Hearts of Palm Dip
Hearts of Palm Dip is a fresh and creamy treat that’s perfect for any gathering. Made with tender hearts of palm, a bit of tangy mayo or cream cheese, and…
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Hearts of Palm Dip is a fresh and creamy treat that’s perfect for any gathering. Made with tender hearts of palm, a bit of tangy mayo or cream cheese, and some zesty spices, it’s smooth with just the right amount of bite. This dip feels a little fancy but is surprisingly easy to whip up, making it a great choice for snacking or serving up at parties.
I love making this dip when I want something a bit different from the usual salsa or guacamole. The hearts of palm give it a unique texture — sorta soft but with a bit of crunch — that keeps it tasty and interesting. I usually add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten it up and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or dill, because I think it gives it a nicer, fresher flavor.
For serving, I like pairing this dip with crisp veggies like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or sweet bell peppers. It’s also fantastic with simple crackers or toasted pita chips. No matter how you eat it, it’s one of those dips that everyone feels a little bit fancy digging into, even though it’s so easy to make. I always keep a batch ready for when friends drop by—it never lasts long!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hearts of Palm: This is the star of the dip. It has a mild flavor and a bit of crunch, almost like artichoke hearts. Canned hearts of palm make it easy to prepare. If you can’t find them, artichoke hearts work well as a substitute.
Cream Cheese & Sour Cream or Mayo: These give the dip its creamy texture. For a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or mayo. Vegan cream cheese works great if you want a dairy-free version.
Cheese: Mozzarella or Monterey Jack melt nicely and add gooey richness, while Parmesan adds a sharp flavor. You can swap mozzarella for cheddar or gouda depending on your taste.
Fresh Herbs & Garlic: Parsley and cilantro or basil add freshness and a bit of zest. If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried herbs can work but use less to avoid overpowering the dip.
How Do You Make Sure the Dip is Creamy and Well-Mixed?
Mixing the base ingredients well is key for a smooth dip. Here’s how I do it:
- Start by softening the cream cheese to room temperature. It blends easier with the sour cream or mayo, giving a smooth texture.
- Use a fork or hand mixer to mix the cream cheese and sour cream/mayo first until well combined.
- Add chopped hearts of palm and other ingredients, folding gently to keep some texture but evenly distribute flavors.
- After mixing, taste and adjust salt or lemon juice to brighten the flavor before baking.
When baking, watch for the top to turn golden brown and the dip to bubble slightly—that signals it’s perfectly melted and ready to enjoy.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – to easily combine all the ingredients together.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – helps you stir and fold the dip without scratching your bowl.
- Oven-safe baking dish – perfect for baking the dip until bubbly and golden.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the right amount of cheese, herbs, and spices.
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping hearts of palm and fresh herbs.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add artichoke hearts instead of or with hearts of palm for an extra tangy and tender bite.
- Mix in cooked and crumbled bacon to bring a smoky, salty crunch that pairs well with creamy dip.
- Stir in chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick if you like things hot.
- Use fresh dill or chives in place of parsley and cilantro for a milder herbal flavor.
How to Make Hearts of Palm Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (14 oz) can hearts of palm, drained and chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream or mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro or basil, chopped (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sliced baguette or crackers, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. So in under 40 minutes, you’ll have a warm, cheesy dip ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Base Mixture:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and sour cream (or mayonnaise) until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the Flavorful Ingredients:
Next, fold in the chopped hearts of palm, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. Season well with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. Mix everything together thoroughly.
3. Bake the Dip:
Transfer the dip mixture into an oven-safe dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top. Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the dip is bubbly and the top turns a light golden brown.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully take the dip out of the oven and allow it to cool slightly for a few minutes. Serve warm with toasted baguette slices or your favorite crackers. Scoop and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Hearts of Palm?
Hearts of palm are usually sold canned, but if you find frozen, be sure to thaw them completely in the fridge before chopping and using. Pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in the dip.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare the dip up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed since it will be cold.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving to restore the creamy texture.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese?
If you want a lighter or dairy-free option, try using Greek yogurt, ricotta, or a vegan cream cheese substitute. The texture might vary slightly but will still be delicious!
