Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe aroma of sizzling chorizo fills the kitchen, and suddenly I’m transported back to childhood Halloween parties, where the savory snacks were as thrilling as the costumes. These Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies capture that nostalgia with a fun twist, perfect for celebrating the season. With a golden, flaky crust and a zesty filling teaming up with creamy cheeses, these hand pies make for an easy and customizable savory snack that everyone will adore. Plus, they’re a fantastic project for families looking to create festive memories together. Just the thought of biting into a tasty pumpkin-shaped pie ignites creativity and excitement! Are you ready to spice up your Halloween festivities? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe! Why Are These Hand Pies So Fun? Irresistible Flavor: These Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies pack a punch with zesty chorizo and creamy cheeses, making every bite a flavor explosion. Easy to Make: Crafting these hand pies is a breeze, requiring just a few simple steps—perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike! Endless Customization: Feel free to personalize the filling with your favorite ingredients or try a vegetarian option with Vegan Chorizo Sausage! Family-Friendly Fun: Get the whole family involved in shaping and decorating these pies—it’s a memorable activity that bonds together creativity and deliciousness. Perfect for Gatherings: These hand pies are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, ideal for Halloween parties or cozy family movie nights. Spooky Chorizo Hand Pie Ingredients Prepare to create a delicious Halloween treat that will impress your family and friends! For the Dough AP Flour – Provides structure for the pie dough; substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. Sea Salt – Enhances flavor; no substitutions necessary. Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and flakiness; must be chilled. Can substitute with margarine for non-dairy diets. Chilled Water – Helps bring dough together; for best results, use ice water. Egg – Used for the egg wash to achieve a golden finish; can skip for a vegan option. Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds tenderness to the dough; lemon juice can work as a substitute. For the Filling Ground Chorizo – The main filling providing spicy flavor; can substitute with ground beef or turkey if desired. Minced Pork – Adds moisture and richness to the filling; alternatives include chicken or turkey. Paprika – Enhances flavor with a subtle smokiness. Onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the filling. Garlic – Provides aromatic depth; use garlic powder as a substitute for convenience. Cayenne Pepper – Adds heat; adjust according to your taste preference. Oaxaca Cheese – Gives creaminess and a mild flavor; substitute with mozzarella if unavailable. Manchego Cheese – Adds a nutty flavor; can be replaced with aged cheddar. Get ready to impress your loved ones with these delightful Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies that celebrate the spirit of Halloween in a tasty way! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies Step 1: Prepare the Dough In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and sea salt. Cut in the chilled unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the chilled water, egg, and apple cider vinegar, mixing until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow it to rest and firm up. Step 2: Make the Filling Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they are soft, about 3-4 minutes. Next, stir in the ground chorizo and minced pork, breaking up the meat with a spatula. Cook this mixture for 15-20 minutes, or until the meat is fully browned. Mix in paprika, minced garlic, and cayenne pepper, sautéing for an additional minute. Remove from heat and let the filling cool. Step 3: Assemble the Hand Pies Once the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 3mm thick. Use pumpkin-shaped cookie cutters to cut out half of the shapes. On each cut-out, place a spoonful of the chorizo filling and a sprinkle of Oaxaca and Manchego cheese. Moisten the edges with a bit of water, then top with another cut-out shape, sealing the edges by crimping with a fork for that perfect spooky look. Step 4: Bake the Hand Pies Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the assembled Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies on it, making sure they are spaced apart. Brush the tops with an egg wash for a golden finish. Bake them in your preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and flaky. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary; they should be puffed and beautifully golden when done. Step 5: Cool and Serve Once baked, remove the Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes. This cooling time helps set the filling and makes them easier to handle. Serve these delightful hand pies warm, and enjoy the delicious combination of crispy pastry and zesty filling, perfect for your Halloween gatherings! Expert Tips for Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies Cold Ingredients: Ensure the butter is very cold when making the dough; this is crucial for achieving the perfect flaky texture. Careful Filling: Avoid overfilling the hand pies. Too much filling can lead to leaking during baking, so stick to a tablespoon per pie. Creative Shapes: Have fun shaping the pies! Use different cookie cutters or freehand designs to create unique spooky faces on your hand pies. Adjust Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to reduce the cayenne pepper in the filling. Start with a pinch and adjust to your taste in these Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies. Bake Uniformly: Make sure your hand pies are evenly spaced on the baking sheet to allow for proper heat circulation; this promotes even baking. Make Ahead Options These Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies are a fantastic option for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time on busy weeknights! You can prepare the dough and fill it up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in the fridge to keep everything fresh. Assemble the hand pies and place them in an airtight container to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and pop them in directly from the fridge—no need to wait for them to come to room temperature! Just like that, you’ll have delicious, ready-to-bake hand pies that are just as golden and flaky as if made fresh. Storage Tips for Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies Fridge: Store baked Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To maintain crispiness, skip the wrapping and use parchment paper between layers. Freezer: Freeze unbaked hand pies on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen for about 10 extra minutes. Reheating: Reheat baked hand pies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy. Make Ahead: Assemble the hand pies a day in advance and keep them in the fridge until ready to bake, making prep for your Halloween gathering even easier! Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies Variations & Substitutions Feel free to get creative—there are so many delightful ways to customize these hand pies! Vegetarian Option: Use Vegan Chorizo Sausage or swap chorizo for black beans and lentils for a hearty filling. If you want to keep the flavors savory and fulfilling without the meat, opt for a blend of spices and roasted veggies. Cheese Selections: Try different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or a sharp cheddar for a bolder taste. Mix and match to find the perfect cheesy combo that suits your palate! Extra Veggies: Sneak in chopped bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and flavor. These colorful additions create a nourishing hand pie while enhancing the taste and texture of the filling. Heat Adjustment: Add more cayenne or fresh jalapeños for an extra spicy version, or skip the pepper entirely for a milder treat. Adjusting the heat can cater to everyone’s taste preferences at your Halloween gathering! Dough Diversity: Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat or a gluten-free blend for a different texture and flavor profile. Experimenting with different flours can enhance both the crust and the nutritional value! Savory Sauces: Serve with unique dipping sauces such as avocado crema or chipotle aioli for a flavorful twist. These dips can elevate your hand pies, adding new layers of taste that are perfect for your festive gathering. Sweet Touch: For a dessert rendition, consider filling the pies with spiced pumpkin or apple filling instead of the savory mix. Creating a sweet version of these hand pies can surprise and delight your guests! Enjoy customizing these Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies for a Halloween to remember! What to Serve with Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies Elevate your Halloween festivities with delicious side dishes that perfectly complement these playful hand pies! Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness contrasts beautifully with the spicy filling, offering a comforting and hearty side. Zesty Guacamole: Creamy and vibrant, guacamole enhances the flavor of chorizo and adds a fresh, cooling element that everyone loves. Spicy Black Bean Salsa: This vibrant and tangy salsa adds a punch of flavor while keeping the festive spirit alive with its colorful presentation. Creamy Corn Chowder: Rich and hearty, a bowl of chowder provides a warm and indulgent pairing, perfect for dipping your hand pies into. Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing mix of greens with a citrus vinaigrette balances the richness of the hand pies and adds a burst of color to the table. Pumpkin Spice Latte: Embrace the season’s flavors with a cozy drink that complements the hand pies and adds a festive touch to the meal. Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies Recipe FAQs What should I look for when selecting chorizo? Absolutely! For the best Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies, choose chorizo that is vibrant in color and has a pleasant aroma. Avoid chorizo with dark spots or a sour smell, as this may indicate spoilage. If you’re not sure, ask your butcher for a fresh recommendation! How should I store leftover Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies? Keep your baked hand pies in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. For extra crispiness, don’t wrap them too tightly; I like to place parchment paper between layers to keep them from getting soggy. They maintain their deliciousness this way! Can I freeze Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies? How do I do it? Great question! You can freeze these unbaked hand pies. Place them on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, add about 10 extra minutes to your baking time. It’s a perfect make-ahead option! What should I do if my dough is too sticky? Very! If your dough is too sticky to roll out, sprinkle a bit more flour onto your work surface and gently knead in extra until it reaches a workable consistency. It’s important to keep the dough cold, so work quickly, and don’t add too much flour, or you might lose that flakiness! Are these hand pies suitable for those with allergies? Absolutely! You can customize your Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies to meet dietary needs. Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option and substitute the butter with margarine or non-dairy alternatives for lactose-free versions. Just be mindful of the fillings regarding specific allergens like pork or cheese! Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies for a Fun Halloween Treat These Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies are a delightful Halloween treat that combines zesty chorizo and creamy cheeses in a flaky crust. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 1 hour hrCook Time 30 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 35 minutes mins Servings: 8 hand piesCourse: SnacksCuisine: AmericanCalories: 320 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Dough2 cups all-purpose flour substitute with gluten-free flour for gluten-free version1 teaspoon sea salt1 stick unsalted butter must be chilled, can substitute with margarine for non-dairy6 tablespoons chilled water use ice water for best results1 large egg for egg wash, can skip for vegan option1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar lemon juice can work as a substituteFor the Filling1 pound ground chorizo can substitute with ground beef or turkey1 pound minced pork alternatives include chicken or turkey1 teaspoon paprika1 medium onion2 cloves garlic can use garlic powder as substitute1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust according to taste preference1 cup Oaxaca cheese substitute with mozzarella if unavailable1 cup Manchego cheese can be replaced with aged cheddar Equipment Mixing BowlSkilletBaking Sheetcookie cuttersPastry CutterPlastic wrap Method Dough PreparationIn a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and sea salt. Cut in the chilled unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the chilled water, egg, and apple cider vinegar, mixing until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.Filling PreparationHeat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft. Stir in the ground chorizo and minced pork, breaking up the meat. Cook for 15-20 minutes until fully browned. Mix in paprika, minced garlic, and cayenne pepper. Remove from heat and let cool.Assembling Hand PiesPreheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough to about 3mm thick. Use pumpkin-shaped cookie cutters to cut out half of the shapes. Place a spoonful of filling on each cut-out, sprinkle with cheeses, moisten edges with water, and top with another cut-out. Seal edges by crimping with a fork.BakingLine a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place assembled hand pies on it, brushing tops with egg wash. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown and flaky. Keep an eye on them.Cooling and ServingOnce baked, remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy the combination of crispy pastry and zesty filling. Nutrition Serving: 1hand pieCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg NotesEnsure the butter is very cold for flaky texture. Avoid overfilling the pies. Have fun with shapes using cookie cutters. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
