Introducing a delectable twist on a classic French pastry favorite – Savory Pesto and Cheese Palmiers. These delightful treats feature store-bought puff pastry, generously slathered with aromatic basil pesto and sprinkled with a savory blend of shredded cheese. With a hint of spice and a golden, flaky exterior, these palmiers make for an irresistible appetizer or snack that's sure to impress guests and family alike. Simple to prepare and bursting with flavor, let's dive into this easy-to-follow recipe for a culinary delight that's perfect for any occasion.
Savoury pastry
Palmiers, also known as elephant ears or palm leaves, are a beloved French pastry characterized by their delicate, flaky layers and distinctive palm-like shape. Traditionally sweet, they're often made with puff pastry and coated in sugar before baking, resulting in a caramelized, crispy exterior. However, this recipe offers a savory twist on the classic treat. In this savory version, the puff pastry is generously slathered with aromatic basil pesto and sprinkled with a savory blend of shredded cheese. The result is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, with each bite delivering a perfect balance of buttery pastry, herbaceous pesto, and rich cheese. These savory pesto and cheese palmiers make for a sophisticated appetizer or snack, perfect for any occasion.
What to serve with savory palmiers?
Savory palmiers pair wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments, enhancing their flavors and creating a delightful tasting experience. Here are some suggestions for what to serve with savory palmiers:
- Fresh Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the richness of the palmiers.
- Marinated Olives: Serve a selection of marinated olives for a briny, flavorful addition that complements the savory notes of the palmiers.
- Antipasto Platter: Create an antipasto platter with an assortment of cheeses, roasted vegetables, and artisanal bread for a diverse spread that offers a variety of textures and flavors.
- Fruit Platter: A colorful fruit platter featuring fresh berries, grapes, sliced melon, and citrus segments adds a touch of sweetness and brightness to balance out the savory palmiers.
- Dips and Spreads: Offer an array of dips and spreads such as hummus, tzatziki, roasted red pepper dip, or artichoke dip for dipping the palmiers and adding extra layers of flavor.
- Wine or Cocktails: Pair the savory palmiers with a glass of crisp white wine, a light and refreshing rosé, or a fruity cocktail to enhance the overall dining experience.
- Soup: Serve a bowl of hot soup, such as tomato basil soup or pumpkin soup, alongside the palmiers for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Tips
Even Pesto Distribution
Ensure an even distribution of pesto across the puff pastry sheet to guarantee each bite is bursting with flavor.
Chill for Better Results
Chill the rolled pastry before slicing to firm it up slightly, making it easier to handle and shape the palmiers.
Sharp Knife for Clean Cuts
Use a sharp knife to slice the rolled pastry into palmiers for clean, neat cuts without squishing the layers.
Mindful Spacing
Space the palmiers apart on the baking sheet to allow for even baking and prevent them from sticking together as they puff up in the oven.
Adjust Seasonings
Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese, pesto, and additional seasonings to suit your taste preferences for a personalized touch.
Serve Warm
Serve the palmiers warm for the best flavor and texture, but they're also delicious at room temperature if you're preparing them ahead of time for a party or gathering.
FAQS
Absolutely! Homemade pesto can add a fresh and vibrant flavor to your palmiers. Just ensure it's well blended before spreading it onto the puff pastry.
Yes, you can freeze the prepared palmiers on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for longer storage. When ready to bake, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Yes, you can prepare the palmiers ahead of time. Simply roll, slice, and shape them, then refrigerating them until you're ready to bake. Alternatively, you can freeze them as mentioned above. This makes them perfect for parties or gatherings where you want to have snacks ready to bake.
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences. Some good options include cheddar, Gruyère, feta, or goat cheese.
Store any leftover palmiers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If they soften, you can crisp them up in a preheated oven for a few minutes before serving.
Certainly! You can customize the palmiers by adding ingredients like chopped nuts, sun-dried tomatoes or olives. Add the toppings before rolling them up for added flavor and texture. Just be mindful not to overfill them, as it could make them difficult to roll.
Other recipes to try:
Bake these savory cheese pesto palmiers today!
Whether you're hosting a gathering, craving a delicious snack, or simply seeking a delightful culinary experiment, these savory palmiers are sure to impress. So why wait? Embrace the joy of baking and treat yourself to a taste sensation that will leave you craving more. Whip up a batch of these savory palmiers now and elevate your snacking experience to new heights!
Savory Pesto Cheese Palmiers
Ingredients
- 1 sheet store-bought puff pastry thawed
- 3-4 tablespoon basil pesto
- ½ cup shredded cheese (such as Parmesan, mozzarella, or a blend)
- crushed red pepper flakes for added heat optional
- chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or basil) for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C / 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a parchment paper to smooth out any creases. Spread the basil pesto evenly over the puff pastry sheet, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the pesto-covered pastry sheet. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional seasoning like crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
- Starting from one of the longer edges, tightly roll the puff pastry sheet towards the center, stopping at the halfway point. Repeat the rolling process from the other long edge, so both rolls meet in the middle. Gently press the two rolls together.
- Chill the rolled pastry in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up slightly.
- Once chilled, remove the pastry roll from the refrigerator and slice it into ½ inch (1 cm) thick slices using a sharp knife. Place the slices onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow for expansion.
- Bake the palmiers in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the palmiers from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
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