If you’ve been searching for a crowd-pleasing appetizer bursting with vibrant flavor and flaky pastry perfection, look no further than these irresistible Hearts of Palm Hand Pies. Delicately seasoned and filled with a medley of hearts of palm, mushrooms, and briny green olives, these portable pies achieve that beautiful balance of rich, savory filling wrapped in golden, buttery puff pastry. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a comforting snack to pair with your favorite dip, this dish promises to be an unforgettable favorite that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it blissfully simple, relying on a handful of superstar ingredients to deliver complex flavor and perfectly flaky results. Each element adds its own unique note—from the creamy tang of hearts of palm to the punchy paprika and the perfect puff of golden pastry.
- Olive oil: The base for sautéing your veggies and lending a touch of richness to the filling.
- Yellow onion (finely chopped): Sweet, aromatic, and essential for a deep, rounded flavor in every bite.
- Garlic (minced): Brings a fragrant depth that lingers gently in the background.
- Hearts of palm (drained and chopped): They’re the star of the show—tender, mild, and delightfully meaty.
- Chopped mushrooms: Offer a savory, umami punch to perk up the filling.
- Chopped green olives: Salted and bright, they provide tiny bursts of briny flavor.
- Smoked paprika: Infuses the filling with a gentle smokiness and beautiful red color.
- Dried oregano: Lends a classic herbal note that plays well with the Mediterranean flavors.
- Salt and pepper: To perfectly balance the flavors—always taste as you go.
- Tomato paste: Adds concentrated sweetness and enough acidity to round out the filling.
- Water: Loosens the tomato paste for a coating consistency.
- Puff pastry sheets (thawed): The magic behind that irresistible golden crust—make sure it’s fully thawed for easy handling.
- Egg (beaten, for egg wash): This will give your hand pies their beautiful sheen; swap for plant-based milk to make them vegan.
How to Make Hearts of Palm Hand Pies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure the pastry puffs up beautifully. While the oven does its thing, line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and stress-free pie removal later on.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a skillet over medium heat, warm up the olive oil. Sauté your chopped onion until translucent, about three minutes, and then add the minced garlic for an extra minute. This is the aromatic base that builds the savory backbone of your Hearts of Palm Hand Pies.
Step 3: Build the Filling
Add the chopped hearts of palm, mushrooms, and green olives to the pan. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are softened and everything melds together. Stir in the smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper, letting those spices bloom.
Step 4: Finish and Cool the Mixture
Mix in the tomato paste and water. Stir until the paste is evenly incorporated and the filling takes on a rich, reddish hue. Let it bubble for two more minutes, then remove from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. This cool-down time keeps your pastry crisp when filling.
Step 5: Prepare the Pastry
On a floured surface, gently roll out your thawed puff pastry sheets. Cut them into circles or squares about 4 inches wide—use a cookie cutter or small bowl for uniform shapes. The goal is to make them big enough for a hearty spoonful of filling but small enough to eat by hand.
Step 6: Fill, Fold, and Seal
Spoon a generous tablespoon of the cooled filling onto one half of each pastry piece. Fold the other half over the top to create a pocket, then press the edges closed with a fork to seal in all that goodness. Don’t be shy with the fork—really crimp those edges for a rustic look (and to prevent leaks).
Step 7: Egg Wash and Bake
Brush the tops of each hand pie with the beaten egg for that classic golden glow. If you’re making them vegan, substitute with a bit of plant-based milk. Transfer to your prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pies are puffed and deeply golden brown.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the hand pies cool on the tray for a few minutes before serving. They’ll be hot inside but utterly irresistible. Now, take in that first, flaky bite—you did it!
How to Serve Hearts of Palm Hand Pies
Garnishes
For the prettiest presentation (and a hint of extra flavor), sprinkle the freshly baked pies with a little chopped parsley, a dusting of smoked paprika, or even some flaky sea salt just before serving. Each garnish brings its own spark of color and flavor contrast to your Hearts of Palm Hand Pies.
Side Dishes
Hearts of Palm Hand Pies pair delightfully with a simple green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette or a zesty salsa for dipping. For a heartier appetizer spread, consider roasted vegetables or a small bowl of marinated beans alongside—the possibilities are endless.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your hand pies in a swirling circular pattern on a big platter, nestle them into a basket lined with tea towels for a picnic vibe, or serve each pie atop a vibrant bed of microgreens on individual plates for a more elegant touch. However you present them, Hearts of Palm Hand Pies are always a showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Hearts of Palm Hand Pies (lucky you!), wrap them tightly in foil or place in an airtight container. They’ll keep perfectly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes them a lovely make-ahead snack or lunchbox treat.
Freezing
To freeze, let the baked hand pies cool to room temperature, then arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container (or bag) separated by parchment. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 2 months—just reheat straight from frozen for convenience.
Reheating
For the crispiest finish, reheat chilled or frozen Hearts of Palm Hand Pies in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, about 10–15 minutes. If reheating from frozen, give them an extra 5 minutes. This ensures the filling heats evenly and the pastry stays golden.
FAQs
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the savory filling up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and assemble your Hearts of Palm Hand Pies right before baking for ultimate freshness and convenience.
What can I use instead of hearts of palm?
If hearts of palm aren’t available, chopped artichoke hearts or even shredded, cooked jackfruit work beautifully as substitutes. Both provide a similar tender texture and mild flavor in these hand pies.
Can I make these hand pies fully vegan?
You sure can! Just skip the egg wash and brush your pastry with a little plant-based milk instead. Make certain your puff pastry is labeled vegan, as some store-bought brands do contain butter.
My puff pastry is sticking—help!
If the pastry is sticking to your work surface, sprinkle a bit more flour underneath and on top as you roll. Work quickly so the pastry stays cool and easy to handle, which makes for beautifully crisp Hearts of Palm Hand Pies.
Do Hearts of Palm Hand Pies work as a main dish?
Definitely! Serve two or three hand pies as a vibrant vegetarian main course alongside your favorite sides. They’re hearty, filling, and can be dressed up for a special meal or kept casual for lunch.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like pulling a tray of golden, fragrant Hearts of Palm Hand Pies from the oven and sharing them with people you love. Every flaky bite is packed with color, flavor, and a little sense of adventure. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try—for a party, a simple dinner, or just because you’re craving a delicious treat!
Print
Hearts of Palm Hand Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 hand pies
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Hearts of Palm Hand Pies are a savory delight, perfect for appetizers or light meals. Filled with a flavorful mixture of hearts of palm, mushrooms, and olives, encased in flaky puff pastry, these pies are easy to make and impressive to serve.
Ingredients
Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14-ounce) can hearts of palm, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1/4 cup chopped green olives
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon water
Assembly:
- 1 package puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Sauté aromatics: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent, then add garlic and cook briefly.
- Cook filling: Add hearts of palm, mushrooms, and olives to the skillet. Season with paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir in tomato paste and water. Cook until flavors meld.
- Prepare pastry: Roll out puff pastry, cut into circles or squares. Fill one half with the vegetable mixture, fold over, and seal with a fork.
- Bake: Brush with egg wash, bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and puffed.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a vegan version, omit the egg wash or use plant-based milk instead.
- You can also substitute chopped artichoke hearts or cooked jackfruit for the hearts of palm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
