If you’re craving a handheld Italian-inspired delight that bursts with classic flavors, the Supreme Pizza Hand Pies Recipe is exactly what you need. These golden, flaky pockets are packed with savory Italian sausage, tangy pizza sauce, melty mozzarella, pepperoni, and vibrant veggies, wrapped in a buttery crust that practically melts in your mouth. Whether you’re serving them for a casual lunch, game day snack, or party appetizer, these hand pies make pizza portable, personal, and absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is surprisingly simple, but every component plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the flaky crust to the hearty filling, each item contributes something special to this Supreme Pizza Hand Pies Recipe.
- All-purpose flour (4 1/4 cups): The base for our tender and flaky dough, it provides structure and the perfect chewy bite.
- Salt (3/4 teaspoon): Enhances flavor throughout both dough and filling, making every ingredient pop.
- Unsalted butter (1 1/2 cups, chilled): Key for that luscious, flaky texture in the crust—cold butter creates layers that bake into golden perfection.
- Apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons): A little acidity tenderizes the dough and helps it stay soft yet sturdy when baked.
- Ice water (1/2 to 3/4 cup): Keeps the dough cool while bringing it together without toughness.
- Olive oil (2 teaspoons): Adds a subtle richness and aids in browning the filling.
- Ground Italian sausage (1/2 pound): The heartily spiced sausage brings smoky meatiness that’s essential for that supreme pizza taste.
- Yellow onion (1, finely diced): Sweetness and texture to complement the savory meats.
- Green bell pepper (1, diced): Adds a fresh crunch and bright color to balance richness.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses the filling with aromatic depth and warmth.
- Pizza sauce (1 1/2 cups or one 14-ounce jar): The tangy tomato base that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- Pepperoni (1 cup): A classic pizza topping that lends spice and that iconic, slightly crispy chew.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon + extra for topping): A blend of herbs that gives these hand pies their unmistakable Italian flair.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Boosts the savory profile of the filling with gentle garlic notes.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, seasoning every layer perfectly.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): Gooey, melty, and utterly essential for that classic pizza pull.
- Parmesan cheese (for sprinkling): Adds a nutty, sharp finish right before baking.
- Egg wash: Brushed on the crust for a gorgeous golden sheen and enticing crispness.
How to Make Supreme Pizza Hand Pies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flaky Dough
Start by mixing the flour and salt in a large bowl. Cut the chilled butter into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs. Then whisk together the apple cider vinegar and ice water, adding just enough water to bring the dough together without it becoming sticky. Shape it into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes to let the dough rest and chill.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Toss in the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant. Stir in the pizza sauce, pepperoni, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, letting the mixture simmer gently for a few minutes until flavors meld and excess moisture evaporates. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Hand Pies
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut into 12 even rounds using a large cookie cutter or drinking glass. Spoon a generous amount of filling onto one half of each round, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, and fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly and crimp with a fork to seal. Brush each pie with egg wash, sprinkle with Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese for that extra special touch.
Step 4: Baking to Perfection
Place the hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the filling to set and avoid burning your mouth on molten cheese.
How to Serve Supreme Pizza Hand Pies Recipe
Garnishes
The best part about Supreme Pizza Hand Pies Recipe is how flexible they are with garnishes. A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan or fresh chopped basil works wonders to brighten flavors. For a little heat, add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil before serving.
Side Dishes
These pies are hearty on their own but pairing them with a crisp green salad or a bowl of tangy marinara for dipping adds a refreshing balance and a fun interactive element to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these hand pies into party showstoppers by serving them on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of assorted dipping sauces like garlic aioli, spicy ranch, or pesto. You can also slice them into mini appetizers, great for sharing and sampling different toppings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover hand pies store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat and enjoy without losing that fresh-baked flavor and flakiness.
Freezing
You can freeze these pies before baking by assembling them on a tray and flash freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This makes meal prep a breeze.
Reheating
Reheat your hand pies in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes to regain the crispy crust and warm, melty filling. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that flaky texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough instead of making my own?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough can save time and still yield delicious results, though making your own dough adds that extra buttery flakiness that sets this Supreme Pizza Hand Pies Recipe apart.
What other fillings can I use?
Feel free to switch up the filling with your favorite pizza toppings—think mushrooms, olives, cooked chicken, or even vegan cheese and veggies to suit your taste and dietary needs.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Make sure to cook down the filling until it’s thick and not too wet, and avoid overfilling the pies. Also, letting the dough rest in the fridge helps keep it flaky rather than soggy when baked.
Can I freeze the pies after baking?
Yes, you can freeze fully baked pies by wrapping them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven to restore crispness.
Are these pies kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love the handheld convenience and cheesy filling. You can adjust the spice level by choosing milder sausage or skipping pepperoni if preferred.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, a crowd-pleasing Supreme Pizza Hand Pies Recipe that transforms classic pizza into a portable, golden-crusted delight. Whether you’re hosting a party, meal prepping, or just craving something cozy, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret the warm, cheesy hugs inside every flaky bite!
Print
Supreme Pizza Hand Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 hand pies
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Supreme Pizza Hand Pies are a delicious and portable version of classic supreme pizza. Encased in flaky, buttery dough and filled with savory Italian sausage, pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and melty mozzarella cheese, they make for a perfect snack, appetizer, or meal on the go. Featuring a crisp, golden crust seasoned with Italian herbs and Parmesan, these hand pies bring all the flavors of a supreme pizza in a convenient handheld form.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 4 1/4 cups (510 grams) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups (340 grams) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into 1” pieces
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup – 3/4 cup (80–120 grams) ice water
For the Filling
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage (about 2 links with casing removed)
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups pizza sauce (or 1 (14-ounce) jar)
- 1 cup pepperoni, sliced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
For Topping and Finishing
- Italian seasoning, for topping
- Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling
- Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water)
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the chilled butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the apple cider vinegar. Gradually add ice water, starting with 1/2 cup, mixing until the dough comes together. Add more water if needed, a tablespoon at a time. Form the dough into a ball, flatten into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Add the diced yellow onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the pizza sauce, pepperoni slices, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to blend flavors. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool.
- Assemble the Hand Pies: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut the dough into 6-inch circles using a round cutter or a bowl. Spoon a generous amount of the filling onto the center of each dough circle, leaving space around the edges. Top the filling with shredded mozzarella cheese. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges firmly to seal, using a fork to crimp the edges.
- Apply Egg Wash and Seasoning: Place the assembled hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with egg wash to give them a golden shine when baked. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and a crispy crust.
- Bake the Hand Pies: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving to allow the filling to set.
Notes
- The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight for convenience.
- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, olives, or different cheeses.
- For a crispier crust, place the hand pies on a preheated baking stone or steel.
- Ensure the filling is cooled before assembling to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
- These hand pies freeze well; freeze before baking and bake from frozen, adding extra baking time.
