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Thanksgiving Hand Pies

November 11, 2014 by Matt Robinson 97 Comments

Let’s do some Thanksgiving food today. These hand pies are super easy and I made them as a test run for the big day.

Thanksgiving Hand-Pies via Real Food by Dad

You know what it’s like with kids. They see the huge spread and you hear, “There’s nothing to eat”.

This year, I’m getting clever with the veggie side dish by slipping them in a hand pie. Everyone knows kids love small bites, right? I’m pretty sure if I stuffed a regular sized pie with roasted butternut squash and carrots and handed a slice of it to one of my boys, it would be pushed backed at me faster than the words “Uh, no thank you”.

Thanksgiving Hand-Pies with Real Food by Dad

Admittedly, I was that kid—heck, up until a few years ago, I was that kid in adult form. Yes, I’m a picky eater, but I’m getting so much better.  .  . look mom—I’m eating veggies of all sorts.

Speaking of veggies, I kept the butternut squash and carrot filling simple with a fast butter saute alongside some thyme and leeks then into the oven for a quick roasting. Sure, you can skip the saute portion and go straight to roasting, but don’t. The butter, leek and thyme gives the filling a rich flavor.

Thanksgiving Hand-Pies from Real Food by Dad

If you aren’t into these veggies, use what you like and then stamp out some pie crust and get filling. These go quick, and not so coincidentally, they are also very popular with adults. Ah-hem, I can vouch for that.

Thanksgiving Hand Pies

Thanksgiving Hand Pies

Makes 12- 15 2 inch hand pies

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lb. pre-cut butternut squash
  • 1 lb. carrots, chopped
  • 1/3 cup chopped leeks, white and light green parts only
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon thyme
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 ready-made Pillsbury Pie crusts

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Heat oven to 450 degrees F.
  2. Heat olive oil in large oven proof skillet. Add in butternut squash, carrots, leeks salt and pepper (Make sure not to crowd the pan. If you don't have a large enough pan, work in two batches); stir and cook until about 5 minutes. Add in thyme and butter; stir to combine. Transfer skillet to oven and roast until golden and fork tender, about 10-15 minutes. (If you don't have an oven proof pan, transfer mixture to a bakesheet.) Remove from oven and cool to warm.
  3. Roll out chilled pie dough and stamp out 2 inch circles for hand pies. Place bottom layer of hand pie on parchment lined bakesheet and brush the perimeter with the egg wash. Place just a little over 1 tablespoon of butternut and carrot mixture in the center. Lightly stretch a second pie circle and place over the top of filling making sure the top covers the bottom; crimp edge with a fork and cut a small slit on top to allow steam to escape. Bake at 400 degrees until golden brown, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.
© Foodie Digital

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Filed Under: Bites, Comfort, Dinner, Easy, Family, Holiday, Pie, Savory, Vegetables Tagged With: butternut squash, butternut squash pies, carrot pie, carrots, hand pies, mini pies, thanksgiving pies, thanksgiving side dish

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Comments

  1. TriedandTasty says

    November 12, 2014 at 12:52 am

    You know, I’ve never had a hand pie.. but I’ve seen a few lately that have got me itching to try them. This looks delicious!! Thanks for the yummy recipe!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 12, 2014 at 9:07 am

      You have to try one Yvonne, so good!

      Reply
  2. Tekesha Geel says

    November 12, 2014 at 4:42 am

    I love this! Have you ever tried slipping a little cooked ground turkey into them? And maybe dipping them in cranberry ketchup? I’ve been at work for like 2 minutes and I’m already thinking about dinner! 🙂

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 12, 2014 at 9:08 am

      I love that idea Tekesha!

      Reply
  3. Liz @ FloatingKitchen says

    November 12, 2014 at 5:13 am

    These look perfect, Matt! I might have to sit at the kids table this year if this is what’s getting served!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 12, 2014 at 9:08 am

      Haha it would be so worth it Liz!

      Reply
  4. Brian Samuels says

    November 12, 2014 at 5:38 am

    A great idea! I’m thinking of doing a galette for our vegetarian entree this year. Butternut squash, sage, cheese, butter… more cheese, more butter. 🙂

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 12, 2014 at 9:08 am

      Thanks and that sounds INCREDIBLE Brian!

      Reply
  5. HalfBakedHarvest says

    November 12, 2014 at 5:48 am

    Hands pies are these best! These sounds so perfect for the Thanksgiving table! 🙂

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 12, 2014 at 9:09 am

      Yes they are! Thanks Tieghan!

