Get ready to fall in love with a unique and irresistible combination: Hearts of Palm Hand Pies. These golden, flaky pockets are stuffed with a savory blend of hearts of palm, crisp veggies, aromatic herbs, and a hint of mustardy zing. Whether you’re looking for a fun new appetizer, a hearty snack, or a delicious addition to a vegetarian spread, these hand pies are sure to steal the show with their satisfying taste and irresistible texture.

Hearts of Palm Hand Pies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of vibrant, accessible ingredients help these little pies reach their full flavor potential. Each one plays a key role, adding color, crunch, or depth—making Hearts of Palm Hand Pies not only easy to assemble but also deliciously well-balanced.

Puff Pastry (1 sheet, thawed): This is your shortcut to buttery, flaky perfection and forms the golden crust around your filling.
Hearts of Palm (1 can, drained and chopped): The star ingredient! With a tender texture and a mild, slightly tangy flavor, they give the filling substance and intrigue.
Red Bell Pepper (1/2 cup, diced): Adds bright bursts of sweetness and stunning color to every bite.
Red Onion (1/4 cup, finely chopped): Brings a gentle punch and some subtle sharpness that balances the richness of the pastry.
Garlic (1 clove, minced): Infuses the filling with aromatic depth and classic savory notes.
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Sauté your veggies perfectly and add just a touch of Mediterranean flair.
Fresh Parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): A pop of green for freshness and color in the finished pies.
Dijon Mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle tang and complexity that livens up the filling.
Smoked Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Gives every bite a gentle smoky warmth.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors of your ingredients.
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough kick to bring the filling to life.
Egg (1, beaten): The traditional egg wash is your ticket to that gorgeous golden shine on top.

How to Make Hearts of Palm Hand Pies

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this step makes for easy clean-up and ensures your Hearts of Palm Hand Pies don’t stick as they bake to perfection.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced red onion and red bell pepper, sautéing them for about 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute to let that lovely aroma bloom.

Step 3: Make the Filling

To the skillet, stir in the chopped hearts of palm, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and that fresh parsley. Mix well and let everything warm together for another 2–3 minutes. The filling should be aromatic and moist, but not watery. Take it off the heat and let it cool slightly—this prevents the pastry from getting soggy.

Step 4: Shape the Hand Pies

Roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into 4–6 even rectangles or circles, depending on your preferred shape. Spoon the cooled filling onto one half of each piece, making sure to leave a border for sealing.

Step 5: Fold and Seal

Gently fold the other half of the pastry over the filling. Use a fork to seal the edges—the classic crimp adds charm while keeping all that delicious flavor bundled up inside. For extra flair, use the tines to make little ridges all the way around.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place your hand pies on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops generously with the beaten egg—this gives the pies their irresistible, shimmery finish. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until puffed and perfectly golden. Let them cool a few minutes before serving—you want the pastry to set and the filling to shine.

How to Serve Hearts of Palm Hand Pies

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped herbs, a touch of flaky sea salt, or a dusting of smoked paprika on top can really make your Hearts of Palm Hand Pies pop. For a fresh note, add extra parsley or even a little grated lemon zest right before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair your warm hand pies with a fresh green salad, some crunchy pickled vegetables, or even a bowl of tomato soup. These sides bring out the savoriness of the pies and turn snack time into a full, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Hearts of Palm Hand Pies in a basket lined with a linen napkin for a picnic vibe, or stack them on a platter with small bowls of dipping sauces like garlic aioli, spicy ketchup, or herby yogurt dip. Mini versions on cocktail sticks are perfect for parties too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra pies (unlikely, but possible!), let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, tasting just as good as day one.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange cooled hand pies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. This way, your Hearts of Palm Hand Pies won’t stick together and can be pulled out individually as needed for a quick snack or appetizer.

Reheating

For best texture, reheat hand pies in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes until hot and crisp again. The microwave works in a pinch, but that oven magic brings the puff pastry back to life!

FAQs

Can I use homemade pastry instead of store-bought puff pastry?

Absolutely! If you love making pastry from scratch, go for it—the hand pies will be even more special. Just be sure to roll the dough thin enough for proper baking and flakiness.

How can I make Hearts of Palm Hand Pies vegan?

It couldn’t be easier. Use a dairy-free (vegan) puff pastry, skip the egg wash, and brush the tops with a bit of plant-based milk or olive oil instead. The filling is already plant-based!

Will the hand pies taste good at room temperature?

Yes! These beauties are delicious warm or at room temperature, making them ideal for potlucks, lunch boxes, or picnics where reheating isn’t an option.

Can I add cheese to the filling?

Definitely. A sprinkle of crumbled feta or some shredded cheese adds an extra layer of richness and tang that pairs beautifully with the tender hearts of palm and veggies.

What other vegetables can I add to the filling?

Get creative! Swap or supplement the red pepper and onion with sautéed mushrooms, chopped spinach, or even olives for a Mediterranean twist. Just be mindful of moisture—extra-wet fillings can make the pastry soggy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to impress with something utterly delicious, easy, and a bit unexpected, give these Hearts of Palm Hand Pies a try. They’re a true crowd-pleaser—perfect for parties, light meals, or just because you deserve a treat!

Hearts of Palm Hand Pies Recipe

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4.5 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4–6 hand pies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Hearts of Palm Hand Pies are a delightful and savory vegetarian appetizer or snack. Flaky puff pastry encases a flavorful filling of hearts of palm, red bell pepper, onion, and aromatic seasonings, creating a perfect handheld treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Puff Pastry:

1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)

Filling:

1 can (14 oz) hearts of palm (drained and chopped)
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1 clove garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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.
Sauté vegetables: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté red onion and red bell pepper until slightly softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Add hearts of palm: Stir in hearts of palm, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley. Cook for a few more minutes, then let cool slightly.
Prepare pastry: Roll out puff pastry and cut into equal rectangles or circles. Spoon filling onto one half, fold over, and seal edges.
Bake: Brush with beaten egg, place on baking sheet, and bake for 18–22 minutes until golden and crisp. Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Best served warm or at room temperature.
You can add feta or cheese to the filling if desired.
For a vegan version, use dairy-free puff pastry and skip the egg wash or use plant-based milk.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Fusion