Sweet Potato Hand Pies Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate cozy, handheld comfort food, you have officially found it! These Sweet Potato Hand Pies are the perfect blend of savory and sweet, featuring a silky, spiced sweet potato filling tucked inside a buttery, flaky crust that shatters with every bite. The addition of salty feta and fresh herbs makes these feel totally gourmet, yet they are simple enough to whip up for a quick lunch or a fun appetizer. Trust me, once you pull these golden beauties out of the oven, they’ll be gone in a heartbeat—they are a total game-changer for your snack rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The Perfect Flavor Balance: The natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs beautifully with the tangy kick of crumbled feta and warm spices.
• Kid-Friendly & Portable: These are essentially “adult Pop-Tarts” but savory! They are perfect for on-the-go snacking or packing in a lunchbox.
• Easy Shortcuts: Using ready-made pie dough keeps this recipe stress-free while still delivering that “made from scratch” taste we all crave.

Ingredients

Get ready to fill your kitchen with the most incredible aroma! Here is what you’ll need to make these delicious hand pies:

• Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show! They provide a creamy, nutritious base for our filling.
• Olive Oil: Helps make the mash extra smooth and luscious.
• Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These warm spices add a depth of flavor that makes the sweet potato truly sing.
• Sautéed Onion: Adds a savory, caramelized undertone that balances the sweetness.
• Feta Cheese: Brings a wonderful salty tang and pockets of creamy texture.
• Fresh Parsley & Thyme: These earthy herbs brighten up the whole dish and make it taste so fresh.
• Pie Dough: Use high-quality store-bought dough for a perfectly flaky, golden crust without the extra work.
• Egg Wash: This is the secret to getting that gorgeous, professional-looking bakery shine.
• Sesame or Black Seeds: An optional sprinkle that adds a lovely crunch and a beautiful visual touch.

Note: The specific measurements for all ingredients can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this article.

How to Make the Sweet Potato Hand Pies

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a baking tray and line it with parchment paper so nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze!

Step 2: Cook and Mash the Potatoes

Boil your peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in lightly salted water for about 12–15 minutes until they are fork-tender. Drain them well, then mash them in a bowl with olive oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until the mixture is silky smooth.

Step 3: Mix the Savory Filling

Fold in your finely chopped sautéed onion, crumbled feta, parsley, and thyme. Give it a good stir until everything is evenly combined. This filling is so tasty, you might be tempted to eat it with a spoon right now—resist the urge!

Step 4: Cut the Dough

Roll out your pie dough on a lightly floured surface. Using a cutter or a small bowl, cut out equal circles about 4–5 inches in diameter.

Step 5: Fill and Seal

Spoon a generous tablespoon of that delicious sweet potato mixture onto one half of each circle. Fold the dough over to create a cute half-moon shape, then use a fork to crimp the edges tightly. This seals in all that goodness!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place your pies on the baking tray, brush them with the beaten egg wash, and sprinkle with seeds if you’re feeling fancy. Pop them in the oven for 22–25 minutes until they are golden brown and perfectly crisp. Let them cool just a bit before diving in!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to pack in as much filling as possible, but leave a little room at the edges so you can get a tight seal. This prevents the pies from bursting in the oven.
• Cold Dough is Key: Try to keep your pie dough as cold as possible until you’re ready to bake. This is how you get those super flaky, buttery layers!
• Drain Well: Make sure your sweet potatoes are well-drained after boiling. Too much moisture can lead to a soggy bottom, and we want that crunch!

How to Serve

These hand pies are incredibly versatile! You can serve them warm as a standalone snack, or pair them with a creamy garlic dipping sauce or a zesty yogurt dip. They also make a fantastic side dish for a big autumnal salad or a bowl of roasted tomato soup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover hand pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They stay delicious, though the crust will soften slightly.

Freezing

You can freeze these either baked or unbaked! Place them in a freezer-safe bag with parchment paper between layers for up to 3 months. If freezing unbaked, you can bake them straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the timer.

Reheating

To bring back that “just-baked” crunch, reheat them in the oven or an air fryer at 350°F for about 5–8 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it can make the pastry a bit soft.

FAQs

1. Can I use puff pastry instead of pie dough? Absolutely! Puff pastry will give you an even lighter, more “shattery” crust. Just keep an eye on the oven, as puff pastry might brown a little faster than traditional pie dough.

2. I don’t like feta; what else can I use? No problem at all! You can swap the feta for goat cheese for a similar tang, or use shredded cheddar or gruyère for a more melty, gooey interior.

3. Can I make these vegan? Yes! Simply use a vegan-friendly store-bought pie crust, swap the feta for your favorite dairy-free cheese (or extra sautéed mushrooms), and use a little melted coconut oil or plant milk instead of an egg wash.

4. Can I roast the sweet potatoes instead of boiling them? Definitely! Roasting the potatoes will actually deepen the flavor and make the filling even richer. Just mash them up once they are soft and proceed with the recipe as usual.