If you’re craving a savory bite that’s utterly satisfying, easy to share, and packed with flavor, you’re going to fall in love with these Hearts of Palm Hand Pies. Their flaky crust wraps around a creamy, cheesy, herby filling, making every bite a delightful surprise. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, a party snack, or a light meal, Hearts of Palm Hand Pies deliver both comfort and a touch of elegance—plus, they’re vegetarian-friendly and endlessly adaptable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Hearts of Palm Hand Pies is that you can make something truly special with just a handful of simple ingredients. Each one plays its part: the hearts of palm give a tender bite, the cheeses add creaminess and depth, and a few pantry spices lift everything to new heights.
- Hearts of palm: The star of the show; their tender, lightly tangy texture is perfect for hand pie filling.
- Cream cheese (softened): Gives the filling its signature creamy, rich base and helps everything hold together.
- Parmesan cheese (grated): Adds a salty, nutty punch that pairs beautifully with the hearts of palm.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): Brings a burst of color and a fresh, aromatic finish to the filling.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the savory notes without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- Onion powder: Adds subtle depth and a gentle, sweet undertone.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and brightening all the flavors in the mix.
- Refrigerated pie dough (2 rounds): The secret shortcut to a perfectly buttery, flaky crust every time.
- Egg (beaten, for egg wash): Gives your hand pies that gorgeous, golden sheen and helps seal the edges.
How to Make Hearts of Palm Hand Pies
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by draining and chopping your hearts of palm into small pieces—think bite-sized, so you get a bit in every mouthful. In a medium bowl, combine the hearts of palm, softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until you have a thick, creamy filling that looks flecked with green and gold. This blend is what makes Hearts of Palm Hand Pies so irresistible!
Step 2: Cut the Pie Dough
Unroll your refrigerated pie dough on a lightly floured surface. Grab a round cutter, glass, or even a sharp knife, and cut the dough into circles or squares about 3 to 4 inches wide. Each piece is going to be a tidy little parcel for your filling, so try to keep them roughly the same size for even baking.
Step 3: Fill and Shape the Hand Pies
Spoon a generous heap of the hearts of palm filling into the center of each dough piece. Fold the dough over (either into a half-moon or a neat rectangle), then use a fork to crimp and seal the edges. This not only locks all the goodness inside but also creates those charming, rustic ridges along the sides.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange your hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving them a little space to puff up as they bake. Brush the tops with beaten egg for that beautiful bakery-style shine. Slide the tray into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until the pies are golden brown and smell absolutely dreamy. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving so the filling can set.
How to Serve Hearts of Palm Hand Pies
Garnishes
To make your Hearts of Palm Hand Pies even more eye-catching, sprinkle them with a little extra chopped parsley or a grating of Parmesan just before serving. A light dusting of flaky sea salt right out of the oven is another fantastic touch for those who like a little crunch and sparkle on top.
Side Dishes
These hand pies are delicious on their own, but they also pair beautifully with crisp green salads, roasted veggies, or a bowl of tangy marinara sauce for dipping. For a party spread, try serving them alongside herbed aioli or a platter of fresh crudités for a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with presentation by arranging Hearts of Palm Hand Pies on a rustic wooden board, nestled among fresh herbs and lemon wedges. You can also stack them on a tiered platter for a dramatic appetizer display, or serve them in parchment-lined baskets for a cozy, picnic-style vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got a few hand pies left (lucky you!), cool them completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to three days and are just as tasty, if not more so, after the flavors have had time to mingle.
Freezing
Hearts of Palm Hand Pies are perfect for freezing before baking. Arrange the assembled, unbaked pies on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time for a fresh, flaky treat anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, place the pies on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. This keeps the crust crisp and the filling perfectly melty. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it can make the pastry a bit soggy.
FAQs
Can I make Hearts of Palm Hand Pies vegan?
Absolutely! Swap in your favorite dairy-free cream cheese and leave out the egg wash (or brush with plant-based milk instead). The results are just as delicious and perfect for anyone following a vegan diet.
What dipping sauces go well with these hand pies?
These pies are wonderful with classic marinara, herbed aioli, or even a tangy yogurt-based dip. The bright, creamy filling pairs especially well with anything that’s zesty or garlicky.
Can I use homemade pie dough instead of store-bought?
Definitely! If you love making pie dough from scratch, go for it. Homemade dough gives Hearts of Palm Hand Pies an even richer, more personal touch, though store-bought makes the process quick and fuss-free.
How far ahead can I assemble the pies before baking?
You can assemble Hearts of Palm Hand Pies up to a day in advance. Just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. If you’re prepping even further ahead, pop them in the freezer instead.
What’s the best way to chop hearts of palm for the filling?
Simply slice each log of hearts of palm lengthwise, then dice into small, even pieces. This ensures you get a bit of that tender, flavorful filling in every single bite of your hand pie.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a new vegetarian favorite or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these Hearts of Palm Hand Pies are sure to become a regular in your kitchen. They’re easy, elegant, and bursting with savory flavor. Give them a try and let them steal the show at your next gathering!
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Hearts of Palm Hand Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 hand pies
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and savory Hearts of Palm Hand Pies made with a creamy filling of hearts of palm, cream cheese, and Parmesan, wrapped in flaky pie dough and baked to golden perfection. These vegetarian hand pies make a perfect appetizer or snack, easy to prepare and adaptable for vegan diets.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 (14-ounce) can hearts of palm, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Dough
- 1 package refrigerated pie dough (2 rounds)
Egg Wash
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped hearts of palm, softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped fresh parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated into a creamy filling.
- Roll and Cut Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and unroll the refrigerated pie dough. Using a 3–4 inch round or square cutter or knife, cut the dough into circles or squares suitable for hand pies.
- Assemble Hand Pies: Place a spoonful of the prepared filling onto the center of each dough piece. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon or rectangle shape. Press the edges with a fork to seal the pies tightly and prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Arrange the sealed hand pies on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops of each pie with the beaten egg to give a glossy, golden finish once baked.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the hand pies for 18–22 minutes or until they turn golden brown and the crust is fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the hand pies from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with your favorite dipping sauce such as marinara or herbed aioli.
Notes
- These hand pies can be prepared in advance and frozen before baking for convenient future meals.
- For a vegan version, substitute dairy-free cream cheese and skip the egg wash or replace it with plant-based milk for brushing.
- Serve with marinara sauce or herbed aioli for dipping to enhance flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
