hand holding a savoury hand pie.

    How To Make Hand Pies

    Full details are in the recipe card below, but here are the basics:

    1. In a bowl, combine leftover turkey with other filling ingredients (cheese, dressing, cranberry sauce, parsley and carrot).
    2. Place puff pastry on a board or baking sheet. Then invert a bowl (about 5 inches in diameter) over each sheet of puff pastry to make an outline of circles (or you could simply measure). Cut out the circles and lay on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
    3. Whisk egg in a bowl and brush around exterior of each puff pastry circle.
    4. Place the turkey mixture in the centre of each puff pastry circle.
    5. Fold over each circle so it’s a half-moon shape. Press down gently with your fingers to seal. I also like to then gently press the top of the pastry to kinda distribute the filling that’s inside. Use a fork to create a crimp in the edge and brush whisked egg over each hand pie. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and cut three slits in the top (to allow air to escape while it bakes). Pop the tray into the fridge for about 10 minutes to allow the puff pastry to chill a little bit.
    6. Bake until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside and heated through.
    Collage of steps to make savoury hand pies with puff pastry and filling.

    Serving Ideas

    These puff pastry hand pies go great with any of these:

    • Gravy
    • Cranberry sauce
    • Dijon mustard
    • Simple side salad
    Savoury hand pies next to a pot of gravy, bowl of cranberry sauce, parsley and a tea towel.

    Tips and Variations

    • Ensure your filling is cool when preparing these savoury hand pies. This will make for a nice-n-crispy puff pastry.
    • Keep your puff pastry cold until you are ready to use it. Warm puff pastry means soggy crust.
    • You will have some leftover puff pastry. Don’t discard it! Use it to cut out designs to be used on something else, like a pie.
    • Store-bought puff pastry was used as a time saver. If you like, you can make homemade puff pastry.
    • Any leftover filling? Fry it up in a pan until crispy and serve with a poached or fried egg for an easy lunch!
    • Sesame seeds were used as a garnish (as well as for aesthetics and a little texture). Poppy seeds would also work. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese would be lovely too.
    • Not into parsley or don’t have on hand? Try minced chives instead.
    Savoury hand pies next to a small pot of gravy and parsley.

    More Leftover Turkey Ideas

    • Cheesy Turkey Cranberry Sandwich
    • Turkey Pasta Bake
    • Turkey Panini With Prosciutto and Strawberries

    If you make these meat hand pies with puff pastry, be sure to leave a comment below!

    Savoury hand pies next to a small pot of gravy and parsley.

    Savoury Hand Pies (Turkey or Chicken)

    Dawn | Girl Heart Food
    Looking for an easy leftover turkey idea? These savoury hand pies are filled with turkey, sweet cranberry sauce, dressing, carrot and creamy cheese. Every bite is satisfying and delicious! Dunk in some gravy for an extra special treat!
    5 from 14 votes
    Print Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 22 mins
    Chilling Time 10 mins
    Total Time 47 mins
    Course Appetizer, Main Course
    Servings 8 hand pies
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     

    • ¾ cup cooked turkey or chicken, chopped
    • 5 tablespoons boursin cheese, "shallot and chive" flavour is delicious
    • ½ cup cranberry sauce
    • ½ cup dressing/stuffing
    • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
    • 1 carrot, peeled and grated
    • 2 rolls butter puff pastry, thawed (about 450 grams or 1 pound in total for the two rolls)
    • 1 small egg
    • 1 to 2 teaspoons sesame seeds or poppy seeds
    • Gravy, for serving (optional)

