Hearts of Palm Dip Recipe – Simple Party Appetizer
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Looking for a hot and cheesy appetizer that’s guaranteed to impress? This baked Hearts of Palm Dip is creamy, flavorful, and so easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a cozy snack, this delicious dip will quickly become your go-to favorite. Made with tender hearts of palm, gooey cheese, and tangy sour cream, every bite is rich and satisfying!
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Why You’ll Love Hearts Of Palm Dip
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It’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor – The combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and mayo creates an ultra-smooth, cheesy base that’s completely irresistible. The hearts of palm add a tender, slightly tangy bite that balances everything perfectly. This dip is packed with flavor in every scoop!
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Quick and easy to make – You only need about 5 minutes of prep time before it goes into the oven. With no complicated steps or fancy equipment, this recipe is perfect even for beginner home cooks. It’s a true mix-and-bake dish!
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A unique twist on classic dips – Instead of the usual spinach or artichoke, this dip uses hearts of palm for a fresh and unexpected flavor. It’s something different that will stand out on any party table. Your guests will be curious—and then hooked!
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Perfect for parties and gatherings – This dip serves a crowd and holds up well on a buffet table. You can even prep it in advance and bake right before serving. It’s a warm and comforting appetizer that fits any occasion.
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Naturally gluten-free and low carb – No need to make modifications—this recipe fits easily into a variety of diets. Just pair it with gluten-free crackers or fresh veggies for dipping. It’s a delicious option for everyone to enjoy!
Ingredients For Hearts Of Palm Dip
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Hearts of palm – These tender, mild-flavored vegetables are the star of the show. They give the dip a soft texture and unique taste that sets it apart from the usual appetizers.
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Shredded mozzarella cheese – Adds gooey, melty goodness to every bite. It helps bind the dip and gives it that crave-worthy stretch.
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Grated Parmesan cheese – Brings a salty, nutty flavor that complements the creamy base. It also helps brown the top beautifully in the oven.
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Chopped green onion – Adds a fresh, slightly sharp flavor that balances the richness of the cheese and mayo.
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Sour cream – Gives the dip a tangy creaminess that lightens the texture. It also helps keep the dip smooth and spreadable.
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Mayonnaise – Adds richness and helps everything bake up golden and bubbly. It’s the key to that creamy consistency you’ll love!
For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Hearts Of Palm Dip
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Measuring cups – To portion out the cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise accurately.
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Medium mixing bowl – Perfect for combining all the ingredients easily in one place.
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Spoon or spatula – Helps mix everything together and spread the dip into the baking dish.
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9-inch glass pie plate – The ideal size for even baking and a beautiful golden top.
How To Make Hearts Of Palm Dip
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Preheat your oven to 350°F so it’s ready when you are.
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Lightly grease a 9-inch glass pie plate to prevent sticking.
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In a medium bowl, stir together the chopped hearts of palm, mozzarella, Parmesan, green onion, sour cream, and mayo.
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Mix until everything is well combined and creamy.
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Spoon the mixture into the pie plate and spread it out evenly.
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Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
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Carefully remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with pita chips or Melba rounds for a classic party appetizer
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Toasted mini French baguette slices make a perfect crunchy companion
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Pair with fresh veggie sticks like celery, cucumber spears, or mini bell peppers for a low-carb option
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Spread it on onion rolls or salmon avocado wraps for a creamy flavor boost.
Tips For Success
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Drain and chop the hearts of palm well – Make sure the hearts of palm are fully drained so the dip doesn’t turn out watery. Give them a rough chop so they blend evenly throughout the dip. If the pieces are too big, they may overwhelm each bite, so aim for small chunks. A quick pat with a paper towel after draining can help remove extra moisture.
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Use freshly shredded cheese if possible – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect how the dip melts. Freshly shredded mozzarella and Parmesan will give you that smooth, creamy texture and better flavor. It’s a simple upgrade that really pays off!
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Mix everything thoroughly before baking – Make sure the mayo, sour cream, and cheeses are evenly mixed with the hearts of palm and green onions. You want every bite to have a good balance of flavor. If the dip isn’t fully combined, you might get uneven baking or texture.
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Bake until golden and bubbly – Don’t take it out too early! You want the top to be lightly browned and the edges to bubble. This not only ensures everything is heated through but also gives the dip that irresistible, toasty flavor. Keep an eye on it near the end of the baking time.
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Let it cool slightly before serving – The dip will be very hot when it comes out of the oven. Letting it rest for a few minutes helps it set and makes it easier to scoop. Plus, it allows the flavors to come together even more!
