If you love savory pastries that melt in your mouth, you’ve come to the right place! Today, I’m sharing my recipe for bakery-style baked “pastéis” (Brazilian hand pies) with a crust that is truly irresistible. These are a massive hit, and now you can easily make them at home—whether for your family or to start a small side business. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process and discover the secrets behind this crowd-pleasing recipe.
Ingredients for the Baked Hand Pies:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tablespoon salt
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons margarine (or high-quality unsalted butter)
- 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon chilled Guaraná soda (or substitute with club soda)
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt.
- Gradually add the margarine, working it into the flour with your fingertips until you reach a crumbly, sandy texture. This step is crucial for the perfect flaky consistency.
- Slowly pour in the chilled soda, mixing until a smooth, pliable dough forms. It will have a subtle, slightly sweet note.
- Wrap the dough and refrigerate for 20 minutes; chilling makes it much easier to roll out and handle.
- Roll the dough out thinly, cut into 4-inch circles, and fill with your favorite savory ingredients.
- Now that the base is ready, it’s time to assemble your hand pies and bake them to golden perfection.
Pro Tip:
Always chill your dough before rolling it out. This keeps the fat from melting too quickly, ensuring a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Prep Time:
Approximately 25 minutes.
Yield:
This recipe makes about 14 hand pies.
Fun Fact:
Using margarine creates a specific, classic “bakery-style” flavor profile for this dough, but feel free to experiment with high-quality unsalted butter for a richer taste!
Now that you know the secrets behind these irresistible hand pies, it’s time to get baking! Follow every step with care to ensure success in your kitchen. Share this recipe with your friends and family, and enjoy! Bon appétit!