If you’ve been looking for a delightful and surprisingly fresh twist on a classic hand pie, then this Hearts of Palm Hand Pies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These savory little pockets combine a flaky, buttery crust with a creamy, flavorful filling that bursts with the subtle tang and tender texture of hearts of palm. Perfect for an appetizer, snack, or light meal, they bring a unique taste and a touch of elegance to any table. Once you make these, they’re bound to become a beloved staple in your kitchen repertoire, impressing friends and family with every crisp, satisfying bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the key to making these hearts of palm hand pies truly shine. Each element has a role, from the richness of the cheeses that add creaminess and depth, to the cold butter that ensures a perfectly flaky crust, and the aromatic herbs and spices that bring everything to life.
- Hearts of palm (1 can, drained and chopped): The star of the filling, offering a mild, tender texture with a subtle sweetness.
- Cream cheese (1 cup, softened): Adds luscious creaminess and helps bind the filling.
- Mozzarella cheese (½ cup, shredded): Melts beautifully for gooey, melty goodness.
- Parmesan cheese (¼ cup, grated): Brings a savory, umami kick to the mix.
- Fresh parsley (1 tbsp, chopped, optional): Adds a fresh herbal brightness.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): A punch of savory flavor without overpowering.
- Onion powder (1 tsp): Enhances the depth of the filling.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Forms the base of a tender, flaky crust.
- Salt (1 tsp): Heightens the dough’s flavor subtly.
- Sugar (1 tsp): Just enough to balance the dough.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, cold and cubed): Creates layers in the crust for flakiness.
- Ice water (4-6 tbsp): Helps bring the dough together without melting the butter.
- Egg (1, beaten, for egg wash): Gives the pies a gorgeous, golden sheen when baked.
- Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish): A final flourish to elevate presentation and aroma.
How to Make Hearts of Palm Hand Pies Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by combining your dry ingredients—flour, salt, and sugar—in a food processor. Adding cold butter and pulsing creates that essential coarse crumb texture which is the foundation of a flaky crust. Slowly add ice water to bring everything together, making sure not to overwork the dough, so it remains tender and light.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Once the dough forms a cohesive ball, wrap it into a disk and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial because it firms up the butter again, helping the hand pies develop that irresistible flaky texture when baked.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, mix the chopped hearts of palm with cream cheese and a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Season everything with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to achieve a savory filling that’s creamy and rich but balanced with the fresh note from optional parsley.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
With your oven preheated to 375°F (190°C), roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface until it’s about a quarter of an inch thick. Use a round cutter to create circles that will become each individual pie. This step is where the vision starts to come alive, turning simple dough into cute, pocket-sized delights.
Step 5: Assemble the Hand Pies
Place a spoonful of the hearts of palm filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and press the edges firmly to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork—not only to secure the filling but also to add that charming, homemade look.
Step 6: Bake
Before baking, brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden, glossy exterior. Transfer the hand pies to a parchment-lined baking sheet and let the oven work its magic for 20 to 25 minutes until they turn irresistibly golden brown and smell simply heavenly.
Step 7: Serve
Allow the hand pies to cool for a few minutes to set up perfectly, then garnish with fresh herbs if you like. These are best enjoyed warm, with that delightful contrast of flaky crust against creamy, flavorful filling inside.
How to Serve Hearts of Palm Hand Pies Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika can bring an extra pop of color and flavor to your hearts of palm hand pies. A light drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of aioli on the side also complements the creamy cheese filling beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these hand pies with a crisp green salad for a light meal or alongside roasted vegetables for a heartier spread. A tangy tomato salsa or a bright chimichurri can add a fresh contrast to the rich pies, creating a balanced and exciting plate every time.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve hearts of palm hand pies on a charming wooden board or a vibrant ceramic platter for a rustic feel. For parties, arrange them with mini skewers and place small bowls of dipping sauces nearby to encourage mingling and snacking. You can also experiment by cutting dough circles into different sizes for bite-sized versions perfect for cocktail hours.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover hearts of palm hand pies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping them chilled preserves the texture and flavor, making them easy to enjoy as a quick snack or light lunch later on.
Freezing
You can freeze these hand pies before baking by assembling them and placing on a tray lined with parchment paper. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to two months. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to ensure they cook through perfectly.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the hand pies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisp again on the outside. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the crust flaky rather than soggy, preserving that satisfying crunch you love.
FAQs
Can I use fresh hearts of palm instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh hearts of palm will bring an even more vibrant flavor and firmer texture, but be sure to chop them finely and adjust moisture in the filling as needed to maintain the right consistency.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute the cream cheese and cheeses with vegan alternatives, use a plant-based butter for the crust, and replace the egg wash with a brush of plant milk or olive oil to maintain that golden finish.
Can I bake these hand pies in advance for a party?
You can bake them ahead of time and gently reheat before serving. They hold up well chilled and reheat quickly in the oven, making them a great make-ahead appetizer option.
What can I serve with these for a complete meal?
A fresh salad, maybe with citrus vinaigrette, or a light soup pairs wonderfully. The richness of the hand pies balances nicely with bright, crisp accompaniments for a satisfying meal.
How do I prevent the dough from becoming tough?
Be sure to handle the dough gently and keep the butter cold throughout the process. Chill the dough before rolling and avoid overworking to maintain a tender, flaky crust every time.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Hearts of Palm Hand Pies Recipe enough for anyone who loves combining creativity with comforting flavors. They are surprisingly simple to make, endlessly adaptable, and absolutely delicious, making them a true crowd-pleaser. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of these delightful pies. I promise once you try them, you’ll be making these beauties again and again!
Print
Hearts of Palm Hand Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful Hearts of Palm Hand Pies featuring a creamy, cheesy filling wrapped in a buttery, flaky pastry. Perfect as an appetizer or light snack, these hand pies combine the mild flavor of hearts of palm with a blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese for a savory treat baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 can (14 oz) hearts of palm, drained and chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 4–6 tablespoons ice water
For Finishing:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the dough: In a food processor, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold butter cubes and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing after each addition until the dough just comes together.
- Chill the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a disk. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up the dough and develop flakiness.
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the chopped hearts of palm, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well mixed.
- Roll out the dough: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough out to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a 3-4 inch round cutter to cut out circles of dough.
- Assemble the hand pies: Place 1-2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly and crimp with a fork to seal completely.
- Bake: Brush the tops of the hand pies with beaten egg to achieve a golden, glossy finish. Arrange the pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Allow the hand pies to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve warm or at room temperature for a delicious savory treat.
Notes
- Ensure the butter stays cold throughout the dough-making process to achieve a flaky crust.
- You can substitute cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free version.
- Chilling the dough before rolling is crucial for easy handling and better texture.
- Adjust seasoning in the filling to taste, adding more garlic or onion powder if preferred.
- These hand pies can be made ahead and frozen before baking; bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