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
    • In a bowl, mix together the cooked turkey, boursin cheese, cranberry sauce, dressing, parsley and carrot. Set aside.
    • Place puff pastry on a baking sheet or board. Invert a 5-inch bowl over top to create your outline of each hand pie (gently press down). Then cut out (scissors are great for cutting out the circles). For each roll of puff pastry, you should get 4 (5-inch) rounds.
      Note: You can discard the excess puff pastry or use for something else.
    • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place rounds of puff pastry on there (you may need to use two baking sheets).
    • Whisk egg in a bowl and brush around the circumference (outer edge of each puff pastry circle).
    • Distribute the turkey filling in the centre of each puff pastry circle (don't fill to the edge; leave some space). You want enough filling in there, but not too much that you can't close/seal over.
      Note: If you have any leftover filling after filling your hand pies, pan fry up and enjoy with an egg. So yummy!
    • Fold over each puff pastry circle (so each is a half-moon shape), pressing the outer edges with a fork to seal. You can gently press over top (with your hand) to spread out the filling inside.
    • Brush the hand pies with some of the remaining egg wash. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Cut 3 slits in top of each puff pastry circle. Then I like to place them in the fridge for about 10 minutes so the puff pastry gets a little cold again.
    • Bake for 22 to 24 minutes or until they're golden brown and crispy on the outside and heated through. Allow to cool a few minutes before serving. These are delicious served with gravy (if desired). Enjoy!

    Notes

    • Ensure your filling is cool. This will make for a nice-n-crispy puff pastry.
    • Speaking of puff pastry, keep your puff pastry cold until you are ready to use it. Warm puff pastry means soggy crust.
    • You will have some leftover puff pastry. Don’t discard it! Use it to cut out designs to be used on something else, like a pie.
    • Any leftover filling? Fry it up in a pan until crispy and serve with a poached or fried egg for an easy peasy lunch!

    A note on times provided: appliances vary, any prep and/or cook times provided are estimates only.

    Keyword leftover turkey idea, thanksgiving leftovers recipe

    Tried this recipe?

    If you do make this recipe, thank you!! It would mean so much if you could leave a comment below. Love to know how you enjoyed it, and it helps other readers too!

    « Cheesy Roast Beef Sliders With Caramelized Onions
    Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe »
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    © Girl Heart Food Inc. All photographs and content are COPYRIGHT PROTECTED.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Beyond the Chicken Coop

      November 08, 2019 at 9:52 am

      5 stars
      I love these savory little pies! What a great idea for leftovers and for a delicious little lunch! They are so cute and delicious!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        November 12, 2019 at 3:11 pm

        Thanks so much! We love ’em!

        Reply
    2. Kevin

      November 07, 2019 at 6:52 pm

      5 stars
      Can turkey day be over already for leftovers to make these hand pies? Delicious! How ‘handy’ are these for a grab and go meal!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        November 12, 2019 at 3:10 pm

        Lol! Thank you Kevin 🙂

        Reply
    3. Katerina | Once a Foodie

      November 07, 2019 at 8:04 am

      What a fabulous idea for leftovers! We don’t celebrate Thanksgiving here but there’s always some grilled chicken meat lurking around the fridge – and I’m thinking next time I won’t use it in pasta like I usually do but will make some of these gorgeous hand pies! Thanks for the recipe and all your tips, Dawn!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        November 12, 2019 at 3:08 pm

        Thank you Katerina 🙂 Hope you enjoy 🙂

        Reply
    4. David @ Spiced

      November 05, 2019 at 8:57 am

      5 stars
      Oh man, I love a good hand pie! We’re about to hit turkey overload season, and these look amazing, Dawn! The combination of filling ingredients is making my mouth water…and I’m still on my first cup of coffee down here. 🙂 I’m totally saving this idea for the weekend after Thanskgiving. Oh, and you’re not odd at all…hand pies are da bomb diggity!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        November 12, 2019 at 3:02 pm

        Lol! Thank you David! Hope you love ’em 🙂

        Reply
    5. Katherine | Love In My Oven

      November 04, 2019 at 6:15 pm

      5 stars
      Dawn! Such a great recipe for leftover turkey. My hubby would be over the moon if I made these for him, he’s such a big fan of savoury pies. Pinning and trying for sure! Happy Monday! XO

      Reply
    6. Valentina

      November 04, 2019 at 5:37 pm

      5 stars
      I feel like we always have leftover chicken. And soon it’ll be turkey. Hand pies are so much fun — I love the individual servings, and the flavors you packed in these sound so delicious! 🙂 ~Valentina

      Reply
    7. Laura

      November 04, 2019 at 3:37 pm

      5 stars
      I love this recipe, Dawn! Made all the better (and easier) with puff pastry, I think this will be a great way to use all those leftovers we need to plan for. Thanks so much for the creative but simple recipe!

