Make a creamy hearts of palm pie with a flaky crust and savory filling. This comforting Brazilian-inspired recipe is perfect for lunch, dinner, or brunch.

Creamy Hearts of Palm Pie is a comforting savory dish with a tender, buttery crust and a rich, creamy filling made with hearts of palm, onions, garlic, herbs, and a velvety sauce.

Hearts of palm have a delicate texture and mild flavor, making them a wonderful ingredient for savory pies. When combined with a creamy filling and baked inside a golden crust, they create a satisfying meal that feels both homemade and special.

This pie is especially popular in Brazilian-style cooking, where hearts of palm are often used in savory pies and pastries. It can be served warm for dinner, sliced for lunch, or enjoyed at room temperature for brunch or gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy and flavorful filling
Golden, flaky crust
Delicious vegetarian main dish
Simple ingredients
Great for lunch, dinner, or brunch
Can be prepared ahead of time
Easy to customize with vegetables and cheese

Ingredients

For the Crust

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 large egg
3–5 tablespoons ice-cold water

For the Creamy Hearts of Palm Filling

2 cans (14 oz each) hearts of palm, drained and sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium tomato, diced
1/2 cup green peas, optional
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1/2 cup cream or heavy cream
1/2 cup cream cheese, optional
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped green onions, optional
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional

For the Egg Wash

1 egg
1 tablespoon water

How to Make Creamy Hearts of Palm Pie

1. Prepare the Crust

In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.

Add the cold butter and work it into the flour using your fingertips or a pastry cutter. Stop when the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some small pieces of butter still visible.

Add the egg and mix gently.

Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, just until the dough comes together.

Don’t overwork the dough. A few visible pieces of butter can help create a flaky texture.

Form the dough into a disk, wrap it, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Hearts of Palm

Drain the hearts of palm thoroughly.

Slice them into small rounds or roughly chop them into bite-sized pieces.

If they are packed in a strong-tasting liquid, you can briefly rinse them and drain well before using.

3. Cook the Filling

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes until softened.

Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Add the diced tomato and cook until it softens and some of its moisture evaporates.

Add the sliced hearts of palm and peas if using.

Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and oregano.

Cook for several minutes, stirring gently so the hearts of palm maintain some of their texture.

4. Make It Creamy

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetable mixture and stir well.

Cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.

Gradually pour in the milk while stirring continuously.

Add the cream and continue stirring until the sauce thickens.

If you’re using cream cheese, add it now and stir until completely incorporated.

The filling should be creamy and thick rather than watery.

Remove from the heat and stir in the parsley, green onions, and Parmesan if using.

Taste and adjust the seasoning.

Allow the filling to cool for several minutes before assembling the pie.

5. Roll Out the Dough

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Divide the chilled dough into two portions, with one portion slightly larger than the other.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the larger piece until it is large enough to cover the bottom and sides of your pie dish.

Carefully transfer the dough into a 9-inch pie dish.

Gently press it into the bottom and sides without stretching the dough.

Trim any excess around the edges.

6. Add the Filling

Spoon the cooled hearts of palm filling into the crust.

Spread it evenly using the back of a spoon.

Avoid filling the pie while the mixture is extremely hot, as excessive heat can make the crust soft before baking.

7. Add the Top Crust

Roll out the remaining dough and place it over the filling.

Press the edges together to seal the pie.

Trim away excess dough and crimp the edges with your fingers or a fork.

Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

8. Brush With Egg Wash

Beat the egg with one tablespoon of water.

Brush the mixture lightly over the top crust.

This helps the pie develop a beautiful golden-brown finish during baking.

9. Bake

Place the pie in the preheated oven.

Bake for approximately 35–45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling gently around the edges.

If the edges begin browning too quickly, loosely cover them with aluminum foil.

Allow the pie to rest for at least 10–15 minutes before slicing.

This gives the creamy filling time to set slightly.

Tips for the Best Hearts of Palm Pie

Don’t Make the Filling Too Thin

The filling should be thick and creamy before it goes into the pie. A watery filling can make the bottom crust soggy.

Cool the Filling Before Assembly

Warm filling is fine, but letting it cool somewhat before assembling the pie helps protect the pastry.

Keep the Butter Cold

Cold butter is important when making a flaky pie crust. If the dough becomes warm and greasy while you’re working with it, place it back in the refrigerator before baking.

Don’t Overwork the Dough

Mix the pastry only until it comes together. Overworking it can make the crust tougher.

Drain the Hearts of Palm Well

Extra liquid can affect the consistency of the filling, so drain the hearts of palm thoroughly.

Optional Additions

This recipe is easy to customize.

You can add:

Corn
Mushrooms
Carrots
Spinach
Green olives
Diced bell peppers
Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan
Fresh cilantro
Chili flakes

For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely chopped fresh chili to the filling.

Make It With Store-Bought Pastry

If you don’t want to make homemade dough, refrigerated pie pastry can be used instead.

Simply roll out the pastry, line your pie dish, add the filling, cover it with the second sheet, seal the edges, and brush with egg wash.

This makes the recipe much quicker while still producing a delicious result.

What to Serve With Hearts of Palm Pie

Because the pie is rich and creamy, it pairs especially well with fresh and lighter sides.

Try serving it with:

Green salad
Tomato and cucumber salad
Steamed vegetables
Roasted vegetables
Fresh fruit
Simple vinaigrette
Light vegetable soup

For brunch, serve smaller slices with fresh greens and a cup of coffee or tea.

How to Store Leftovers

Allow leftover pie to cool before covering and refrigerating it.

Store it in an airtight container or cover the pie tightly.

Refrigerated leftovers are best enjoyed within a few days.

To reheat, place individual slices in a moderate oven until warmed through. Reheating in the oven helps the crust retain more of its texture than microwaving.

Can You Freeze Hearts of Palm Pie?

Yes, the baked pie can be frozen once completely cooled.

Wrap individual slices or the entire pie securely and place it in a freezer-safe container.

For the best texture, thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do hearts of palm taste like?

Hearts of palm have a mild, delicate flavor with a slightly nutty and vegetable-like taste. Their texture is tender and somewhat similar to artichoke hearts.

Are hearts of palm good for vegetarian recipes?

Yes. Their mild flavor and substantial texture make them useful in salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, savory fillings, and pies.

Can I make this pie without cream cheese?

Absolutely. The cream cheese is optional. The milk and cream are enough to create a creamy filling.

Can I use only milk?

Yes, although the filling may be slightly less rich. For a thicker sauce, make sure the flour is cooked properly and allow the filling to simmer until it reaches the desired consistency.

Can I prepare the pie ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the filling ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble and bake the pie. Letting the filling cool completely can also make assembly easier.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Hearts of Palm Pie is a wonderful way to turn a simple ingredient into a comforting, flavorful meal. The combination of tender hearts of palm, creamy savory sauce, herbs, and golden pastry makes every slice satisfying.

Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, weekend brunch, or a special gathering, this pie is a delicious vegetarian option that can be adapted with your favorite vegetables and cheeses.

For the best results, focus on a thick filling, well-drained hearts of palm, and a cold, lightly handled pastry dough. Those small details help create a pie with a creamy center and beautifully golden crust.