Move over, pumpkin pie! There’s absolutely nothing wrong with a dessert pie , but with Thanksgiving in the rearview mirror and the winter holidays still to come , why not look to some savory pies that will have you feeling warm and cozy all season long? Sure, soups are […]
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Move over, pumpkin pie!
There's absolutely nothing wrong with a dessert pie, but with Thanksgiving in the rearview mirror and the winter holidays still to come, why not look to some savory pies that will have you feeling warm and cozy all season long?
Sure, soups are great and serve their own comforting purpose as the temperatures dip, but sometimes you don't have hours to spare while your latest creation simmers on the stove. By contrast, most savory pies take just over an hour (or less) to make, and boast a magic ingredient that soup lacks—a buttery crust or top.
Classic savory options like chicken pot pie can be made with store-bought pie crust or puff pastry (how easy is that?) while other hearty pie varieties (yes, we're talking about you, cottage pie!) are topped with an irresistible layer of mashed potatoes, which you can even make ahead. Is there anything better to eat on a frigid night? We think not. If you agree, keep reading for a collection of savory pie recipes that are so good they'll have you looking forward to those cold and blustery winter days.
Savory Pie Recipes
Credit: Roland Bello
As far as savory pies go, chicken pot pie is the gold standard. This recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts paired with onions, carrots, and frozen peas. The comforting pie gets its creaminess from a combo of dry white wine and milk, and is topped with a flaky (store-bought!) pie crust.
Credit: Monica Buck
The above recipe serves six, but if you'd rather prepare less food without sacrificing taste, try this recipe for individual chicken pot pies. You've still got all the big players—frozen vegetables, chicken, milk, and a store-bought pie crust—but this version also calls for cream of chicken soup, which gives the dish an even heartier texture.
Credit: Sang An
If you don't eat meat, or are looking to eat less of it, this recipe will give you all the coziness of chicken pot pie ... without the chicken. Mushrooms (and plenty of them!) take the place of meat and are joined by carrots, celery, onions, and peas. And if you're not a fan of cream, you'll be happy to know that this vegetarian recipe uses a combination of flour and vegetable broth instead.
Is there a better comfort food than shepherd's pie? This dish is perfect for a cold day, and not just because it's topped with buttery mashed potatoes. Inside, you'll find a mean vegetable-enriched beef filling (instead of the traditional lamb) made with ground beef, mushrooms, tomato paste, and more.
Credit: Sang An
Yes, it's hard to top the mashed potato and ground beef combo of a traditional shepherd's pie, but if you're searching for a meat-free recipe that will make you feel just as warm and fuzzy, give this dish a whirl. Instead of potatoes it uses sweet potatoes, and pairs 'em with vegetables including parsnips, celery, fennel, and Brussels sprouts.
Credit: David Prince
The Brits have done it again! This recipe for the classic English dish, which is very similar to a typical lamb-filled shepherd's pie, boasts a mashed potato top and a savory filling that includes ground beef, frozen peas and carrots, and some sweet ketchup. We love that this recipe also calls for the use of individual ramekins, which means this meal is great for solo diners or couples.
Credit: Greg DuPree
This pie, which is classically made with a spinach-feta cheese mixture, is great if you're looking for an easy appetizer to serve to guests this winter. The recipe adds in a generous serving of fresh spring peas, and is easier to make than typical spanikopita because it's prepared in a skillet lined with phyllo dough.
Credit: Christopher Baker
Got a surplus of zucchini in the fridge? Use it to make this zucchini pie, which is bright and savory thanks to the inclusion of fresh basil, and grated provolone and Parmesan cheeses.
Credit: Jose Picayo
Who says a pot pie needs to be filled with chicken and vegetables? This recipe puts seafood front and center thanks to frozen shrimp, which is paired with fennel and leeks. The creaminess is courtesy of whole milk and dry white wine.
Credit: Greg DuPree
Pie for breakfast? Yes, please! These hand pies are filled with bacon, topped with eggs, and boast a store-bought puff pastry exterior. The decadence continues thanks to ground beef, pitted green olives, and raisins, which are all stuffed inside with spices like paprika and garlic.
Credit: Lisa Thompson
While it might not be your first instinct to toss some fish in a pie, we promise you that this seafood pie is worthy of a spot in your dinner rotation this winter. It takes less than an hour to make, is topped with pre-made mashed potatoes, and is filled with celery, carrots, frozen peas, and Parmesan cheese.
Credit: Greg DuPree
This savory recipe calls for the beef to be browned in a hot cast-iron skillet and then braised in beer, which ensures it will be both tender and flavorful. Butternut squash adds some color and texture to this pie, as do chopped carrots and leeks. The best part of this recipe, however, is the flaky golden-brown puff pastry, which is placed directly atop the skillet before the dish is transferred to the oven.
Credit: William Meppen
If you're a fan of the classic tomato soup and grilled cheese combo, you owe it to yourself to give this tomato-cheddar pie a try. It can be made with a fresh or store-bought pie crust (depending on how ambitious you're feeling) and is packed with fresh tomatoes, basil, and of course, cheese.