Variations And Substitutions
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Swap out the cheeses – While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices for a creamy, savory dip, you can easily switch things up. Try Monterey Jack for a smoother melt, or sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor. A mix of cheeses works great too, use what you have on hand!
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Add heat – If you like a little kick, stir in a few dashes of hot sauce or some finely chopped jalapeños. Crushed red pepper flakes also work well. You can even mix in a little pepper jack cheese for a spicy, cheesy twist.
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Make it lighter – Use light sour cream and reduced-fat mayonnaise to cut down on fat while still keeping the dip creamy and delicious. You can also reduce the cheese slightly without losing too much texture. Just remember that using non-fat versions may affect the richness.
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Add extra veggies – Chopped spinach or finely diced red bell peppers add color and nutrition. Make sure to sauté or steam any additional vegetables to remove excess moisture before mixing them in. This keeps the dip from becoming watery.
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Change up the herbs – While green onions add a mild sharpness, you can experiment with fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill for a different flavor profile. Fresh garlic or a pinch of garlic powder also adds depth.
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Make it into a cold dip – Skip the baking and chill the mixture in the fridge for an hour instead. This works especially well if you’re short on time or prefer cold dips. Just note the texture will be different, less melty and more creamy-spreadable.
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Turn it into a spread – Instead of serving it as a dip, spread it onto sandwiches, wraps, or even toasted bagels. It makes a great savory base that pairs well with meats or veggies.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage – Let the dip cool completely before storing. Transfer leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also store it directly in the baking dish by covering it tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
- Reheating – To reheat, scoop individual portions into a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until hot. Or, reheat the entire dip in the oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes, or until warmed through and bubbly again. If the dip looks a little thick, stir in a spoonful of sour cream or mayo before reheating to refresh the texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make hearts of palm dip ahead of time?
Yes! This dip is perfect for prepping ahead. You can mix all the ingredients together, spread it into your baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed. It’s a great time-saver when hosting guests.
What do hearts of palm taste like?
Hearts of palm have a mild, slightly tangy flavor with a soft, tender texture. They’re often compared to artichoke hearts, but they’re a little more neutral in flavor. This makes them a great base for dips and salads, as they absorb other flavors well. In this dip, they pair beautifully with the creamy, cheesy ingredients.
Is this dip gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe itself is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to serve it with gluten-free dippers, like vegetable sticks or certified GF crackers. Always double-check your ingredient labels, especially for things like cheese and mayonnaise, to ensure they’re free of any hidden gluten.
Can I use fresh hearts of palm instead of canned?
Canned hearts of palm are the most common and convenient option for this recipe, but if you have access to fresh ones, you can definitely use them. Just make sure to cook them first so they’re tender and ready to be mixed in. The flavor will be slightly fresher and more vibrant, but the overall texture and results will be similar.
Can I freeze this dip?
It’s best to enjoy this dip fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen. Freezing may affect the texture, especially with the mayo and cheese. However, if you really want to freeze it, do so before baking. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
What can I use instead of green onion?
If you don’t have green onions on hand, you can substitute with finely chopped regular onion, chives, or even shallots. Each will give a slightly different flavor, regular onion is stronger, while chives are milder. Just be sure to chop them finely so they mix well into the dip.
How do I make it spicy?
To give this dip some heat, add in diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a splash of your favorite hot sauce. You can also use a spicy cheese like pepper jack in place of mozzarella. Adjust the heat level to your taste, start small and add more if needed.
Other Easy Hearts of Palm Recipe
Low Carb Hearts of Palm Rice – This quick and easy hearts of palm rice is a healthy, low-carb alternative to traditional rice and makes the perfect side dish for any meal.
Gluten-Free Hearts of Palm Pasta – Light, delicious, and naturally gluten-free, this hearts of palm pasta is the ultimate low-carb substitute for traditional noodles in your favorite pasta dishes.
Hearts Of Palm Dip
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Ingredients
- 14.25 oz hearts of palm 1 can, drained and chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 cup green onion chopped
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Bowl medium
- Spoon or spatula
- 9-inch glass pie plate
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Lightly grease a 9-inch glass pie plate.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine chopped hearts of palm, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan, green onion, sour cream, and mayo. Mix everything together until well blended.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared pie plate.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling hot.
Notes
- Feel free to prep this dip ahead of time, just refrigerate it until you're ready to bake!
- You can swap mozzarella with Monterey Jack for a slightly different cheesy flavor.