      Reply
    8. Haylie / Our Balanced Bowl

      November 04, 2019 at 10:34 am

      5 stars
      Dawn!! These are AMAZING!! Coming back from London, I have had meat pies on the mind and these totally fit the bill! That gravy seems absolutely non negotiable! YUM!

      Reply
    9. [email protected]

      November 04, 2019 at 10:28 am

      5 stars
      You know how I feel about hand pies…. And savory? All the better! The perfect recipe for all those wonderful leftovers we’re sure to have! Wishing you a happy week, my friend! xoxo

      Reply
    10. Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers

      November 04, 2019 at 10:27 am

      5 stars
      I always give extra points to food that can be eaten out of hand. Knives and forks just slow me down 🙂 Loving these savoury hand pies. Such a great way to use up leftover turkey or chicken, too 🙂

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        November 05, 2019 at 8:06 am

        Hahaha! Love it!! Thanks Jennifer 🙂

        Reply
    11. Leanne

      November 04, 2019 at 9:20 am

      5 stars
      I have leftover chicken in my fridge right now, and I know I’ll have lots of leftover turkey over the holidays! We (including my picky hubby) would love these hand pies. And I’m just loving the addition of boursin! Happy Monday Dawn! Hope your week is off to a great start.

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        November 05, 2019 at 8:05 am

        Thank you Leanne! Same to you 🙂

        Reply
    12. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen

      November 04, 2019 at 8:52 am

      5 stars
      In a few weeks, we’ll be up to our ears in leftover turkey Dawn, so I’m keeping this recipe in my back pocket. I LOVE savory hand pies! The sweet ones seems to get all the attention, but I’d choose a savory one over a sweet one! Pinned!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        November 05, 2019 at 8:05 am

        Woo hoo! Me too! Thanks Mary Ann 🙂

        Reply
    13. Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen

      November 04, 2019 at 8:29 am

      5 stars
      I’ve never thought to make a savory hand pie but now that you’ve put the idea in my hand, I HAVE to try it. And I totally agree with you about the cozy vibe from the name :). These sound delicious! Have a great week, Dawn!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        November 05, 2019 at 8:05 am

        Woo hoo! Hope you love it, Kelsie! Have a wonderful week too 🙂

        Reply
    14. Ben|Havocinthekitchen

      November 04, 2019 at 7:01 am

      5 stars
      To me, hand pies are associated with childhood, that’s why I feel some kind of cozy and warm vibes when it comes to them. And while I don’t mind a sweet pie once in a while, savoury fillings are all-time favourite! Delicious version! Love the idea of serving it with greavy, too!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        November 05, 2019 at 8:04 am

        Mine too! Thank you Ben 🙂

        Reply
    15. Alexandra @ It's Not Complicated Recipes

      November 03, 2019 at 1:42 pm

      5 stars
      I love hand pies, and this sounds like a delicious flavour combo, Dawn! 🙂 Yummo!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        November 05, 2019 at 8:04 am

        Me too! Thanks Alexandra 🙂

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Profile picture of Dawn from Girl Heart Food.

    Hi, I'm Dawn! Welcome to Girl Heart Food, a food blog that's all about easy comfort food recipes (especially cheesy recipes) that'll satisfy your taste buds and make your belly happy. Have a look around and find something that'll inspire you to get into the kitchen and whip up something delicious to enjoy today!

    More about Girl Heart Food →

    Currently Trending

    • Stack of six cheesy ground beef quesadillas.
      Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas
    • Old-fashioned cabbage rolls with tomato sauce and dill garnish in a serving dish.
      Old-Fashioned Cabbage Rolls (Inspired by Nan)
    • Cheesy baked broccoli and cauliflower in a dish.
      Broccoli Cauliflower Bake (Vegetable au Gratin)
    • Ground turkey rice bowl.
      Ground Turkey Rice Bowls
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use

    Newsletter

    • Sign up for emails & updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2023 Girl Heart Food Inc.

    Girl Heart Food® is a Registered Trademark.

    Use of this site constitutes acceptance of its Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.