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
Scale
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.
