Ham + Cheese Gluten Free Hand Pies – Easy Gluten Free Appetizers!
The holiday season is upon us, and that means it’s time to gather with loved ones and indulge in delicious festive treats. If you’re looking for a unique and mouthwatering appetizer to add to your holiday spread, look no further than these delightful Ham, Cheese, and Prune Gluten Free Hand Pies. Combining the savory goodness of ham and cheese with the unexpected sweetness of prunes, these hand pies are sure to be a hit at your holiday gatherings.
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What are Hand Pies Called?
Hand pies go by various names, and the term used often depends on the region or cultural context. Some common names for hand pies include:
- Pop Tarts: Pop-Tarts are the Kellog’s brand name for rectangular, flat pastries with a sweet filling inside, sealed between two layers of thin pastry crust. They are designed to be heated in a toaster, toaster oven, or microwave before.
- Toaster Pastries: Generic name for pop tarts 🙂
- Strudel: A strudel is a type of layered pastry with a sweet or savory filling, typically associated with Austrian and German cuisine.
- Empanadas: Popular in Latin American and Spanish cuisine, empanadas are savory or sweet hand pies filled with a variety of ingredients such as meats, cheeses, vegetables, or fruits.
- Turnovers: Typically associated with sweet fillings, turnovers are flaky pastry pockets that can be filled with fruits, jams, or other sweet ingredients.
- Pasties: Originating from Cornwall in the United Kingdom, pasties are savory hand pies filled with ingredients like meat, potatoes, and vegetables, usually encased in a pastry crust.
These names often reflect the cultural influences and specific ingredients used in the preparation of the hand pies. Regardless of the name, the concept remains the same—a delicious filling enclosed in a portable pastry crust, perfect for enjoying on the go or as a delightful snack.
What is the best pie crust for gluten free hand pies?
I have a perfectly delicious gluten free pie crust recipe that works SO well for these hand pies, and pretty much anything else that requires perfectly flaky goodness.
GET THE PIE CRUST RECIPE
How to make and assemble these easy gluten free appetizers
Ingredients:
- 1 recipe gluten free pie crust dough
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 cup California prunes, finely chopped
- 1 cup caramelized onions
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything seasoning (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling: Prepare the Filling: Begin by caramelizing the onions. Warm the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and prunes and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. This step takes longer than you think (about 30 minutes or so), so be patient. Set aside to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the diced ham, shredded Gruyère cheese, caramelized onion mixture, Dijon mustard, honey, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Assemble the Hand Pies: Roll out half of the pie crust dough on a floured surface. Use a 6-inch, round cookie cutter to create circles for the hand pies. Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Spoon a generous portion of the ham, cheese, prune, and caramelized onion mixture onto one half of each pie crust circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Fold the other half of the pie crust over the filling, forming a half-moon shape. Seal the edges by pressing them together with a fork.
- Egg Wash and Garnish: Beat the egg and brush it over the tops of the hand pies for a golden finish. Optionally, sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything seasoning for an extra touch.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow the hand pies to cool slightly before serving. These savory delights can be enjoyed warm, bringing a burst of flavor to your holiday celebrations.
Can I freeze these gluten free hand pies?
Keep life simple and make these hand pies in advance. Simply make and assemble the hand pies and freeze them before baking. Do not do the egg wash step. To freeze, lay them out on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, or place in a zip top bag for up to one month. Brush with the egg wash when you’re ready to bake. Do not thaw before baking. You may need to add a couple of minutes to the bake time.
These Ham, Cheese, and Prune Hand Pies are a delightful twist on the traditional appetizer, combining sweet and savory flavors in every bite. The richness of the ham and cheese is complemented by the subtle sweetness of the prunes – which are fabulous in many different kinds of appetizers, by the way. It’s a delicious combo that is perfect for holiday celebrations. So, why not impress your guests with this easy-to-make and utterly delicious hand pie recipe at your next festive gathering? Happy holidays and happy feasting!
Gluten Free Appetizers Perfect for Holiday Entertaining
Roasted Mushrooms on Polenta
Once roasted, they’re spooned over crispy polenta rounds that have been smeared with a luscious fromage blanc. It’s an easy appetizer recipe that is perfect for holiday entertaining.
GLUTEN FREE APPETIZERS RECIPE
Easy Honey Roasted Nuts Recipe
These nuts are incredibly easy to make (and incredibly easy to eat). I used a combination of 5 different nuts – whole almonds, pecan halves, walnut halves, pistachios, and pepitas (or pumpkin seeds, shelled obviously).
HONEY ROASTED NUTS RECIPE
Hummus with Ground Lamb Mince
You’ll love this easy recipe for hummus with ground lamb. The lamb, fragrant with cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and sumac, has such wonderful, warm flavors. It perfectly compliments the smooth, garlicky hummus. Traditionally found in the Middle East, this comforting dish makes an excellent appetizer or light meal.
GET THIS EASY HUMUS RECIPE
More gluten free pie recipes to sink your teeth into!
- Pear Pie with Gluten Free Pie Crust
- The Best Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie
- The Best Gluten Free Apple Pie Recipe with Crumb Topping
- The Best Recipe for Gluten Free Chicken Pot Pie!
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Ham + Cheese Gluten Free Hand Pies – Easy Gluten Free Appetizers!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 recipe gluten free pie crust dough
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 2 large yellow onions thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup California prunes finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg for egg wash
- Sesame seeds poppy seeds, or everything seasoning (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Begin by caramelizing the onions. Warm the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and prunes and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. This step takes longer than you think (about 30 minutes or so), so be patient. Set aside to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the diced ham, shredded Gruyère cheese, caramelized onion mixture, Dijon mustard, honey, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Assemble the Hand Pies: Roll out one disk of the gluten-free pie dough on a surface that has been dusted with gluten-free flour to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a 6-inch, round cookie cutter to create circles for the hand pies. Repeat with the remaining dough. Re-roll the dough as necessary. You'll get about 12 circles.
- Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the ham, cheese, prune, and caramelized onion mixture onto one half of each pie crust circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Fold the other half of the pie crust over the filling, forming a half-moon shape. Seal the edges by pressing them together with a fork.
- Egg Wash and Garnish: Beat the egg and brush it over the tops of the hand pies for a golden finish. Optionally, sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything seasoning for an extra touch.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow the hand pies to cool slightly before serving. These savory delights can be enjoyed warm, bringing a burst of flavor to your holiday celebrations.
Notes
Nutrition
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