Ham and Cheese Palmiers: The Perfect Puff Pastry

Traditional Ham and Cheese Palmiers Recipe

Now let’s move on to the recipe for making these delicious palmiers. While there are many versions and variations, here is the classic recipe, using cooked ham and cheese.

Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Palmiers:

• 1 sheet of puff pastry (can be fresh or frozen)
• 150g of cooked ham or York ham
• 150g of cheese (you can use Gouda, mozzarella, or your preferred cheese)
• 1 beaten egg (for brushing)
• Oregano or herbs (optional, for an extra touch)

Preparation of the Palmiers:

1. Prepare the puff pastry: If you’re using frozen puff pastry, make sure to let it thaw for about 20-30 minutes, or according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If it’s fresh, simply roll out the puff pastry sheet on a flat, lightly floured surface.
2. Add the ham: Place the slices of cooked ham over the entire surface of the puff pastry. Make sure to cover it well, but avoid overlapping the slices too much to prevent them from clumping in the center of the palmiers.
3. Add the cheese: Place a layer of cheese over the ham. You can use the cheese you prefer, though common options are Gouda, mozzarella, or cheddar. If you prefer a lighter version, you can opt for low-fat cheese.
4. Roll the dough: This is the most important step to achieve the palmier shape. Start rolling the dough from one of the long edges towards the center. Do the same from the other edge, so both sides meet in the middle, creating two rolls that touch each other. Make sure the roll is firm, but not too tight, as we want the dough to have space to expand during baking.
5. Cut the palmiers: Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into slices about 1 cm thick. Each slice will be one palmier. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each, as they will expand during baking.
6. Brush with egg: Beat an egg and, using a kitchen brush, brush the surface of the palmiers. This will give them a golden, glossy color while baking.
7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake the palmiers for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden and crispy. The key is to keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn, as puff pastry can brown quickly.
8. Cool: Once they’re ready, remove the palmiers from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Although it’s hard to resist, this step is important for the dough to settle and become perfectly crispy.

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Tips and Tricks for Perfect Palmiers

Although the basic recipe is quite simple, there are always little tips and tricks that can make a difference to achieve the best possible result:

1. Quality puff pastry: The key to good palmiers is using high-quality puff pastry. While frozen pastry is very convenient, you can also opt to make it at home if you have the time. If you choose the store-bought version, make sure it has a good amount of butter to achieve that crispy, flaky texture.
2. Cheese varieties: Cheese is a key ingredient in this recipe, and you can experiment with different varieties to suit your taste. For a milder flavor, use mozzarella, while gouda or cheddar will give it a more intense taste. You could also use manchego for a more Spanish version or add blue cheese if you prefer a stronger flavor.
3. Serrano or Iberian ham: If you want to give your palmiers a gourmet touch, you can replace the cooked ham with serrano or Iberian ham. Though it slightly alters the final result, the flavor will be much richer and more delicious.
4. Flavoring with herbs: Sprinkling the palmiers with aromatic herbs like oregano or basil gives them an extra flavor. You could even add a pinch of sweet or spicy paprika for a special touch.
5. Sweet palmiers: If you have leftover puff pastry, make sweet palmiers! Simply sprinkle sugar over the dough and follow the same rolling and cutting process.

Other Creative Palmiers Recipes

One of the great appeals of palmiers is how easy it is to customize them. Here are some ideas to vary the basic recipe and adapt it to your tastes or needs:

• Ham and cheese palmiers with sun-dried tomatoes: Adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the ham and cheese mixture will give them an amazing Mediterranean flavor.
• Pesto palmiers: Spread some pesto on the puff pastry before adding the ham and cheese. Both basil pesto and sun-dried tomato pesto work very well in this version.
• Bacon and cheese palmiers: For a more intense and smoky flavor, substitute the ham with strips of bacon. Be sure to use thin bacon so it cooks well during baking.
• Spinach and feta palmiers: If you prefer a vegetarian option, use cooked spinach and feta cheese instead of traditional ham and cheese.

How to Serve Palmiers

Ham and cheese palmiers are perfect as an appetizer or snack, but they can also be served as part of a buffet spread for gatherings or parties. Here are a few ideas for presenting them attractively:

• Tapas plate: Pair palmiers with other classic tapas such as olives, Spanish tortilla, cold cuts, and cheeses.
• Fresh salad: Serve the palmiers with a light salad, such as a mix of greens with a vinaigrette, for a balanced starter.
• Dipping sauce: If you want to add a fun twist, serve them with a garlic yogurt sauce, mustard mayonnaise, or even homemade tomato sauce.

Ham and cheese palmiers made with puff pastry are the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor. This appetizer is not only easy to prepare but also offers endless versatility, allowing you to add ingredients and make variations depending on your tastes and the occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party, a snack time, or just enjoying them at home, these crispy little delights will always be a guaranteed hit.

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