10/15/2026
Crispy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Cheese Hand Pies 🍤🧀
Golden, flaky, cheesy shrimp goodness—the best easy seafood appetizer!
📝 Ingredients:
For the Shrimp and Cheese Filling:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
For the Crispy Hand Pie Crust:
- 2 packages refrigerated pie crusts (4 round crusts total)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- All-purpose flour, for dusting
For the Creamy Garlic Dipping Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Extra melted garlic butter
- Fresh lemon wedges
- Creamy garlic dipping sauce
🍽️ How to Make It:
1️⃣ Prepare the Garlic Butter Shrimp Filling:
Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels and chop them into small, bite-sized pieces, leaving a few larger shrimp chunks for a beautiful seafood presentation. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the freshly minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for approximately 3–4 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley, then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. This easy garlic butter shrimp, juicy seafood filling, and restaurant-style shrimp recipe creates the perfect flavorful base for these golden hand pies!
2️⃣ Make the Creamy Cheesy Shrimp Stuffing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add the cooled garlic butter shrimp and gently fold everything together until the mixture becomes thick, creamy, and evenly combined. Make sure the shrimp pieces are generously coated with the rich cheese mixture while keeping some larger chunks intact for extra texture. Refrigerate the filling for approximately 10 minutes to help it firm up before assembling. This creamy shrimp stuffing, cheesy seafood appetizer, and ultimate comfort food combination delivers tender shrimp and gooey melted cheese in every bite!
3️⃣ Fill and Seal the Hand Pies:
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Lightly dust a clean work surface with flour and unroll the refrigerated pie crusts. Using a 5-inch round cutter or small bowl, cut the dough into circles, gathering and rerolling the scraps as needed to make approximately 12 hand pies. Place 2–3 tablespoons of the creamy shrimp filling in the center of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edges. Lightly brush the edges with water, then fold the dough over the filling to create half-moon shapes. Press the edges together firmly and crimp with a fork to seal. Cut a small slit in the top of each hand pie to allow steam to escape. These homemade shrimp hand pies, crispy cheesy seafood pockets, and easy family appetizers are ready for a beautifully golden finish!
4️⃣ Bake Until Golden, Crispy, and Cheesy:
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of the sealed hand pies evenly with the mixture. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each one. Bake in the preheated 400°F oven for approximately 20–25 minutes until the pastry becomes deeply golden brown, flaky, and crispy, with the cheesy shrimp filling hot and bubbling inside. While the hand pies bake, combine melted butter, garlic powder, and chopped parsley in a small bowl. Brush the hot pastries lightly with the garlic herb butter immediately after removing them from the oven. These golden baked shrimp pastries, flaky garlic butter pockets, and restaurant-quality seafood appetizers deliver a perfectly crispy exterior with a rich, creamy center!
5️⃣ Garnish and Serve:
Allow the freshly baked shrimp and cheese hand pies to rest for 3–5 minutes before serving. Meanwhile, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. Arrange the golden hand pies in a beautiful stack on a large white serving platter, cutting one or two in half to reveal the tender shrimp chunks and gooey melted cheese filling. Sprinkle generously with freshly chopped parsley and serve with creamy garlic dipping sauce and fresh lemon wedges. These crispy shrimp and cheese hand pies, easy seafood party snacks, and family favorite cheesy appetizers are guaranteed to disappear fast!
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Serving: 6 people
Calories: ~650 per serving | Protein: ~27g per serving
Crispy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Cheese Hand Pies 🍤🧀
