There's something inviting about a kitchen when something warm and homemade is baking. These golden turkey and cheddar hand pies are a fun alternative to an ordinary sandwich or casserole. They're made with flaky puff pastry and a creamy filling of turkey, vegetables, and melted cheese.
They're also a useful way to turn leftover cooked turkey or chicken into another family meal. And they don't have to look perfect — a little uneven crimping around the edges just makes them look homemade.
Ingredients
For the filling
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ¼ cup finely diced onion
- ⅓ cup finely diced carrots
- ⅓ cup peas
- 1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 cup cooked, chopped turkey or chicken
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the pastry
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- A little flour for rolling
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat. Set oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the vegetables. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and carrots; cook 5–7 minutes until beginning to soften. Stir in peas.
- Make the filling. Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir for one minute. Slowly add milk, stirring until thickened. Add cooked turkey, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat, stir in cheddar, and cool slightly.
- Prepare the pastry. Lightly flour a work surface. Unfold each pastry sheet and cut into four squares, eight squares total.
- Fill. Divide filling among the squares, placing it on one half of each square without overfilling. Fold diagonally into triangles and crimp edges with a fork. Cut a small vent on top.
- Brush and bake. Whisk egg and water; brush pastry tops. Bake 20–25 minutes until puffed and golden and filling reaches 165°F. Cool briefly before serving.
Helpful Kitchen Tips
Cooked chicken works as well as turkey. Finely chopped frozen mixed vegetables can save prep time. Monterey Jack makes a milder cheese swap. If filling is too thick, add a splash of milk. Serve with sliced apples, a green salad, or roasted vegetables. Refrigerate leftovers promptly.
From Our Table 🤎
A homemade meal doesn't need to look like it came from a bakery. If one hand pie is a little crooked, another has extra fork marks, and a few crumbs end up on the table, that's perfectly fine. The best part is sitting down together and enjoying something made with care.
With love, The Fleming Collective