Savory Palmiers with Brie and Cranberry

Golden, flaky, and filled with a luscious mix of creamy brie, tangy cranberry jelly, and crunchy walnuts — these savory palmiers with brie and cranberry are the perfect bite-sized indulgence. They’re festive, buttery, and just fancy enough to impress without any fuss. The kind of appetizer that disappears the moment it hits the table.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born out of holiday leftovers and a craving for something elegant yet easy. There was puff pastry in the freezer, half a wheel of brie in the fridge, and a jar of cranberry jelly that needed a purpose. One quick roll, a few slices later, and the kitchen smelled like heaven. These little pastries are simple but feel so sophisticated — that’s the magic of puff pastry.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Palmiers, often known as “elephant ears,” originated in France as a sweet pastry made from puff pastry and sugar. Over time, savory versions became just as popular, filled with cheeses, herbs, and spreads. This recipe gives the French classic a holiday twist by combining brie and cranberry, echoing the cozy flavors of winter feasts while maintaining that delicate, buttery crunch that makes palmiers so irresistible.

Why You’ll Love Savory Palmiers with Brie and Cranberry

They’re quick, beautiful, and full of flavor. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with them:

Versatile: Serve them as appetizers, snacks, or even brunch bites.

Budget-Friendly: Uses just five simple ingredients.

Quick and Easy: Ready to bake in under 30 minutes.

Customizable: Add herbs, swap nuts, or change the cheese.

Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves that buttery, cheesy, tangy combo.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Great for Leftovers: Reheat perfectly for next-day snacking.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

To make your palmiers extra flaky and flavorful, keep these tips in mind:

• Keep it cold: Always work with chilled puff pastry so it stays crisp when baked.
• Don’t overfill: A thin, even layer of filling prevents leaks.
• Use a sharp knife: It helps maintain those perfect spiral edges.
• Brush lightly: A little egg wash goes a long way for that golden shine.
• Bake on parchment: It ensures even browning and easy cleanup.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

These simple tools will make prep and baking a breeze:

Rolling Pin: Helps flatten the puff pastry evenly.
Pastry Brush: For applying the egg wash.
Sharp Knife: For clean, even slices.
Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures golden bottoms.
Baking Sheet: To hold your gorgeous palmiers while they bake.

Ingredients in Savory Palmiers with Brie and Cranberry

Each ingredient plays an important role in creating flavor and texture harmony.

1. Puff Pastry Sheet: 1 (Pepperidge Farm or similar) — Buttery layers that puff into golden perfection.
2. Brie: 4 oz — Adds creamy richness and subtle tang.
3. Cranberry Jelly: 7 oz — Sweet-tart balance to the rich cheese.
4. Walnuts (finely chopped): 1/2 cup — Adds crunch and nutty warmth.
5. Egg (beaten): 1 — Gives that glossy, golden finish.

Ingredient Substitutions

A few easy swaps to make the recipe your own:

Brie: Use camembert, goat cheese, or cream cheese.
Cranberry Jelly: Replace with fig jam or raspberry preserves.
Walnuts: Pecans or almonds work beautifully too.
Puff Pastry: Homemade or store-bought both deliver delicious results.
Egg Wash: Use milk or cream for a lighter finish.

Ingredient Spotlight

Brie: This French cheese melts into buttery bliss. Its creamy texture and mild tang pair perfectly with the sweetness of cranberry jelly.

Cranberry Jelly: Vibrant, tart, and fruity — it cuts through the richness of the pastry and cheese, creating balance in every bite.

Instructions for Making Savory Palmiers with Brie and Cranberry

They’re elegant to look at, but easier than you’d think to make!

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Combine Ingredients:
Gather your prepared ingredients — brie, cranberry jelly, chopped walnuts, and egg wash — so assembly goes smoothly.

3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
Lay out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and gently roll it to smooth the creases.

4. Assemble the Dish:
Spread a thin, even layer of cranberry jelly over the puff pastry. Sprinkle with walnuts, then scatter small pieces of brie across the surface. Starting from both long sides, roll each side inward until they meet in the center.

