Lake Superior Smoked Salmon Hand Pies

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Buttery, flaky hand pies filled with smoky salmon, dill, and cream cheese – a elegant twist on a classic picnic staple. This american-inspired quick meals ready in about 85 minutes layers All-purpose flour, Cold unsalted butter, Ice water into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 385 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.6 (11 ratings) Prep: 60 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 385 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a food processor, pulse 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/4 tsp salt until combined. Add 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter cut into 1/2-inch cubes and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse sand, about 1 minute.
  2. Step 2: Gradually add 4 tbsp ice water while pulsing until the dough just comes together. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 1 hour.
  3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 375°F. On a floured surface, roll chilled dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 6-inch circles using a glass or cutter.
  4. Step 4: In a bowl, mix 8 oz smoked salmon (finely chopped), 4 oz cream cheese, 2 tbsp fresh dill, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, and 1/4 tsp salt until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Place 2 tbsp salmon mixture in the center of each dough circle. Fold dough over to create half-moons, crimp edges tightly with a fork. Brush with egg beaten with 1 tbsp water.
  6. Step 6: Bake 25-28 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet until golden brown and crisp, rotating halfway through.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lake Superior Smoked Salmon Hand Pies take to make?

Total time is about 85 minutes (60 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Lake Superior Smoked Salmon Hand Pies?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lake Superior Smoked Salmon Hand Pies?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Lake Superior Smoked Salmon Hand Pies for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Lake Superior Smoked Salmon Hand Pies?

American quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes