Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I prepped for Halloween this year, I found myself craving a bite of something festive yet outrageously delicious. That’s when I decided to whip up these Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies, a savory snack that’s bound to become a family favorite. With a playful pumpkin shape and a warm, cheesy filling, they strike the perfect balance between Halloween fun and hearty comfort. What makes this recipe even better is its simplicity—it’s totally customizable, allowing you to swap in your favorite fillings with little hassle. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to get kids involved in the kitchen. How can you resist crafting these little delights? Let’s dive into this spooky culinary adventure together! Why Are These Hand Pies So Special? Irresistible Flavors: The mix of zesty chorizo and creamy cheeses creates a savory explosion in every bite. Fun and Festive: Shaped like pumpkins, these hand pies are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face at your Halloween gathering. Easy to Make: With an uncomplicated dough and quick filling, you’ll have these delicious treats ready in no time. Totally Customizable: Feel free to switch up the fillings—try black beans for a vegetarian version or add jalapeños for a spicy kick. Perfect for Sharing: Whether at a party or simply a cozy night in, these hand pies are a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. Make Ahead Option: Prepare them a day in advance and bake when you’re ready to serve, saving you time during busy festivities! For more hearty options, check out my Vegan Chorizo Sausage for a delicious twist. Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies Ingredients For the Dough AP Flour – Provides structure for the pie dough; can 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 in non-dairy diets. Chilled Water – Helps bring the dough together; use ice water for best results. 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 be a substitute. For the Filling Ground Chorizo – Main filling providing spicy flavor; can substitute with ground beef or turkey. 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, adjustable according to taste. 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. These delightful Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies make a perfect festive treat for Halloween, sure to impress your family and friends! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies Step 1: Prepare the Dough In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of sea salt. Cut in 1 cup of chilled unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add 6 tablespoons of chilled water and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, mixing until a dough forms. Shape it into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour for the best texture. Step 2: Make the Filling In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté a finely chopped onion in 1 tablespoon of oil until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add 1 pound of ground chorizo and 1 cup of minced pork, breaking up the meat while cooking for 15-20 minutes until browned. Stir in 1 teaspoon of paprika, 2 minced garlic cloves, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Once combined, remove from heat and allow to cool. Step 3: Assemble the Hand Pies On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes, placing half of them on a lined baking sheet. Spoon a mixture of the cooled chorizo filling and a sprinkle of Oaxaca and Manchego cheese onto each shape. Moisten the edges with water, then top with another dough shape and seal by crimping with a fork. Step 4: Bake the Hand Pies Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If desired, brush the tops with a beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the edges are flaky and golden brown. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving to enhance their flavor and texture. Expert Tips for Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies Chilled Ingredients: Keep butter and water very cold; this ensures your dough turns out perfectly flaky and delicious. Avoid Overfilling: Don’t overload the pies with filling; too much can cause leakage during baking. One generous tablespoon is usually sufficient. Creative Shapes: Use festive cookie cutters for fun designs. Try bats or ghosts alongside pumpkins to add variety and cheer to your Halloween table! Test the Filling: Allow the filling to cool before assembling; if it’s too hot, it can steam the dough and make it soggy. Golden Finish: For a shiny crust, brush the tops of your Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies with egg wash or milk before baking. Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble hand pies a day ahead and refrigerate; this cuts down on prep time and makes serving a breeze! Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies: Creative Twists Await Get ready to take your spooky hand pies to the next level with these tantalizing twists and substitutions! Jalapeño Kick: Add chopped jalapeños to the filling for a spicy surprise! Just a hint of heat can turn up the excitement. Veggie Delight: Swap the meat for black beans or lentils for a hearty vegetarian option. This version is packed with flavor and perfect for those who want a meatless treat. Cheese Variations: Try swapping Oaxaca or Manchego for pepper jack cheese for a spicy punch! Cheese lovers will adore every gooey bite. Sweet and Savory: Incorporate a few diced apples or pears into the filling for a surprising sweetness to balance the spiciness. The contrast will delight your taste buds and keep things exciting! Vegan Version: Use Vegan Chorizo Sausage in place of the meat and substitute with non-dairy butter and egg wash for a fully plant-based delight. Herb Infusion: Fresh or dried herbs like cilantro or oregano can elevate the filling’s flavor profile. A sprinkle of these can transport your hand pies to a new culinary journey. Spicy Sauce: Serve your hand pies with a side of chipotle salsa for an added layer of flavor. This fiery sauce complements the savory filling and adds a perfect finishing touch! Texture Add-In: For extra crunch, consider adding some finely chopped nuts, like almonds or walnuts, to the filling. It’s a delightful way to surprise your guests with texture. With these variations, your Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies will not only celebrate the Halloween spirit but become a versatile dish that impresses your family and friends any time of year! What to Serve with Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies Enhance your Halloween gathering with delightful sides that perfectly accompany these crispy, cheesy hand pies. Creamy Avocado Dip: This smooth dip brings a refreshing contrast and balances the spiciness of the chorizo. With its bright green color, it’s also a visual treat! Spicy Salsa Fresca: Fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro adds a zesty kick, making it an ideal pairing to elevate those savory bites. Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness and crunch of sweet potato fries will pleasantly complement the bold flavors of the hand pies. Plus, they add a beautiful pop of color to the plate. Mexican Street Corn Salad: This creamy, tangy salad with corn, peppers, and lime makes a vibrant side that enhances the festive feel of your meal. Chilled Cerveza or Limeade: Refreshing drinks like a light, crisp cerveza or zesty limeade provide balance to the rich and cheesy hand pies, making every bite more enjoyable. Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes: For dessert, offer mini cheesecakes with a hint of pumpkin spice; they tie in the Halloween theme while adding a delicious finish to the meal. Let the flavors and creativity in these pairings amplify the joyful spirit of your Halloween festivities! How to Store and Freeze Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies Fridge: Store any baked Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain crispiness. Freezer: Freeze unbaked hand pies on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months; bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Reheating: For best results, reheat baked pies in an oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. This keeps the crust crispy while warming the filling thoroughly. Make-Ahead Tips: If prepping in advance, assemble the pies and refrigerate overnight before baking for a quick, hassle-free Halloween treat! Make Ahead Options These Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies are fantastic for meal prep! You can assemble them up to 24 hours in advance; simply prepare the filling, cut the dough into shapes, and store them in the refrigerator. To maintain their flaky texture, be sure to wrap each pie in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container to prevent moisture and drying out. When you’re ready to serve, just brush them with an egg wash and bake directly from the fridge at 375°F (190°C) for 20-30 minutes. This way, you’ll have delicious, homemade hand pies with minimal effort, even during the bustling Halloween festivities! Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right chorizo? Absolutely! Look for high-quality ground chorizo that has a vibrant red color, indicating it includes good paprika and spices. If you opt for links, ensure they are fresh and free of any dark spots, which can signify spoilage. What is the best way to store Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies? Once baked, these hand pies can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep that delightful crispness, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes before serving. It’s the difference between a soggy bite and a flaky delight! Can I freeze the Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies? Absolutely! To freeze unbaked hand pies, lay them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, you can pop them directly from the freezer into the oven—just add a few extra minutes onto the baking time. What should I do if the pie crust is too tough? Very good question! If you find your crust isn’t rolling out easily, it could be due to overworking the dough or not using cold enough ingredients. If it’s too tough, you’ll want to chill it again before rolling it out. Make sure your butter and water are very cold to achieve that perfect flaky texture! Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe? Definitely! While this recipe is filled with flavor, you can make it suitable for different diets. For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. For a vegan version, use margarine instead of butter, skip the egg wash, and replace the meat with a mix like black beans or lentils. How can I ensure my filling doesn’t leak during baking? The more the merrier when it comes to sealing! Make sure to moisten the edges of the dough before sealing, and don’t overfill the hand pies—about a tablespoon of filling works best. If your filling is too oily, let it cool thoroughly and drain any excess grease before assembling! Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies: A Fun Halloween Snack Adventure Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies are festive and delicious snacks perfect for Halloween gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 1 hour hrCook Time 30 minutes minsChilling Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins Servings: 12 piesCourse: SnacksCuisine: MexicanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? Dough Ingredients2 cups All-purpose flour Can substitute with gluten-free flour1 teaspoon Sea salt No substitutions necessary1 cup Unsalted butter Must be chilled; can substitute with margarine6 tablespoons Chilled water Use ice water for best results1 large Egg Used for egg wash; can skip for vegan option1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar Lemon juice can be a substituteFilling Ingredients1 pound Ground chorizo Can substitute with ground beef or turkey1 cup Minced pork Alternatives include chicken or turkey1 teaspoon Paprika Enhances flavor with subtle smokiness1 medium Onion Adds sweetness and depth2 cloves Garlic Use garlic powder as a substitute for convenience1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper Adjustable according to taste1 cup Oaxaca cheese Substitute with mozzarella if unavailable1 cup Manchego cheese Can be replaced with aged cheddar Equipment Mixing BowlSkilletCookie CutterBaking Sheet Method Dough PreparationIn a mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Cut in chilled butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add chilled water and vinegar, mixing until a dough forms. Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour.Filling PreparationIn a skillet, sauté onion in oil until soft. Add ground chorizo and minced pork, cooking until browned. Stir in paprika, garlic, and cayenne pepper. Remove from heat and allow to cool.Assembling Hand PiesRoll out the dough to 1/8 inch thick. Use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Spoon the cooled chorizo filling onto half the shapes, top with cheeses. Moisten edges, add another shape on top, and seal by crimping.Baking Hand PiesPreheat oven to 375°F. Place assembled hand pies on a lined baking sheet. Brush tops with egg wash if desired. Bake for 20-30 minutes until golden brown. Nutrition Serving: 1pieCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg NotesKeep butter and water very cold for a flaky dough. Don't overload with filling to avoid leakage during baking. Use festive cookie cutters for fun shapes. Allow filling to cool before assembly to prevent sogginess. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
