Sweet and Savory Caramelized Onion and Cream Cheese Palmiers

Delight your guests and family with these exquisite cream cheese and caramelised onion palmiers – the perfect quick and easy snack or appetizer for any gathering! Their flaky texture and rich, savory filling make them an instant hit on any occasion.

This culinary journey has been proudly supported by PRIMULA. Rest assured, all thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own, reflecting my genuine experience. Your support for the brands that help bring Anna Banana to life is truly appreciated!

overhead shot of savoury palmiers arranged on a plate

If you’re searching for an effortless yet impressive appetizer to share with your loved ones, these savory palmiers, featuring the delightful Cheese ‘n’ Paprika and Cheese ‘n’ Jalapeno Primula soft cheese, should undoubtedly be at the top of your culinary list! Crafted from a handful of readily available ingredients, they offer a versatile treat that tastes equally fantastic whether served warm straight from the oven or cooled to room temperature.

side close up of a small ramekin filled with cream cheese

Understanding Palmiers: The Elegant French Pastry

For those unfamiliar with these charming treats, palmiers are classic French pastries renowned for their distinctive palm leaf or butterfly shape. They are masterfully created using puff pastry, which, when baked, expands into delicate, airy, and incredibly flaky layers. While traditionally enjoyed in sweet variations often dusted with sugar, palmiers also shine brightly in savory forms, offering a sophisticated and flavorful bite.

It’s been a little while since my last savory creation (my Butternut Squash and Goats Cheese Tart was the previous one), so I was eager to explore a savory rendition of this buttery, elegant pastry. The versatility of puff pastry truly knows no bounds, allowing for endless creative fillings that transform a simple ingredient into a gourmet experience.

super close up of cream cheese and caramelised onion palmiers on white surface

An Effortlessly Easy Recipe for Savory Palmiers

The true beauty of this savory palmier recipe lies in its sheer simplicity and ease. Whether you’re planning an elaborate dinner party, hosting a casual get-together with friends, or simply craving a quick and delicious snack to elevate your afternoon, these charming “little guys” are absolutely perfect. Their minimal preparation time and impressive outcome make them a go-to choice for any occasion.

With just a few steps, you can transform ready-made puff pastry into an appetizer that tastes like it came from a professional patisserie. This recipe is designed to take the stress out of entertaining, allowing you more time to enjoy with your guests rather than being stuck in the kitchen. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special and memorable.

top view of plate with cheese and onion palmiers

The Convenience of Primula Soft Cheese

What truly streamlines this recipe and makes it incredibly quick is the use of PRIMULA Cheese ‘n’ Paprika or Cheese ‘n’ Jalapeno soft cheese. Forget the hassle of grating or slicing; this convenient squeeze-and-spread format saves precious time and effort. You simply squeeze the creamy cheese directly onto the puff pastry and spread it evenly – it’s that fast and incredibly convenient!

I absolutely adore the rich, creamy texture of both Primula varieties. Beyond their ease of use, these soft cheeses melt beautifully, infusing your palmiers with delightful smoky and subtly spicy notes that perfectly complement the caramelized onions. Their ability to deliver consistent flavor and a luscious texture ensures every bite is pure perfection.

  • overhead process shot of a person squeezing soft cheese on puff pastry sheet
  • top view of puff pastry sheet with soft cheese spreaded all over it

Nutritional Benefits and Special Offers

Beyond their amazing taste and convenience, Primula soft cheeses are also a smart choice for your diet. They are high in protein and calcium, making them a nutritious addition to any meal or snack. Furthermore, they are certified gluten-free and suitable for vegetarians, catering to a wide range of dietary preferences and needs.

As if that wasn’t enough to entice you, Primula often offers promotions where you can try their products for free or receive your money back if you’re not completely satisfied. This commitment to customer satisfaction truly highlights their confidence in the quality and taste of their delicious range of products. Be sure to visit their official website for the full range and any current offers: Primula Website.

  • overhead shot of a person sprinkling chilli flakes over puff pastry with cheese
  • overhead shot of puff pastry sheet with cream cheese and caramelised onions

Creative Filling Variations for Your Savory Palmiers

When it comes to selecting the perfect filling for your savory palmiers, the possibilities are truly endless, allowing your creativity to shine. For this recipe, I’ve chosen classic caramelized onion because its sweet, deeply savory notes create an exceptional harmony with the creamy, cheesy flavors of the Primula spreads. The natural sweetness of the caramelized onions beautifully balances the richness of the cheese, resulting in a well-rounded and incredibly satisfying dish.

