These Savory Hand Pies are delightfully flaky pockets of puff pastry filled with jammy caramelized onions and salty prosciutto crudo. A perfect combination of sweet and savory, they’re elegant enough for brunch, delicious as an appetizer, and easy enough to prepare ahead. You can also customize them with a variety of fillings to suit any dietary preference.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Dough (Optional – or use store-bought puff pastry):

• 1 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (140g)

• 7 tablespoons very cold butter (frozen is best, 98g)

• A pinch of salt

• 4 tablespoons chilled water

• ½ tablespoon lemon juice

For the Filling:

• 3 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• A pinch of salt

• 50g prosciutto crudo or bacon, torn into pieces

Other:

• Egg wash (1 beaten egg)

• Seeds (e.g., sesame, poppy) for topping (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough (if making from scratch):
   Combine flour, grated frozen butter, salt, chilled water, and lemon juice in a bowl. Mix to form a dough. Chill for 1–2 hours in the refrigerator.

2. Make Caramelized Onions:
   Heat olive oil in a stainless steel skillet. Add onions and salt. Cook undisturbed until browned on the bottom, then stir and repeat until deeply golden and jammy. This may take 30–45 minutes.

3. Preheat Oven:
   Set your oven to 390°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

4. Assemble the Hand Pies:
   Roll out puff pastry dough on a floured surface to about 0.15 inch thickness. Cut out circles (any size you prefer). Slightly stretch each into an oval.
   Place a small piece of prosciutto and 1 teaspoon of caramelized onions in the center of each piece. Leave edges clear.
   Fold and pinch the edges to seal. Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with seeds if desired.

5. Bake:
   Bake in preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.

6. Serve:
   Let cool slightly and serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrients (per hand pie, approximate)

• Calories: ~210 kcal

• Carbohydrates: ~15g

• Protein: ~6g

• Fat: ~14g

• Saturated Fat: ~6g

• Sodium: ~280mg

• Sugar: ~2g

• Fiber: ~1g

The Perfect Pairing: Onions and Prosciutto

At the heart of each hand pie is the interplay of caramelized onions and prosciutto crudo. Caramelized onions are the result of patient cooking—onions slowly broken down until their natural sugars emerge and develop deep, golden tones. The result is something soft, sweet, and irresistibly savory. When paired with thinly sliced prosciutto crudo, the contrast becomes sublime. The saltiness of the cured meat offsets the sweetness of the onions, creating a filling that’s rich, nuanced, and undeniably satisfying.

It’s a classic flavor pairing that works because it appeals to both sides of the palate, sweet and salty, making every bite feel indulgent and balanced.

A Flaky Pastry Hugging Every Bite

The magic doesn’t stop at the filling. The puff pastry shell—light, flaky, and golden brown—is what transforms this from a tasty snack into a miniature showstopper. The contrast between the crispy outer crust and the soft, luscious filling creates a sensory experience that’s both comforting and elegant. If you’re short on time, high-quality store-bought puff pastry works perfectly. But if you’re in the mood for baking from scratch, homemade pastry gives you even more control over the flavor and texture.

The buttery flake of the crust complements the richness of the filling while providing the structure that makes these pies portable and mess-free.

Perfect for Make-Ahead and Entertaining

Savory Hand Pies are ideal for planning ahead. Both the caramelized onions and the dough can be prepared in advance, making the assembly process smooth and stress-free. Once baked, the pies can be served warm, at room temperature, or even lightly reheated. This makes them perfect for brunch spreads, dinner parties, potlucks, or any event where you want a refined option that doesn’t require last-minute fussing.

These hand pies also hold their shape and texture well, which makes them easy to transport, plate beautifully, and serve without worry.

An Elegant Brunch Addition

With their petite size and sophisticated flavor profile, these hand pies are tailor-made for brunch. They pair wonderfully with sparkling wine, citrusy mimosas, or rich coffees and teas. Their subtle sweetness from the onions and savory edge from the prosciutto play beautifully with breakfast favorites like soft cheeses, egg dishes, and crisp greens.

Whether presented on a tiered stand for a holiday brunch or served alongside a seasonal salad for a midweek meal, they elevate any morning gathering with very little effort.

Endless Room for Customization

While the combination of caramelized onions and prosciutto is hard to beat, these hand pies are incredibly versatile. The filling can easily be adapted to suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences. Swap out the prosciutto for sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist, or try goat cheese, roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a dollop of pesto for added complexity.

The dough, too, can be varied. If you’re avoiding gluten, gluten-free puff pastry is now widely available. Or for an earthier twist, consider incorporating whole wheat flour into a homemade pastry. The compact format of these pies means that whatever goes inside is concentrated, making every variation feel intentional and satisfying.

Delight in Every Texture

Texture plays a big role in the appeal of these savory hand pies. The flaky pastry is crisp yet tender, providing a satisfying crunch as you bite into it. The filling is smooth and slightly sticky from the onions, with bits of prosciutto adding occasional chewiness. The contrast in textures makes the experience multidimensional and keeps each bite interesting.

Topping the hand pies with egg wash and optional seeds like sesame or poppy gives them an additional crunch and visual flair. It’s a small touch that adds a lot, especially when serving guests.

Refined, Yet Comforting

There’s a special kind of comfort that comes from hand-held foods. You don’t need a fork or knife—just a napkin and an appetite. But unlike many casual hand-held snacks, these savory pies bring a level of refinement that makes them just as suitable for high-end entertaining as they are for a weeknight indulgence.

They strike a rare balance between rustic and elegant, making them a dish you can dress up or down depending on the occasion. Paired with a soup, they become a cozy lunch. Served as an hors d’oeuvre, they feel gourmet and thoughtful.

Nutritionally Balanced and Satisfying

Each hand pie offers a surprisingly satisfying amount of protein and fat, thanks to the prosciutto and butter-based dough. The onions provide a hint of natural sugar and fiber, while the pastry delivers enough carbs to fuel and satisfy. While they’re rich, they aren’t overwhelming—making one or two hand pies the perfect snack or appetizer portion.

For a lighter meal, pair with a crisp green salad dressed with a citrus vinaigrette or serve alongside pickled vegetables to cut through the richness of the filling. The combination of textures and flavors can feel surprisingly well-rounded.

A Culinary Canvas for Creativity

Beyond the specific flavors used in this recipe, these hand pies invite creativity in every element. You can change the shape—opt for triangles, half-moons, or rectangles depending on the occasion. You can also play with the presentation, arranging them on rustic wooden boards or delicate serving platters to match the mood of the event.

They’re also a great project for home cooks looking to practice basic pastry skills in a fun and rewarding way. From rolling and cutting dough to layering and sealing, each step is tactile, hands-on, and enjoyable. And best of all, the result is as delightful to eat as it is to make.

Conclusion: Small Pies, Big Flavor

Savory Hand Pies with caramelized onions and prosciutto crudo are a perfect example of how thoughtfully chosen ingredients and careful preparation can yield extraordinary results. These golden pockets pack immense flavor into a small, elegant form, making them ideal for a range of occasions—from intimate brunches to festive gatherings.

With their flakey crust, sweet-savory filling, and beautiful presentation, they invite everyone to savor a little moment of culinary luxury. Whether you stick to the classic combo or get creative with new fillings, one thing is certain—these hand pies will always deliver comfort, flavor, and flair in every bite.