A golden, flaky breakfast hand pie is one of those comforting foods that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make. These little pastries combine the best breakfast flavors—eggs, bacon, and cheese—tucked into buttery puff pastry. They bake up quickly, making them perfect for a weekday treat or a weekend family breakfast. Each hand pie is portable, delicious, and endlessly adaptable depending on the ingredients you have on hand.
Ingredients
To prepare three servings, you will need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- ½ teaspoon dried basil (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
These ingredients form the base of the recipe, but remember that every breakfast hand pie can be customized. You could easily substitute ham, sautéed vegetables, or even a different cheese to suit your preferences.
Instructions
1. Prepare the pastry
Place the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin or your hands, gently stretch the dough into a square shape. Cut the pastry into three even rectangles and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. These will serve as the shells of the breakfast hand pies.
2. Whisk the eggs
Crack the eggs into a bowl and season with dried basil, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and add half of the shredded cheese. This creates a flavorful egg mixture that forms the heart of each hand pie.
3. Cook the eggs
In a nonstick skillet over medium heat, pour in the egg mixture. Stir gently until the eggs are softly scrambled. Remove from the heat while they are still moist, since they will finish cooking inside the pastry.
4. Fill the pastry
Spoon some scrambled egg onto one side of each rectangle of puff pastry. Top with extra cheese and a sprinkle of crumbled bacon. These layered ingredients ensure that each hand pie has the perfect balance of flavors.
5. Seal the hand pies
Fold the other half of each pastry rectangle over the filling to form a pocket. Press the edges with a fork to seal tightly. Brush the tops with melted butter for color and flavor, then sprinkle the remaining cheese over the surface.
6. Bake
Transfer the tray to a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C). Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until each breakfast hand pie is puffed and golden brown. Serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
Breakfast hand pies can be served on their own or with simple accompaniments:
- Pair a hand pie with a side of fresh fruit for balance.
- Add a small green salad to turn the hand pie into a light brunch.
- Enjoy with coffee, tea, or juice for a classic breakfast pairing.
Because each hand pie is easy to hold, they also make an excellent on-the-go breakfast. Pack them in foil and take them with you on busy mornings.
Variations
The base recipe works with many ingredient combinations:
- Vegetable hand pie: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Cheesy hand pie: Use mozzarella, feta, or pepper jack for different flavors.
- Herbed hand pie: Stir fresh parsley, chives, or dill into the egg mixture.
- Meaty hand pie: Swap bacon for ham, sausage, or even shredded chicken.
These variations prove that with a few simple ingredients, you can turn the breakfast hand pie into something new each time.
Why Breakfast Hand Pies Are So Popular
The charm of the breakfast hand pie lies in its versatility. With just a few ingredients, you can create a meal that works for mornings on the go, relaxed breakfasts at home, or even as part of a brunch table. Puff pastry gives each hand pie its signature crisp layers, while the eggs and cheese add richness and protein to keep you satisfied. Bacon provides a salty crunch, but the recipe can easily be tailored with different ingredients if you prefer sausage, vegetables, or alternative cheeses.
Because each hand pie is individually sized, they are also easy to share, store, or reheat later. That makes them an ideal choice for meal prep or for families who want a ready-to-go breakfast option without sacrificing flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Cooked hand pies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven until warmed through to restore the crisp pastry. For longer storage, freeze the pies in an airtight container. Reheat directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Final Thoughts
The breakfast hand pie is a small package with big rewards. With puff pastry as the foundation and eggs, bacon, and cheese as the filling, it delivers everything you want in a morning meal—warmth, flavor, and satisfaction. Using just a handful of ingredients, you can prepare a dish that feels indulgent yet practical.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, preparing breakfast for family, or stocking the freezer for busy days, the breakfast hand pie is a recipe that fits any schedule. Each bite is flaky, cheesy, and comforting—a true reminder that the simplest ingredients can create the most memorable meals.