      Reply
  6. Mike @TheIronYou says

    November 12, 2014 at 6:11 am

    Man, you did a great job with those hand pies, they look awesome!
    #wolfpackeats

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 12, 2014 at 9:09 am

      Thanks Mike! Healthy and full of flavor too.

      Reply
  7. Brandon @ Kitchen Konfidence says

    November 12, 2014 at 6:24 am

    Mmmm, I love a good hand pie. Especially savory ones. I’m sure these would be a crowd pleaser!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 12, 2014 at 9:09 am

      Thanks so much Brandon!

      Reply
  8. [email protected] says

    November 12, 2014 at 7:16 am

    LOL!! Yes, there’s nothing to eat, Mom! As in, where’s the pizza and mac ‘n cheese! 😉 These pies are so clever – I’d probably eat ’em all before they even get to show off at the dinner table. 😀

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 12, 2014 at 9:10 am

      Right?! That drives me crazy and we were probably the same way. Thanks Kate!

      Reply
  9. ITheeCook says

    November 12, 2014 at 7:51 am

    Yes! How perfect for a crowd!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 12, 2014 at 9:10 am

      Thanks so much Rina!

      Reply
  10. KevinIsCooking says

    November 12, 2014 at 7:58 am

    Sweet or savory hand pies are the best! These are lookin’ saweet and will definitely be a hit for the big day. Nice!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 12, 2014 at 9:10 am

      Thanks Kevin!

      Reply
  11. Lisa @ Healthy Nibbles & Bits says

    November 12, 2014 at 8:32 am

    How did you know that I have a soft spot for hand pies? Kids totally dig vegetables, as long as they’re presented in a cute way like this!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 12, 2014 at 9:11 am

      I’m psychic! Thanks so much Lisa.

      Reply
  12. The Blonde Chef says

    November 12, 2014 at 9:25 am

    Mmmk these hand pies are just THE cutest! Now I wish I was in charge of Thanksgiving this year so I could make these little guys!

    Reply
  13. Abby @ The Frosted Vegan says

    November 12, 2014 at 9:51 am

    I love the savory twist on these, so pretty!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 12, 2014 at 10:05 am

      Thank you Abby!

      Reply
  14. Marissa says

    November 12, 2014 at 9:56 am

    These are so fun! For kids of ALL ages, I might add. 😉

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 12, 2014 at 10:05 am

      Thanks Marissa!

      Reply
  15. David @ Spicedblog says

    November 12, 2014 at 10:12 am

    What a great idea! I’ve been on a major roasted squash kick lately, and I’m thinking I could go for some roasted squash stuffed into a pie shell. That would definitely get a thumbs up in our house! #WolfpackEats

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 12, 2014 at 10:49 pm

      I have too David, and every year I forget how much I miss it!

      Reply
  16. azestybite says

    November 12, 2014 at 11:08 am

    My family would go nuts for these hand pies on Thanksgiving.

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 12, 2014 at 10:49 pm

      I think they would be a hit for sure, Meagan. simple yet full of flavor!

      Reply
  17. Alice Choi says

    November 12, 2014 at 11:15 am

    There are some things about my kids that I will never understand. . but the small bites and finger foods, I totally get. Totally. LOVE these hand pies!! Butternut squash, leeks and thyme, dude. . love love love!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 12, 2014 at 10:50 pm

      You always crack me up, thanks so much Alice!

      Reply
  18. Nicole ~ Cooking for Keeps says

    November 12, 2014 at 11:58 am

    Adorable!! How can anyone resist these?!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 12, 2014 at 10:50 pm

      I couldn’t! 🙂 Thanks Nicole!

      Reply
  19. Zainab @ Blahnik Baker says

    November 12, 2014 at 12:21 pm

    These are just little bites of heaven!!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 12, 2014 at 10:50 pm

      You’re the best, thanks Zainab!

      Reply
  20. Kelly @ Life made Sweeter says

    November 12, 2014 at 1:25 pm

    These are such a genius way to get the kiddies to eat their veggies! Love this idea! They look absolutely amazing and so much fun! I seriously can’t wait to try these – pinning 🙂

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 12, 2014 at 10:51 pm

      Between me and Cole, we wiped them all out quickly. So yes, they will be made again for Thanksgiving. Thanks Kelly!

