Scottish hand pies.

Here’s a traditional-style Scottish hand pie recipe — hearty, savory, and perfect to eat on the go 🥧🏴

These are inspired by classic Scottish meat pies / bridies.

🥧 Scottish Hand Pies (Meat Bridies–Style)

Ingredients

Pastry

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup cold butter, cubed
• 6–8 tbsp cold water

Filling

• 1 lb ground beef or finely diced beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp white pepper (traditional)
• ½ tsp dried thyme or nutmeg (optional)
• 1–2 tbsp beef stock or gravy

To finish

• 1 egg, beaten (egg wash)

Instructions

1. Make the pastry
   • Mix flour and salt.
   • Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Add cold water gradually until dough comes together.
   • Wrap and chill 30 minutes.
2. Prepare filling
   • Mix beef, onion, seasonings, and stock.
   • Keep mixture raw (traditional method — cooks inside pastry).
3. Assemble pies
   • Roll dough to about ⅛-inch thick.
   • Cut circles (6–7 inches).
   • Place filling on one half, leaving edges clear.
   • Fold over, crimp edges firmly, and cut a small steam hole.
4. Bake
   • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Brush pies with egg wash.
   • Bake 25–30 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
5. Cool slightly & serve
   • Let rest 5–10 minutes before eating.

Tips for Authentic Flavor

• Keep filling simple — meat, onion, seasoning
• Use butter-rich pastry
• Label pies by crimping style if making multiple fillings (a Scottish tradition!)

Variations

• Steak & gravy
• Minced beef & onion
• Chicken & leek
• Cheese & onion

If you’d like, I can also give a shortcrust shortcut, make-ahead freezer method, or vegetarian Scottish pie.