Savory Winter Pies: Comfort Food to Warm Your Soul

As winter settles in, cravings for warm, comforting meals become irresistible. Next time you're looking for a cozy dish, try one of these delicious savory pie recipes. These easy-to-make pies are packed with flavor and sure to satisfy!

1. Classic Chicken Pot Pie

Ingredients:

• 1 box refrigerated pie crusts, softened per directions
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/3 cup chopped onion
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 ¾ cups chicken broth
• ½ cup milk
• 2 ½ cups shredded cooked chicken
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Prepare pie crusts as per box instructions in a 9-inch glass pie pan.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 2 minutes until tender.
4. Stir in flour, salt, and pepper until blended. Gradually add broth and milk, cooking until bubbly.
5. Stir in chicken and mixed vegetables. Remove from heat and spoon mixture into the crust-lined pan.
6. Top with second crust, seal edges, and cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
7. Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

2. Hearty Shepherd's Pie

Ingredients:

• 3 cups prepared mashed potatoes (from 1.5 pounds potatoes)
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• 1 ½ pounds ground beef or lamb
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup chicken broth

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Prepare mashed potatoes if not already done.
2. In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, garlic, and thyme, cooking for about 5 minutes.
3. Add ground meat, cooking until browned. Drain fat.
4. Stir in peas and corn. Sprinkle with flour and stir. Add chicken broth and simmer until thickened.
5. Top with mashed potatoes and bake for 20 minutes until golden. Broil for extra browning if desired.

3. Italian Cheese and Tomato Pie

Ingredients:

• 1 puff pastry or pre-made pie crust
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 7 ounces fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
• 5 ¼ ounces gouda or gruyere cheese, thinly sliced
• 2 ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 ½ teaspoons oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ¼-1/2 teaspoon salt
• Olive oil, for drizzling
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 12-inch pizza pan.
2. Place pastry on the pan and brush with melted butter.
3. Layer with mozzarella, gouda, and tomatoes. Sprinkle with salt, oregano, and basil. Drizzle with olive oil.
4. Bake for 35 minutes until golden. Top with fresh basil before serving.

4. Midwestern Taco Pie

Ingredients:

• ½ pound ground beef
• 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 15 ounces refried beans
• 8 ounces salsa
• 8 ounces shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 2 cups crushed tortilla chips
• Lettuce, diced tomato, sliced black olives, sour cream, and jalapeños for topping

Method:

1. Bake the pie crust per package directions.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F. Brown ground beef, drain fat, and mix with taco seasoning.
3. In a bowl, combine refried beans and salsa.
4. Spread bean mixture in the baked crust, layer with beef, chips, and cheese. Repeat layers.
5. Bake for 20 minutes until cheese is melted. Cool for 10 minutes before topping with remaining ingredients.

When the winter chill hits and comfort food cravings arise, keep these savory pie recipes on hand. Enjoy them with family and friends, and don't forget to share this post with anyone who might be looking for new winter meal ideas!

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