If you’re on the lookout for a delightful, savory treat that’s both unique and comforting, then this Hearts of Palm Hand Pies Recipe is exactly what you need on your kitchen radar. These golden, flaky hand pies filled with a creamy, flavorful hearts of palm mixture are as stunning as they are delicious. They offer the perfect balance of texture and taste, making them irresistible whether you serve them as an appetizer, a light lunch, or a party snack. Trust me, once you try this dish, you’ll want to make it again and again—it’s that good!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Hearts of Palm Hand Pies Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that effortlessly come together to create complex flavors and a gorgeous presentation. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the savory richness of cream cheese to the flaky, buttery texture of the puff pastry dough.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps soften the onions beautifully.
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped: Provides a sweet, aromatic base for the filling.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers a gentle kick of savory depth that elevates the flavor.
- 1 can (14 oz) hearts of palm, drained and chopped: The star ingredient, delivering a tender, slightly nutty texture perfect for the filling.
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened: Brings creaminess and richness that bind the filling together.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy, slightly spicy note that brightens the entire pie.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a warm, smoky undertone without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring every component into perfect harmony.
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed: The flaky, buttery crust that holds the filling with a delicate crunch.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): Gives the hand pies an irresistible golden glow once baked.
How to Make Hearts of Palm Hand Pies Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. This step releases the onion’s natural sweetness, forming a flavorful foundation for the filling. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to awaken its fragrance without letting it brown.
Step 2: Cook the Hearts of Palm
Next, stir in the chopped hearts of palm and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. This gentle cooking helps meld their delicate texture with the sautéed aromatics while slightly reducing excess moisture. Then, remove the skillet from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly—this keeps the cream cheese from melting prematurely when combined.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
Transfer the sautéed mixture to a bowl and add the softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until the ingredients are thoroughly combined into a creamy, flavorful filling that’s ready to be tucked into the pastry.
Step 4: Shape the Hand Pies
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry into a smooth rectangle. Cut the sheet into 8 equal rectangles—each will become a hand pie. Spoon a generous dollop of the filling onto one side of each rectangle, leaving about a half-inch border free. Fold the other half over to cover the filling, and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal, ensuring none of the filling escapes during baking.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the sealed hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash, which will give them a glossy, golden finish once baked. Pop them into a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until they puff up and develop a beautiful golden brown color. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving—this short pause allows the filling to set perfectly inside.
How to Serve Hearts of Palm Hand Pies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives on top of your Hearts of Palm Hand Pies Recipe to add a fresh pop of color and an herbaceous lift. A light drizzle of a tangy aioli or a subtle garlic yogurt dip on the side complements the smoky paprika and creamy filling beautifully.
Side Dishes
These hand pies pair wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or a vibrant tomato and cucumber salad. The freshness of the veggies balances the rich, flaky pies, making the entire meal bright and satisfying. For a heartier touch, roasted root vegetables or a bowl of warm soup can accompany these pies perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special gatherings, serve the Hearts of Palm Hand Pies Recipe on a rustic wooden board surrounded by colorful dipping sauces—think pesto, caramelized onion chutney, or a smoky chipotle mayo. You can also use mini muffin tins to bake smaller versions, making bite-sized appetizers that guests can enjoy without utensils.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be rare with these tasty hand pies), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They maintain their flavor wonderfully, and the flaky crust stays impressively crisp when reheated properly.
Freezing
This Hearts of Palm Hand Pies Recipe freezes like a charm. Simply arrange the unbaked hand pies on a baking tray in a single layer and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months. This way you can enjoy fresh-baked pies anytime you crave them.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the pies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through and the crust regains its crispiness. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that perfect flaky texture intact.
FAQs
Can I make these vegan?
Absolutely! Use plant-based cream cheese and swap the egg wash for a brush of non-dairy milk or olive oil. The hand pies will still be just as flaky and flavorful.
What can I substitute for hearts of palm?
If you don’t have hearts of palm on hand, artichoke hearts or white asparagus can make a delicious alternative, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
Can I use homemade pastry dough?
Yes! If you’re up for it, homemade puff pastry or even a flaky pie dough will work brilliantly. Just make sure it’s chilled before shaping to get those glorious layers.
How spicy is this recipe?
The smoked paprika adds warmth and depth without much heat, so this recipe is mild and approachable for all palates. You can always add a pinch of cayenne if you like a little kick.
Can these be made ahead for a party?
Definitely. You can prepare the pies up to the point of baking and freeze them. Then bake fresh right before serving for the best taste and texture at your event.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly joyful about biting into a warm, flaky hand pie filled with creamy, savory hearts of palm goodness. This Hearts of Palm Hand Pies Recipe is a fantastic way to impress your friends and family with minimal effort but maximum flavor. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite savory snack that shines at any meal or gathering.
Print
Hearts of Palm Hand Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 hand pies
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and savory Hearts of Palm Hand Pies featuring a creamy, flavorful filling wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these vegetarian hand pies combine sautéed hearts of palm with cream cheese, garlic, and smoked paprika for a satisfying meatless treat.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) hearts of palm, drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Sauté onions and garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook hearts of palm: Stir in the chopped hearts of palm and cook for 2 to 3 minutes to combine flavors and warm through. Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine the sautéed hearts of palm mixture with softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to create a creamy, flavorful filling.
- Prepare the puff pastry: On a floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry if needed and cut it into 8 equal rectangles.
- Assemble hand pies: Place a spoonful of the filling onto one side of each pastry rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges. Fold the pastry over the filling, creating a pocket, and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal.
- Apply egg wash and bake: Transfer the hand pies to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash to achieve a beautiful golden glaze. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes or until the hand pies are puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the hand pies cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Serve these hand pies warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
- For added freshness, include chopped herbs such as parsley or chives in the filling.
- To make a vegan version, substitute cream cheese with plant-based alternatives and omit the egg wash or use non-dairy milk to brush the pastry.