5. Cook to Perfection:
Slice the rolled pastry into 1/2-inch pieces and place them flat on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each piece lightly with beaten egg. Bake for 15–18 minutes until puffed and golden brown.

6. Finishing Touches:
Let the palmiers cool slightly on the tray — the cheese and jelly will set beautifully as they rest.

7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve warm or at room temperature. They’re crisp, gooey, and full of holiday cheer.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The magic is in the contrast — crisp pastry meets creamy brie, sticky cranberry jelly, and crunchy walnuts. Every bite balances sweet and savory, soft and crisp, rich and tart. The flaky pastry layers puff up to perfection, holding all those luscious textures together.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

A few simple tricks make all the difference:

• Chill the pastry before slicing for neater spirals.
• Use a serrated knife to prevent squishing the roll.
• Bake on the middle rack for even browning.
• Dust with flaky salt before baking for an elevated finish.

What to Avoid

Even an easy recipe can have pitfalls. Avoid these:

• Don’t overstuff: Too much filling can ooze out while baking.
• Don’t skip the egg wash: It gives that perfect golden hue.
• Don’t open the oven too early: Let the pastry puff fully before checking.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 pieces
Calories per serving: 170

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Assemble the rolls up to a day in advance and refrigerate before slicing. You can also freeze the unbaked rolls — slice and bake from frozen, adding 3–4 extra minutes. Store baked palmiers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.

How to Serve Savory Palmiers with Brie and Cranberry

These pastries shine on any appetizer board or brunch spread. Serve with sparkling drinks, alongside roasted veggies, or as a starter for festive dinners. They also pair wonderfully with a glass of apple cider or mulled wine for a cozy evening treat.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Turn extras into something new and fun:

• Cheese Board Upgrade: Add leftover palmiers to a snack platter.
• Crumble Topping: Break up and sprinkle over salads for crunch.
• Mini Sandwich Base: Split and fill with extra brie and greens.

Additional Tips

Want your palmiers bakery-perfect?

• Freeze the rolled log for 10 minutes before slicing for perfect spirals.
• Sprinkle with a touch of thyme or rosemary for a gourmet twist.
• Add a pinch of black pepper for subtle spice.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation makes these palmiers irresistible. Arrange them in a spiral pattern on a white platter, drizzle lightly with extra cranberry jelly, and scatter chopped walnuts for texture. Garnish with a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary for a festive touch.

Variations to Try

You can easily adapt this recipe for different occasions:

• Fig and Goat Cheese: Swap cranberry jelly and brie for fig jam and goat cheese.
• Savory Herb: Add pesto and parmesan instead of sweet fillings.
• Apple Brie Delight: Replace cranberry with apple butter for a fall twist.
• Vegan Version: Use vegan puff pastry and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
• Spicy Sweet: Add a dash of chili flakes for an unexpected kick.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use homemade puff pastry?

A1: Absolutely! It’ll make them even more buttery and flaky.

Q2: Can I use cranberry sauce instead of jelly?

A2: Yes, just choose a smooth variety so it spreads easily.

Q3: What’s the best cheese substitute for brie?

A3: Camembert or soft goat cheese work beautifully.

Q4: Can I make them vegan?

A4: Yes, just use vegan puff pastry and cheese, and skip the egg wash.

Q5: Can I freeze them?

A5: Definitely. Slice and freeze before baking for easy holiday prep.

Q6: How can I keep them crisp?

A6: Store in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to revive flakiness.

Q7: Can I make these savory instead of sweet?

A7: Sure — replace cranberry jelly with pesto or tapenade.

Q8: Do they need to be served warm?

A8: They’re delicious both warm and at room temperature.

Q9: Can I double the recipe?

A9: Yes, just bake in batches for best results.

Q10: What if I don’t have walnuts?

A10: Pecans, almonds, or even pistachios work just as well.

Conclusion

Savory palmiers with brie and cranberry are the perfect blend of buttery, cheesy, and sweet-tart deliciousness. They look elegant, taste incredible, and come together with almost no effort. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll find excuses to bake them all year long — not just during the holidays.

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