If you’re on the hunt for a vegetarian appetizer that’s delightfully flaky, creamy inside, and a little bit fancy without the fuss, Hearts of Palm Hand Pies are a total showstopper! These golden, two-bite pastries deliver a savory, tangy, and subtly herby filling, all wrapped up in buttery puff pastry. Whether you’re looking to impress friends at a party or just treat yourself to a cozy snack, this irresistible recipe puts hearts of palm in the spotlight in the most delicious way. Trust me: you’ll want to make these again and again!

Hearts of Palm Hand Pies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in these Hearts of Palm Hand Pies is carefully chosen to strike a mouthwatering balance of flavors and textures, and luckily, you don’t need anything fancy. Here’s what goes into each savory little pocket and why you shouldn’t skip a single component!

Hearts of Palm: The star ingredient! These tender, mild veggies deliver a delicate bite that pairs gorgeously with creamy and cheesy flavors.
Cream Cheese: Adds luxurious creaminess, helping bind the filling together while keeping it moist and luscious.
Dijon Mustard: The secret tangy kick! Dijon brings a gentle sharpness that balances the richer cheeses beautifully.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parm brings umami depth and a hint of nuttiness to each bite.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of green parsley not only adds herby freshness but also brightens things up visually.
Garlic Powder: Gives a subtle savory note, ensuring the filling is never bland.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and pulling all the filling flavors together—taste and adjust!
Puff Pastry: Store-bought or homemade, it’s the shortcut to irresistibly flaky hand pies with almost zero effort.
Egg (for Egg Wash): Brushing the tops ensures a glossy, golden finish that just begs to be bitten into.

How to Make Hearts of Palm Hand Pies

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by making the dreamy, savory mixture that makes these Hearts of Palm Hand Pies truly unforgettable. In a medium bowl, mix the chopped hearts of palm, softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, Parmesan, fresh parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything comes together into a scoopable, creamy filling—your kitchen will already smell irresistible at this point!

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Puff Pastry

Lightly flour your work surface and gently roll out your sheet of thawed puff pastry just a bit to smooth out creases and ensure even thickness. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry into 6 equal rectangles—no need for perfection, rustic is charming!

Step 3: Fill and Shape the Hand Pies

On one half of each rectangle, spoon a generous mound of the hearts of palm filling, leaving a border around the edge. Carefully fold the other half over to create a pocket, then use a fork to crimp and seal the edges so that creamy goodness won’t escape in the oven.

Step 4: Egg Wash and Vent

Transfer the shaped hand pies to your prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg for that signature golden color, then use a sharp knife to cut a small slit in the top of each one—this helps steam escape so your Hearts of Palm Hand Pies bake up perfectly crisp and flaky.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Pop your hand pies in a 400°F oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until they’re puffed up and deeply golden. Let them cool slightly (if you can wait!), then serve warm. Each bite delivers creamy, cheesy filling wrapped in shatteringly crisp pastry… I dare you to eat just one!

How to Serve Hearts of Palm Hand Pies

Garnishes

A scatter of chopped fresh parsley or dill adds a bright pop of color and a fresh aroma that complements the warm, golden pastries. For special occasions, a light dusting of extra grated Parmesan as soon as the hand pies come out of the oven looks and tastes divine!

Side Dishes

Served as an appetizer, Hearts of Palm Hand Pies shine alongside a simple mixed greens salad tossed with a sharp vinaigrette. For a cocktail party, pair them with a vibrant dipping sauce like herbed Greek yogurt or a tangy tomato chutney to balance the buttery richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile the hand pies on a wooden board with little ramekins of dipping sauce, or nestle them in a basket lined with a pretty napkin for a cozy, rustic vibe. Mini hand pie versions made with smaller rectangles are adorable for hors d’oeuvres, and you can even tuck them into a picnic basket for a delightful portable snack!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the cooled Hearts of Palm Hand Pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days—just be sure to reheat before serving for the best texture!

Freezing

These hand pies are perfect freezer fare! After assembling but before baking, arrange them on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra few minutes of baking time to ensure they’re hot and golden throughout.

Reheating

For the dreamiest texture, reheat the hand pies in a 350°F oven for about 8–10 minutes until warmed through and the pastry is crisp again. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy—crispy is key for full enjoyment!

FAQs

Can I use fresh hearts of palm instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just be sure to cook and cool them before chopping. Fresh hearts of palm bring a slightly firmer texture, but they work beautifully in these hand pies.

How do I make these Hearts of Palm Hand Pies vegan?

For a vegan riff, swap in your favorite dairy-free cream cheese, vegan Parmesan-style cheese, and skip the egg wash. Brush the pastry with plant milk for a bit of gloss—it works like a charm!

What other herbs can I use in the filling?

If you’re not a parsley fan, fresh chives, dill, or tarragon are all fabulous. Feel free to customize with what’s in your fridge or herb garden.

Can I prep Hearts of Palm Hand Pies ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the hand pies a day ahead and refrigerate them, covered, until ready to bake. Or, freeze them unbaked for even longer make-ahead magic.

What’s the best way to serve Hearts of Palm Hand Pies at a party?

Warm on a platter with a couple of brightly colored dips—they’re always a hit and so easy for guests to pick up and enjoy. Garnish with herbs for an extra festive touch!

Final Thoughts

Bursting with creamy hearts of palm goodness inside buttery pastry, these Hearts of Palm Hand Pies are comfort food with an elegant twist. Whether baked for a get-together or a treat-yourself snack, they’re sure to make any day feel a little more special. Give them a try—you’ll fall in love with every bite!

Hearts of Palm Hand Pies Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 hand pies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Hearts of Palm Hand Pies are a delightful savory snack or appetizer. A flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy mixture of hearts of palm, cream cheese, and Parmesan, these hand pies are bursting with flavor and perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling:

1 can (14 oz) hearts of palm, drained and chopped
1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Other:

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the filling: In a bowl, combine hearts of palm, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the hand pies: Roll out the puff pastry, cut into rectangles, spoon filling onto half of each piece, fold over, seal with a fork, brush with egg wash, and vent the tops.
Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.