Bacon Cheeseburger Hand Pies: A Bite-Sized Take on an American Classic

Imagine everything you love about a juicy bacon cheeseburger—savory ground beef, smoky bacon, melty cheese—all wrapped up in a golden, flaky pastry shell. That’s exactly what Bacon Cheeseburger Hand Pies deliver: all the indulgent flavor of the classic sandwich in a portable, mess-free format. Perfect for lunchboxes, party snacks, game-day appetizers, or even casual dinners, these hand pies are hearty, nostalgic, and surprisingly easy to make.

The beauty of hand pies is that they combine comfort food appeal with convenience. You can make them ahead, freeze them for later, or customize the fillings for picky eaters. Plus, with just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, they come together quickly and bake up beautifully crisp and golden.

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Ingredients

This recipe makes approximately 6–8 hand pies, depending on the size of your pastry rounds or squares.

Ingredient	Quantity
Ground beef	½ pound
Bacon (chopped)	4 slices
Onion (finely diced)	½ small
Cheddar cheese (shredded)	1 cup
Ketchup or mustard (optional)	2 tablespoons
Refrigerated pie crusts or puff pastry	1 package (2 sheets)
Egg	1 (for egg wash)
Salt and pepper	To taste

Ingredient Notes:

• Ground beef: Use 80/20 for the best flavor and moisture. Lean beef is fine, but avoid extra-lean cuts—they can dry out.
• Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor. You can also mix in Monterey Jack or American cheese for meltability.
• Pastry: Pie crusts yield a sturdier, more rustic pie; puff pastry offers a lighter, flakier finish.
• Add-ins: Feel free to include diced pickles, a dab of ketchup or mustard inside, or even caramelized onions for an elevated twist.

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Equipment Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to bring these hand pies together:

• Skillet: To cook the beef, bacon, and onion.
• Mixing bowl: For combining filling ingredients.
• Rolling pin (optional): To thin out pie crust or puff pastry slightly.
• Round cutter or knife: To shape the pastry (about 4–5 inches wide).
• Fork: For sealing the edges.
• Pastry brush: For applying the egg wash.
• Baking sheet lined with parchment: Ensures even browning and easy cleanup.

These are all common tools, and the whole process is beginner-friendly and efficient.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

In the same pan, sauté the onion in the bacon fat for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper.

Drain excess fat if necessary, then remove from heat and stir in the cooked bacon and shredded cheese. Add a spoonful of ketchup or mustard for classic burger flavor, if desired. Let the filling cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out your pie crusts or puff pastry and cut into 4–5 inch rounds or squares. You should get about 6–8 hand pies from two standard crusts or sheets.

Place a generous spoonful of the cooled beef mixture in the center of each dough piece, being careful not to overfill.

Step 3: Fold, Seal, and Brush

Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon (for rounds) or a triangle/rectangle (for squares). Press the edges together and crimp with a fork to seal.

Transfer the hand pies to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Beat the egg and brush the tops of the pies for a golden finish. Use a sharp knife to cut a small slit or two in the tops to allow steam to escape.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp. Let the pies cool slightly before serving—they’ll be hot inside!

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Tips and Variations

• Mini versions: Use a smaller cutter for bite-sized appetizers—just reduce bake time slightly.
• Freezer-friendly: Assemble and freeze unbaked pies. Bake straight from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to the baking time.
• Alternative meats: Ground turkey or sausage can be used instead of beef.
• Spice it up: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for heat lovers.
• Add greens: Stir in a handful of sautéed spinach or kale for extra color and nutrition.

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Serving Suggestions

These hand pies are delicious on their own, but even better when paired with classic burger sides like:

• A small bowl of ketchup, mustard, or burger sauce for dipping
• Crisp pickles or a side of slaw
• A light salad or fries to round out the plate

They also make a fun lunchbox option or a portable picnic food—no utensils required.

For presentation, stack them on a wooden tray with dipping sauces in small ramekins, or wrap them in parchment for casual serving.

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Pairings

• Drinks: Serve with classic cola, root beer, or a craft lager.
• Cocktails: Try a whiskey sour, smoky bourbon cocktail, or a michelada to echo the burger vibes.
• Kids’ pick: A glass of cold milk or fruit juice makes a great kid-friendly companion.

Their rich, cheesy flavor and flaky crust pair well with anything cool, crisp, or slightly tangy.

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Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store cooled hand pies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze fully baked or unbaked pies for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can soften the pastry.

To maintain crispness, reheat on a wire rack over a baking sheet if possible.

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Nutritional Information (Per Hand Pie, Based on 8 Servings)

• Calories: ~290
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 12g
• Allergens: Gluten, dairy, egg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Conclusion

Bacon Cheeseburger Hand Pies are the perfect combination of nostalgic flavor and everyday convenience. With their crispy crust, savory filling, and satisfying size, they bring big burger energy in a neat, easy-to-eat package. Whether you’re making a batch for the freezer, prepping game-day snacks, or just craving a comfort food twist, these pies deliver every time.

Try them your way—add pickles, mix up the cheese, or go spicy. However you serve them, they’re guaranteed to please. Don’t forget to share your version once you’ve baked a batch!

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