      Reply
  21. Liz Stark says

    November 12, 2014 at 2:04 pm

    Handheld Thanksgiving delight. Love this! Definitely great for picky eaters and the rest of the Thanksgiving guests 🙂

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 12, 2014 at 10:51 pm

      Yeah, it sucks being picky, but at least I can relate to my boys! Thanks Liz!

      Reply
  22. Paula says

    November 12, 2014 at 4:40 pm

    Very clever, Matt! Great way to get veggies in those little (and big) ones.

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 12, 2014 at 10:52 pm

      Thanks Paula! Hard to not like butternut squash, right?

      Reply
  23. Shashi @ RunninSrilankan says

    November 12, 2014 at 4:50 pm

    Matt – I so know what you mean – when my daughter was younger there would be a whole table of food and she would say there was nothing to eat!!! I wish I had thought o these pies back then – though these pies appeal to me -even as an adult!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 12, 2014 at 10:53 pm

      It cracks me up on holidays. I don’t think kids understand how good the food actually is!

      Reply
  24. Sarah @ Savoring Spoon says

    November 12, 2014 at 6:41 pm

    Mmm I love butternut squash! This looks like a crowd pleaser at Thanksgiving. Your kids are so lucky! Between you and your wife I think the two of you must have some amazing dinners every night!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 12, 2014 at 10:54 pm

      Thanks Sarah! We do eat pretty well, though much of it is given to our neighbors. Hopefully they enjoy it:)

      Reply
  25. Snack Fixation says

    November 12, 2014 at 7:25 pm

    These are awesome. Love making empanadas, but now I wanna try making these with some fruit inside. Nice creation, Matt!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 12, 2014 at 10:54 pm

      Absolutely, love that idea!

      Reply
  26. Ashley | The Recipe Rebel says

    November 12, 2014 at 7:51 pm

    These look so good I might even eat my veggies!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 12, 2014 at 10:54 pm

      I am exactly the same way Ashley!

      Reply
  27. Serena Bakes says

    November 12, 2014 at 8:19 pm

    These looks so good! I don’t mind eatting my veggies if they are served lije this!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 12, 2014 at 10:54 pm

      Me too Serena. And definitely kid-friendly.

      Reply
  28. Padaek says

    November 12, 2014 at 9:22 pm

    These look excellent! Perfect tasty nutritious morsels. Yum! 😀

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 12, 2014 at 10:55 pm

      Thanks so much Padaek!

      Reply
  29. Heather @ Sugar Dish Me says

    November 13, 2014 at 4:22 am

    Amazing!!! I love that sweet & savory filling. So awesome.

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 13, 2014 at 9:47 am

      Thank you Heather!

      Reply
  30. Megan {Country Cleaver} says

    November 13, 2014 at 6:01 am

    I love repurposing leftovers and this is hands down (get it, hand pies?!) the best leftover recreation ever!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 13, 2014 at 9:47 am

      Totally agree, thanks Megan!

      Reply
  31. Tiffany | offbeat + inspired says

    November 13, 2014 at 6:42 am

    Oh my, these look amazing!! That filling is Thanksgiving perfection!!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 13, 2014 at 9:47 am

      Thanks so much Tiffany!

      Reply
  32. Beth @ bethcakes says

    November 13, 2014 at 7:01 am

    I was totally that kid at Thanksgiving too. I probably still am, but I would definitely eat anything in pie form! Definitely a good way to sneak some veggies onto kids’ plates, or even a great way to use leftovers!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 13, 2014 at 9:47 am

      Little bites are the trick for sure, thanks Beth!

      Reply
  33. marcie @ flavor the moments says

    November 13, 2014 at 9:04 am

    I was the strange kid that loved veggies and ate what my siblings didn’t want, too. My kids are a bit of a different story, so these would be great for them. And who doesn’t want a hand pie? These look incredible!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 13, 2014 at 9:48 am

      Then I wish you were my sibling growing up, Marcie. Would have been a huge help! 🙂 Thanks!

      Reply
  34. Tutti Dolci says

    November 13, 2014 at 11:21 am

    I love these, Matt! What a perfect bite for Thanksgiving or even the day after!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 13, 2014 at 8:42 pm

      They’re fun huh? Thanks Laura. I love butternut squash so much this time of year.

