Broccoli Cheddar Hand Pies

Featured in: Lunch Box

These golden hand pies feature a flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy blend of finely chopped broccoli, sautéed onion, garlic, and sharp cheddar cheese. The filling is thickened with a touch of flour and milk, seasoned with smoked paprika and black pepper for depth of flavor. Brushed with milk and optionally topped with sesame seeds, they bake to a crisp, golden finish in about 25 minutes. Perfect warm or at room temperature, these hand pies make a delightful vegetarian snack or light main dish.

Updated on Thu, 20 Nov 2025 12:30:00 GMT
Flaky golden Broccoli Cheddar Quiche-less Hand Pies, a savory pocket bursting with cheesy broccoli. Save
Flaky golden Broccoli Cheddar Quiche-less Hand Pies, a savory pocket bursting with cheesy broccoli. | nachohaha.com

Golden, flaky hand pies filled with a creamy broccoli and cheddar mixture delivering all the flavor of quiche without the eggs or a traditional pie crust.

When I first made these for brunch, my family devoured them instantly, loving how easy they are to share and pack for lunch.

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Ingredients

  • Broccoli florets: Finely chopped, 2 cups (180 g)
  • Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
  • Onion: 1 small, finely diced
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
  • Smoked paprika: 1/4 teaspoon
  • All-purpose flour (filling): 1 tablespoon
  • Whole milk (or unsweetened plant-based milk): 1/2 cup (120 ml)
  • Sharp cheddar cheese: 1 cup (110 g), grated
  • Puff pastry sheets: 2 store-bought, thawed (about 450 g total)
  • All-purpose flour (for dusting): 1 tablespoon
  • Milk (for brushing): 2 tablespoons (or plant-based milk)
  • Sesame seeds (optional): 1 tablespoon

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Instructions

Prep Oven & Sheet:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cook Aromatics:
Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3 minutes until translucent.
Add Veggies:
Add garlic and broccoli. Sauté 4 minutes until broccoli is tender.
Season & Thicken:
Stir in salt, pepper, paprika. Sprinkle flour, cook 1 minute, then slowly add milk, stirring until creamy, about 2 minutes.
Add Cheese:
Remove skillet from heat and fold in cheddar cheese until melted. Let cool slightly.
Roll Pastry:
On floured surface, roll out puff pastry. Cut each sheet into 4 rectangles, total 8.
Fill & Seal:
Place about 2 tablespoons filling on half of each rectangle. Fold over, seal edges, crimp with fork.
Top & Score:
Arrange on baking sheet. Brush tops with milk, sprinkle sesame seeds. Cut small slit for steam.
Bake:
Bake 20-25 minutes until golden and crisp. Let cool before serving.
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| nachohaha.com

My kids always ask for these on weekends, and occasionally help me crimp the edges for extra crunchy bites.

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Required Tools

Baking sheet, parchment paper, skillet, knife and cutting board, rolling pin, pastry brush, fork

Allergen Information

Contains: Milk, Wheat (gluten), Cheese (dairy). Use plant-based milk and cheese to make dairy-free. Always check ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information (per hand pie)

Calories: 265, Total Fat: 16 g, Carbohydrates: 23 g, Protein: 7 g

Crispy-edged Broccoli Cheddar Quiche-less Hand Pies, served warm, with a creamy, cheesy filling. Save
Crispy-edged Broccoli Cheddar Quiche-less Hand Pies, served warm, with a creamy, cheesy filling. | nachohaha.com

These hand pies are a crowd-pleaser for snacking or lunchboxes—simple and satisfying!

Recipe FAQ

Can I use a dairy-free cheese alternative?

Yes, substituting cheddar with a dairy-free cheese works well, especially if paired with plant-based milk to keep it dairy-free.

What type of pastry is best for these hand pies?

Store-bought puff pastry is ideal for its flaky texture and ease of use.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking during baking?

Ensure edges are firmly sealed and crimped with a fork, and avoid overfilling to prevent leaks.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and cool the filling in advance, making assembly quicker.

What can I serve alongside these hand pies?

A fresh side salad or a warm tomato soup complements these hand pies nicely for a complete meal.

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Broccoli Cheddar Hand Pies

Flaky hand pies filled with creamy broccoli and sharp cheddar for a savory, satisfying snack.

Prep duration
25 min
Time to cook
25 min
Complete duration
50 min
Created by Carlos Vega

Type Lunch Box

Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Dietary requirements Meat-free

Components

Filling

01 2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 1 small onion, finely diced
04 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
07 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
09 1/2 cup whole milk or unsweetened plant-based milk
10 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Hand Pie Dough

01 2 sheets store-bought puff pastry, thawed (about 1 lb)
02 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour for dusting

Assembly

01 2 tablespoons milk or plant-based milk for brushing
02 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, optional

Directions

Phase 01

Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Phase 02

Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent.

Phase 03

Cook broccoli and garlic: Add garlic and broccoli to the skillet; sauté for 4-5 minutes until broccoli is tender.

Phase 04

Season and thicken filling: Stir in salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thickened and creamy, about 2 minutes.

Phase 05

Incorporate cheese and cool filling: Remove from heat and fold in grated cheddar until melted. Allow filling to cool slightly.

Phase 06

Prepare dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out puff pastry sheets. Cut each sheet into 4 rectangles, yielding 8 pieces total.

Phase 07

Fill dough rectangles: Place approximately 2 tablespoons of filling onto half of each rectangle, leaving a border around edges.

Phase 08

Seal hand pies: Fold each rectangle over to cover the filling and press edges firmly to seal. Use a fork to crimp edges securely.

Phase 09

Prepare pies for baking: Arrange hand pies on the prepared baking sheet. Brush tops with milk and sprinkle sesame seeds if desired.

Phase 10

Create steam vents: Cut a small slit on the top of each hand pie to allow steam to escape during baking.

Phase 11

Bake until golden: Bake hand pies in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.

Phase 12

Cool before serving: Allow hand pies to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

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Tools needed

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Skillet
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Rolling pin
  • Pastry brush
  • Fork

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're concerned about specific ingredients.
  • Contains milk, wheat (gluten), and cheese (dairy).
  • For dairy-free option, use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese substitutes.
  • Always verify ingredient labels for potential allergens.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 265
  • Fats: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Proteins: 7 g

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