15 Best Pie Recipes from Around the World

Exploring the World of Pies

Pie is a universal comfort food that transcends borders and cultures. From savory to sweet, pies are celebrated worldwide for their versatility and deliciousness. Let's embark on a culinary journey to discover some of the best pie recipes from around the globe, each with its unique flavors and history.

1. American Apple Pie

No list of pies would be complete without mentioning the classic American apple pie. Known for its flaky crust and cinnamon-spiced apple filling, this pie is a staple in American households, especially during the fall season and Thanksgiving celebrations.

2. British Steak and Kidney Pie

A quintessential British dish, the steak and kidney pie offers a hearty and savory experience. Made with tender beef, kidneys, onions, and a rich gravy, all encased in a buttery crust, it's a beloved comfort food in the UK.

3. French Tarte Tatin

The French tarte tatin is an upside-down caramelized apple pie that is as elegant as it is delicious. Originating from the Loire Valley, this dessert is characterized by its glossy finish and sweet, caramelized flavors.

4. Italian Ricotta Pie

In Italy, ricotta pie is a delightful dessert often enjoyed during Easter. It features a creamy ricotta cheese filling infused with hints of citrus and vanilla, all wrapped in a delicate pastry crust.

5. Greek Spanakopita

Spanakopita is a savory Greek pie made with spinach, feta cheese, onions, and herbs, all layered between thin sheets of phyllo dough. It's a popular dish for both everyday meals and special occasions.

6. Australian Meat Pie

The Australian meat pie is a beloved snack down under. These handheld pies are packed with minced meat, gravy, onions, and sometimes mushrooms, enclosed in a flaky pastry. They're perfect for on-the-go eating.

Pies from Asia and Beyond

As we continue our journey, we delve into pies from Asia and other parts of the world, each offering unique ingredients and cultural significance.

7. Chinese Mooncake

Mooncakes are traditional Chinese pastries enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival. They typically feature a sweet filling made from red bean or lotus seed paste, surrounded by a tender crust.

8. Latin American Empanadas

Empanadas are popular across Latin America and come in both sweet and savory varieties. These half-moon-shaped pastries can be filled with ingredients like beef, chicken, cheese, or sweet fillings such as dulce de leche.

9. Moroccan Pastilla

The Moroccan pastilla is a unique pie that blends sweet and savory flavors. It usually contains spiced meat, such as pigeon or chicken, layered with almonds and cinnamon, all wrapped in crispy phyllo pastry.

10. Indian Samosa Pie

Samosa pie is an inventive take on traditional Indian samosas. This larger version combines spicy potato filling with peas and spices inside a crispy pastry shell.

Sweet Delights from Around the World

Sweet pies offer a delightful conclusion to any meal. Here are some more sweet treats that capture the essence of their cultures.

11. Canadian Butter Tart

Canadian butter tarts are known for their rich filling made with butter, sugar, syrup, and eggs baked in a flaky pastry shell. They can be enjoyed plain or with added raisins or nuts.

12. Finnish Runeberg Tart

The Runeberg tart is named after Finnish poet Johan Ludvig Runeberg and features an almond-flavored filling topped with raspberry jam and icing in a cylindrical shape.

13. Japanese Anko Pie

Anko pie is a Japanese favorite made with sweet red bean paste encased in a soft or flaky crust. It's a delightful blend of sweet and earthy flavors.

A Few More Global Favorites

To round off our list, here are two more pies that are cherished worldwide for their distinct tastes.

14. Portuguese Pastel de Nata

This Portuguese custard tart is famous for its creamy filling and crispy pastry shell. It's often sprinkled with cinnamon or powdered sugar before serving.

15. Dutch Apple Pie

The Dutch apple pie often includes raisins and is known for its lattice crust. It's typically spiced with cinnamon and served with whipped cream or ice cream.

Pies truly are a remarkable culinary delight that connects people across different cultures through flavor and tradition. Whether you prefer them sweet or savory, there's certainly a pie out there for everyone to enjoy!