‘Tis the season for flaky pastry and fluffy potato tops — combat the chill with these warming pie recipes.
Does any bite rival the warmth supplied by a simple pie?
There’s so much to love — from the crisp encasing pastry to the rich, savoury filling and the aromatic
In this recipe collection, you’ll find a wide range of offerings. Think retro-inspired servings of steak and oysters, cheesy sauces and plant-based potato tops. Each will keep you feeling toasty (and prepare you for the chill outdoors).
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/NEFAUQFVOTEX743ROM4GCGV3PA.jpg?auth=401457b77a34dfdff10b2b3b7846814e14f32f8f9eb47b0a9aa7d5a8d715ca41&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
This luscious, tender chicken pie is a bastion of comfort. The addition of corn creates a hint of sweetness.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/XHJARSRQBHFQ7O4EAKL6KHSIOM.jpg?auth=4d2e2eafb6e1a5c32f9ce2f8548fae7167b787530fa456affc01af7eee9244b6&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
This meat pie is enriched with a glug of dark stout and a sprinkle of herbs.
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Advertise with NZME.![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/NPMNEYN2TJKIA7JVT6FDHC2RAI.jpg?auth=09f97ffe7093f8247450426ec7755abb8de557df2d53956c88d5b997231e3d72&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
This recipe substitutes a potato topping for mashed kūmara, creating a sweet, fluffy layer atop flaky fish.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/7KON52SMDHNWKFK5JI43BWGOEY.jpg?auth=09aea672be41d1c0222424dd35cd38a3e4ae35de55d385e2566c1914e2472839&width=16&height=12&quality=70&smart=true)
The treatish filling of these single-serving pies is slow-cooked, infusing the distinct flavours of garlic, orange zest and red wine.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/B42SCMJEXE2YQ2GHHYJB735ENU.jpg?auth=a41b5e0dc9466a1033343d00f577385ef6520dedfdcb65f9a24c959a006d020e&width=16&height=12&quality=70&smart=true)
Complex flavour is drawn from various aromatics in this hefty sausage pie (think garlic, celery and mixed herbs).
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/N5KTI7GFDZDRBMHFMK37EOOM7Y.jpg?auth=5e0d278a00031e59277c950f02774d51347940941cdbab27bf56a1c11158ccb4&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
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Advertise with NZME.Flaky and buttery filo encompasses this savoury mix of feta and spinach. Serve with your preferred punchy chutney.
![](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/WTLPOBGAYVDT7LQY2LM3CNSGNQ.jpg?auth=add55e701f625bd16189a0e62b48c2ec585651b59993bafc6aca964211566b47&width=16&height=22&quality=70&smart=true)
This recipe from British chef Rick Stein skips the fuss of a full crust and sees the smoky fish filling topped with puff pastry.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/WPLJ6OBC5QO3L7TS4JO3PBDXSY.jpg?auth=a5ea4613fd289a90c84bba15f91fa89fc421149d2cdab8e35792340570838bac&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
This bite-sized pie will be a welcome canape for a party. Bacon adds a salty bite, while brie produces a creamy texture and rich flavour.
![](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/MGJC3637T5GLP7JOXF7CE227W4.jpg?auth=abd92e0701c6c017063ed3c0dcbea5a8b197fac0f61876c26a153ae30de728b9&width=16&height=13&quality=70&smart=true)
Annabel Langbein shares the recipe for this decadent bacon and chicken pie, topped with rosemary-tinged ‘dumplings’.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/L724JBLDVNO22FUMA26AFXIAIY.jpg?auth=7cd3a7a2496851075f2074c5d00956cffb3846151eb0f6f86220ad918ef5082f&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Mushrooms are an under-rated pie-filling — they supply caramelised and umami notes for a satisfying savoury stew. In this single-serving pie, the vegetable is paired with lamb steak.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/QFVECE2S5KHTWHODMFRZIKIS5E.jpg?auth=22167e42e09452c560090082a4d8b01bca1bb62e0a56d96b9ac1310b9592824b&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Fennel fills this vibrant fish pie with a licorice-like flavour, while a kūmara topping supplies sweet, earthy flavour.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/J3KJN6QTEWKTDT5H35H5A6QNO4.jpg?auth=6263ca6ea75d6ccf0498b4fff1aa1afc81b79af16d9bbdf0add0ccdb1caeae75&width=16&height=13&quality=70&smart=true)
Dried thyme, garlic, carrot and celery create a complex profile for this saucy venison pie.
![Photo / Eleanor Ozich](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/DH7DBT2HFPOVIYB3MECEMS7KRA.jpg?auth=3cec597f3891eca820f9ccdd8a39d6b571fac54c242be90eccfc669fd1ef73a3&width=16&height=13&quality=70&smart=true)
These simple hand pies are vegetarian-friendly, with a cauliflower and cheese filling and tangy sour cream pastry.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/TQGW73N7LDIUVAW66SWRSGNKUQ.jpg?auth=d6784ed011ea80dc0f9677baa587f2214a694325699a54575fd7a100c75494f7&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
This plant-based pie draws savoury flavour from garlic, mushroom, vegetable stock and miso paste (while a potato topping replaces pastry).
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/TWXADVVY63PRR4HB255MJ3CFMM.jpg?auth=0ab7859e33fb5c740ffe81b466cba4fdec869d1df8dc60d215721162b535486d&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
A sesame sprinkle produces a snappy crunch atop this cheesy and citrus-tinged pie.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/T45KFUCRHFEMXM7YAOSAY4N5WU.jpg?auth=79df846f09fba5a4d757968a19d0948124a31acddfc4d378101153d2ced957e7&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Make your next mid-week dinner these homemade pies, with a treatish filling of cream, tasty cheese and thyme leaves.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/X5JOUG7YSZHGHMFMOVTWIYPMRM.jpg?auth=e30a5d55a5662974d455505561786cabc03b6bbaea2415d8e7b9cda4ec36ff38&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Textural contrast abounds with the sliced potato topping of this lamb hotpot, crisped by a long oven-bake.
![Photo / Eleanor Ozich](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/HQQBTDQ575W6OTCDN374FPHJAM.jpg?auth=c524c36cd360472c91cfd03e1bbce95fef2fb51d07c00080f00c91e5fdc49686&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Subtle additions to this beef pie make the dish feel special (think smoked paprika, beef stock, thyme and fresh basil).