Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies: 5 Hauntingly Tasty Bites

Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies are everything you want in a Halloween snack—flaky, cheesy, savory, and just creepy-cute enough to make even the pickiest eater take a bite. Whether you’re hosting a haunted house party, need a spooky dinner idea before trick-or-treating, or just love leaning into the season with festive foods (hi, kindred spirit ), these hand pies deliver big on flavor and fun.

They’re packed with spicy chorizo, melty cheese, and wrapped in a buttery, homemade pie crust that’s easier than you think. And did I mention they’re shaped like pumpkins with little cut-out faces? Yes, your inner Pinterest mom is about to do a happy dance.

So grab that pumpkin cookie cutter and let’s cook up some Halloween joy.

Why You’ll Love These Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies

✔ Perfect for Halloween parties – They’re festive, adorable, and hand-held (translation: less mess, more mingling).
✔ Full of bold, comforting flavors – The combo of chorizo, minced pork, paprika, and cheese = ultimate fall comfort food.
✔ Make-ahead magic – You can prep everything the day before and assemble when ready to bake.
✔ Kid AND adult approved – Even picky eaters can’t resist a smiling pumpkin filled with cheesy meat goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pie Dough:

• 16 oz all-purpose flour (about 4 cups)
• 1 heaping tsp sea salt
• 6 oz unsalted butter, chilled and cubed (1 ½ sticks)
• ½ cup chilled water (plus 2–3 tbsp if needed)
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

For the Chorizo Filling:

• 9 oz ground chorizo (beef is the best )
• 10 oz minced Beef (or substitute chicken, or turkey)
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional but fabulous)
• Salt to taste

For Assembly:

• 6 oz Oaxaca cheese, shredded
• 6 oz Manchego cheese, shredded
• Water (for sealing pies)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

How to Make Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies

1. Make the Pie Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together your flour and salt. Add the cold butter and work it into the flour using your fingers (or a food processor if you’re fancy like that) until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Mix ¼ cup chilled water with the egg and vinegar. Pour this into the flour-butter mixture, stirring gently with your hands or a fork. Add more water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together—not too sticky, but not crumbly either.

Form it into a disc, wrap it up, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight if you’re a planner).

2. Cook That Flavor-Packed Filling

Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high. Add your onion with a touch of oil and sauté until soft. Then add chorizo, minced beef , paprika, garlic, cayenne (if using), and a pinch of salt.

Break it all up with your spoon and let it sizzle until everything is fully cooked—about 15–20 minutes. Taste for seasoning, drain the extra oil, and pop it in the fridge to cool.

Tip: This filling is ridiculously good in tacos if you “accidentally” make too much.

3. Roll, Cut, and Get Creative

Roll out your chilled dough to about 3mm thick on a floured surface. Use a 4-inch pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes. You should get around 30 pumpkins total—15 for the bottoms, 15 for the tops.

Using small cutters or a paring knife, carve little spooky faces into half the pumpkin shapes. Think jack-o’-lantern smiles, triangle eyes, or even vampire fangs if you’re feeling wild.

4. Stuff and Seal

On each uncut pumpkin shape, add a layer of shredded cheese and a generous spoonful of chilled chorizo filling. Brush the edges with water, then gently place one of your carved pumpkin tops over the filling and press to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork.

The dough is forgiving, so if your shapes aren’t perfect—no worries! The rustic look is very “haunted farmhouse chic.”

5. Bake to Golden, Flaky Perfection

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Arrange your spooky hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with egg wash and bake for 20–30 minutes until golden brown and slightly puffed.

Let them cool for a few minutes (if you can wait!), then serve warm and watch them disappear like ghosts.

Tips for Hauntingly Good Hand Pies

• Chill everything – Cold dough = flaky crust. If your kitchen runs warm, pop your dough and even your filling back in the fridge while you work.
• No pumpkin cutter? Use a large round cutter and draw lines to mimic pumpkin ridges with a butter knife.
• Use what you have – If Oaxaca or Manchego aren’t in your cheese drawer, swap in mozzarella, pepper jack, or cheddar. Spooky doesn’t mean fussy.

This Recipe in My Kitchen

This one came about during a chilly October afternoon when my kids were insisting on something “spooky but yummy.” I had some leftover chorizo, a rogue block of manchego, and pie dough begging to be used—and boom, the spooky chorizo hand pie was born.

Now it’s become a Halloween tradition in our home. Every year, we try to outdo ourselves with sillier, scarier pumpkin faces (and let’s be honest, some are more Picasso than perfect). But that’s the fun, isn’t it?

FAQs About Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies

Make This Halloween Deliciously Spooky

Whether you’re a Halloween superfan or just here for the snacks, Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies are the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table—costumes optional, but highly encouraged.

They’re warm, flaky, a little bit spicy, and loaded with cheesy goodness in every bite. Plus, there’s something kind of magical about biting into a smiling jack-o’-lantern and getting a burst of chorizo heaven.

So go ahead, get spooky in the kitchen. I promise it’s the kind of “boo” your tastebuds will thank you for.

Want more delicious recipes like this? Follow along at Chicken Magic Recipes and let’s make everyday meals a little more magical.

More Frightfully Delicious Ideas You’ll Love

Looking for more spine-tingling snacks and cozy fall dishes to round out your spooky season spread? Here are a few magical bites and comforting treats that pair perfectly with your Spooky Chorizo Hand Pies:

• Keep the Halloween spirit alive with these Ghost Taco Hand Pies—adorably eerie and just as flavorful, they’re perfect for a themed party table or a kid-approved spooky snack.
• Hosting a crowd? This Pumpkin Cheese Ball is a festive appetizer that’ll disappear faster than a witch at dawn.
• Craving more pumpkin + protein combos? Cozy up with this hearty Pumpkin Chicken Meatballs in Sage Cream Sauce for a fall dinner your whole family will love.
• And for a sweet treat after all that savory goodness, don’t miss Milk Bar Hilly’s Pumpkin Caramel Pie—a showstopping dessert that tastes like autumn on a plate.

Add these to your Halloween recipe rotation and you’ve got yourself one spellbinding menu.

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