Imagine a chilly evening when the aroma of warm, cheesy comfort food fills your kitchen. These Keto Chili Cheese Hand Pies take that feeling and wrap it in a golden, low-carb crust. With rich, spicy chili inside and melted cheese oozing from every bite, these hand pies are the perfect balance of hearty and satisfying.
They’re everything you love about chili night—portable, cheesy, and keto-friendly. Whether you serve them as a snack, lunch, or dinner, these hand pies deliver all the comfort of classic home-cooked meals without the carbs that come with traditional pastry dough.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low-carb and gluten-free: Made with almond flour and cheese-based dough.
- Portable comfort food: Ideal for meal prep, snacks, or easy dinners.
- Flavor-packed filling: Savory, spicy chili with gooey cheddar cheese in every bite.
- Simple ingredients: Pantry staples that come together quickly.
- Customizable: Adjust spice levels or fillings to suit your taste.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 ½ cups almond flour
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Filling
- 1 cup ground beef or ground turkey
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ cup tomato sauce (no sugar added)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the mozzarella and cream cheese together in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth and combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together almond flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the melted cheese mixture and egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough gently on parchment paper until smooth. If it’s too sticky, refrigerate for 10–15 minutes before rolling it out.
Make the Chili Filling
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes, until thickened and flavorful. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
Assemble the Hand Pies
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the chilled dough between two sheets of parchment paper to about ¼ inch thickness.
- Use a biscuit cutter or glass to cut out circles of dough.
- Spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of the chili mixture into the center of each circle.
- Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, then press the edges with a fork to seal tightly.
- Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with a beaten egg for a glossy, golden finish (optional).
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the hand pies are golden brown and crisp.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Important Tips and Tricks
- Keep the dough cold: If it becomes too soft or sticky, chill it for 5–10 minutes. Cold dough is easier to shape and seal.
- Seal edges firmly: Use a fork to press the edges to prevent leaks during baking.
- Avoid overfilling: One tablespoon of filling per pie is ideal. Overstuffing can cause the crust to break.
- Use parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup simple.
- Adjust spice levels: Add more chili powder or jalapeños for extra heat, or reduce spices for a milder version.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
Freezing
- Place baked hand pies on a baking sheet and freeze until firm.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat directly from frozen in a preheated oven (350°F) for 10–15 minutes.
Variations
- Spicy Jalapeño: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the filling.
- Cheesy Spinach: Stir sautéed spinach and extra cheese into the chili mixture.
- Breakfast Version: Replace chili with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese for a keto breakfast pie.
- Italian Twist: Use Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and mozzarella instead of chili filling.
Benefits of the Ingredients
- Almond Flour: Low in carbs, rich in healthy fats, and a great gluten-free option.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Adds structure and stretch to the dough while providing protein and calcium.
- Ground Beef/Turkey: Packed with iron, B vitamins, and high-quality protein.
- Onion & Garlic: Boost flavor and contain antioxidants that support immunity.
- Tomato Sauce: A source of vitamins A, C, and lycopene, which supports heart health.
- Cheddar Cheese: Delivers calcium and rich cheesy flavor while keeping carbs low.
Pro Tips
- Roll dough evenly so all pies bake uniformly.
- For extra crispness, bake on the middle rack.
- Let hand pies cool for 5 minutes before serving to prevent filling from spilling out.
- Serve with sour cream, guacamole, or keto salsa for dipping.
FAQs
Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare and refrigerate the unbaked pies up to a day in advance, then bake them fresh when needed.
Is there a substitute for almond flour?
You can use coconut flour, but reduce the amount to about ½ cup since it absorbs more moisture.
Can I air fry these instead of baking?
Absolutely! Cook in the air fryer at 360°F for 10–12 minutes, turning once for even browning.
How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Make sure the chili filling cools before adding it to the dough. Hot filling can soften the crust.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cheese alternatives and coconut cream cheese substitutes.
Nutrition (Per Hand Pie – Approximate)
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 21g
- Carbs: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Net Carbs: 3g
Final Thoughts
These Keto Chili Cheese Hand Pies are everything you crave in comfort food—crispy on the outside, cheesy and savory inside, and completely guilt-free. They’re perfect for quick lunches, easy dinners, or make-ahead snacks that fit your keto lifestyle.
With simple ingredients, customizable flavors, and a dough that’s both tender and satisfying, this recipe is proof that comfort food can be healthy, hearty, and full of flavor. Warm them up on a cold day, and let every bite remind you that keto eating can be truly delicious.