However, if caramelized onion isn’t quite your preference, or if you’re looking to experiment, there are many fantastic alternatives. Consider adding finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of Mediterranean flavor, or sautéed mushrooms for an earthy depth. Sliced black or green olives can introduce a delightful briny kick, while fresh spinach (lightly wilted and squeezed dry) offers a pleasant, vibrant contrast. For those who enjoy a meaty touch, finely diced ham or crispy bacon bits can also be incorporated. Don’t hesitate to mix and match to discover your personal favorite combination!

  • top view of a person rolling one side of puff pastry sheet
  • top view of person rolling side of puff pastry sheet towards the middle
overhead shot of slices of puff pastry with cheese ad onion on a baking tray
close up at puff pastry palmier filled with cream cheese and caramelised onion

Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips for Ultimate Convenience

One of the most appealing aspects of this savory palmier recipe is its fantastic make-ahead potential. These versatile appetizers can be prepared in advance and stored in your fridge or freezer, becoming your secret weapon for those unexpected guest arrivals or when you simply want a delicious snack without the fuss. Imagine having a gourmet appetizer ready in minutes – pure culinary magic!

Chilling and Baking from Fresh

You can effortlessly prepare the pastry and its savory filling up to 24 hours in advance. Once assembled and rolled, simply wrap the log tightly in cling film or parchment paper and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, take the chilled log out, slice it into your desired thickness using a very sharp knife, and arrange the palmiers on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake them in a preheated oven for approximately 10-12 minutes, making sure to rotate the baking tray halfway through for even golden browning and perfect puff.

Freezing for Future Feasts

For even greater convenience, these palmiers are also incredibly freezer-friendly. After you’ve rolled and sliced the pastry, place the individual slices on a baking tray, ensuring they don’t touch each other. Freeze them until they are solid, typically for about 1-2 hours. Once firm, transfer the frozen palmiers to a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container, where they can be stored for up to a month.

When you’re ready to enjoy them from frozen, there’s no need to thaw! Simply remove the palmiers from the freezer, arrange them on a baking tray, and bake in a preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they are beautifully puffed up, golden brown, and wonderfully crispy. This makes them an ideal solution for last-minute entertaining or a spontaneous treat, proving that delicious, homemade appetizers can truly be effortless.

side shot of savoury palmiers with caramelised onion

Thank you for joining me on today’s culinary adventure! I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing these delectable cream cheese and caramelized onion palmiers. If you try this recipe, or any other from my collection, please consider leaving a rating and a comment below. Your feedback and creations bring me immense joy!

top view of a plate filled with cream cheese and caramelised onion palmiers

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📖 Recipe

side close up of savoury palmiers on white surface

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3.34 from 6 votes

Cream Cheese & Caramelised Onion Palmiers

These savory palmiers are filled with spicy cream cheese and rich caramelised onion, creating a perfect, quick, and easy snack. They make an ideal appetizer for any occasion!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Chilling time20 minutes
Total Time47 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: French
Keyword: pinwheels, savoury palmiers
Servings: 15 palmiers
Calories:
Author: Anna Wierzbinska

Equipment

  • baking tray
  • baking paper

Ingredients

  • 1 pack ready- rolled puff pastry (320 g )
  • 150 g Primula Cheese ‘n’ Paprika or Cheese ‘n’ Jalapeno
  • 1 medium red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon dried chilli flakes (optional)
  • 1 medium egg (beaten)
Metric – US Customary

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Add sliced red onion and fry for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until caramelised. Set aside.
  • Roll the puff pastry and spread the soft cheese all over its surface. Sprinkle dried chilli flakes (if using) across the pastry surface, then top it with caramelised onion.
  • With the longest side of the pastry rectangle facing you, roll each side of the pastry into the centre so that they meet in the middle. Brush the rolled pastry with egg wash and chill in the fridge for 20 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 180 C (fan) and line a baking tray with some baking paper or silicone mat. Using a very sharp knife, cut into 12- 15 slices. Arrange the slices on a baking tray and bake for 10- 12 minutes until puffed up and golden brown.

Please note that all my recipes are developed and tested in metric grams. I recommend that you use digital scales for more accurate results. I have provided a conversion to US customary in the recipe but please note that I haven’t tested using this method.

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