      Reply
  35. Eyecandypopper.com says

    November 13, 2014 at 2:21 pm

    MMmmm! I love savoury pies! and I could totally substitute my spelt pie crust with these. I’m getting hungry!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 13, 2014 at 8:44 pm

      I wish I had some leftover and can’t wait to make them again for Thanksgiving in a couple weeks. Thanks!!

      Reply
  36. Allie|Baking a Moment says

    November 13, 2014 at 4:07 pm

    So cute! Love the combo of veggies in the filling too. 😀

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 13, 2014 at 8:44 pm

      Thanks so much Allie!

      Reply
  37. Aimee Shugarman says

    November 13, 2014 at 4:33 pm

    These are awesome. Hand pies are the perfect vehicle to get kids to eat anything 🙂

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 13, 2014 at 8:44 pm

      Yes they are for sure, thanks Aimee!

      Reply
  38. [email protected] and Beer says

    November 13, 2014 at 5:48 pm

    I think I shall skip making everything for Thanksgiving, and just make these hand pies because they are just so freakin’ adorable.

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 13, 2014 at 8:45 pm

      Right?! I feel the same way. I was literally eating one in bed the other night. While lying down. Couldn’t help myself. Thanks Justine!

      Reply
  39. Mantitlement says

    November 13, 2014 at 5:51 pm

    Yep, forget the kids, these would even get me to eat my vegetables!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 13, 2014 at 8:45 pm

      Exactly Dan!!

      Reply
  40. Brenda Klein Score says

    November 14, 2014 at 5:02 am

    How much fun to have a big basket of these on the Thanksgiving table. YUM!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 14, 2014 at 9:27 am

      Thanks Brenda!

      Reply
  41. Jen @ Yummy Healthy Easy says

    November 14, 2014 at 7:51 am

    Laughed out loud when you talk about kids saying “there’s nothing to eat” when there’s so much food, lol!! These hand pies look incredible! My boys would love them!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 14, 2014 at 9:27 am

      Right Jen? It drives me nuts and I’m sure I use to do that too. Have a great weekend!

      Reply
  42. grandbabycakes says

    November 14, 2014 at 9:20 am

    Omg this is fantastic! All the way pinned!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 14, 2014 at 9:27 am

      Thanks Jocelyn, have an awesome weekend!

      Reply
  43. foodnessgracious says

    November 14, 2014 at 10:05 am

    Genius!! You know how we gotta work those kids 😉

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 16, 2014 at 10:01 pm

      Whatever it takes Gerry!

      Reply
  44. Megan {Country Cleaver} says

    November 15, 2014 at 6:21 pm

    Fantastic repurposing Matt!! I’m in heart with these!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 16, 2014 at 10:01 pm

      I heart these too Megan:) Thanks so much!

      Reply
  45. Sonali- The Foodie Physician says

    November 16, 2014 at 8:38 am

    Matt, these are so great! I just included them in my Thanksgiving Recipe Roundup!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 16, 2014 at 10:01 pm

      I saw that and thank you so much Sonali!

      Reply
  46. Alyssa Ponticello says

    November 17, 2014 at 11:48 am

    Bite-sized, pie, and squash?! I’m sold!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 18, 2014 at 10:35 am

      Right? They ended up way better than I imagined. Thanks Alyssa!

      Reply
  47. Nora @ A Clean Bake says

    November 17, 2014 at 3:05 pm

    This is such a great idea! Granted, I’ll eat just about anything ensconced in a flaky crust, but I am a major fan of butternut squash and carrots.

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 18, 2014 at 10:35 am

      Haha I would too! Thanks Nora:)

      Reply
  48. Matt @ Plating Pixels says

    November 18, 2014 at 8:07 am

    Hi Matt! I just found your blog and want to say hi from a fellow guy food blogger. It’s inspiring to see your (as well as your wife’s) blog doing so well. My girlfriend and I started ours about 6 months ago. Looking forward to following you guys and all the recipes to come. Best of luck!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 18, 2014 at 10:36 am

      Likewise Matt, thanks so much!

      Reply
  49. Chris @ Shared Appetite says

    November 18, 2014 at 12:09 pm

    Dude, love this idea!!! I want all my sides served to me like this from here on out. There is no vegetable on this earth that I wouldn’t eat in hand pie form! Totally a genius move my man!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      November 18, 2014 at 10:44 pm

      I am cracking up Chris. I am the same way, whatever, put it in a little pie and it will work. My kids feel the same way!

      Reply

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