Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Pesto Palmiers with Goat Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
These are impressive appetizers made from flaky puff pastry rolled with savory pesto, tangy goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and toasted pine nuts.
What type of pastry is used for this recipe?
This recipe uses 16 ounces of defrosted puff pastry, with Pepperidge Farm being a recommended brand.
What kind of pesto is best for these palmiers?
You can use 1/4 cup of prepared pesto sauce, such as Classico, or a homemade version.
What variety of goat cheese should I use?
The recipe suggests using 1/2 cup of crumbled goat cheese, such as Montrachet.
How should the sun-dried tomatoes be prepared?
Use 1/4 cup of sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, ensuring they are drained and finely chopped before use.
Are the pine nuts raw or toasted?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of toasted pine nuts to add a nutty flavor and crunch.
What dimensions should the puff pastry be rolled to?
Each sheet of puff pastry should be rolled to approximately 9 1/2 x 11 1/2 inches to ensure even thickness.
How do I fold the pastry to create the palmier shape?
Fold the shorter ends halfway toward the center from both sides, then fold one side over the other and press softly to seal.
How long should the pastry rolls chill before slicing?
The rolls should be covered in plastic wrap and chilled in the refrigerator for at least 45 minutes.
Why is it important to chill the pastry rolls?
Chilling allows the pastry to firm up, which makes it much easier to slice into clean 1/4-inch pieces.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F before baking the palmiers.
How thick should the palmier slices be?
Once chilled, cut the rolls into 1/4-inch thick slices.
How long do the palmiers need to bake?
Bake them for approximately 14 minutes or until they are golden brown and flaky.
How much space should be left between slices on the baking sheet?
Arrange the slices about 2 inches apart on parchment-lined sheet pans to allow room for expansion.
Should the palmiers be served hot or cold?
For the best taste and texture, these palmiers should be served warm from the oven.
How many calories are in a serving of these palmiers?
Each serving contains approximately 50 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 3.25g of fat per serving in this recipe.
How much protein is in each palmier?
Each serving provides about 1.125g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 3.75g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires 6 main ingredients: puff pastry, pesto, goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, and kosher salt.
Is it necessary to flour the surface before rolling the pastry?
Yes, lightly flouring a clean surface or cutting board prevents the puff pastry from sticking.
Can I make these palmiers for a cocktail party?
Yes, their visual appeal and savory flavor make them a superb addition to cocktail parties or festive gatherings.
How much salt should be added to the filling?
Use 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt per pastry sheet, or season to taste.
What type of baking sheet preparation is needed?
Use sheet pans lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
What is the overall flavor profile of this appetizer?
The palmiers offer an explosion of savory flavors from the pesto, tangy goat cheese, and rich sun-dried tomatoes.
Is this recipe considered a finger food?
Yes, these bite-sized savory pastries are perfect as finger food for any event.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While goat cheese is recommended for its tanginess, you could experiment with other crumbly cheeses, though it may change the flavor profile.
How many sheets of puff pastry does the recipe use?
The recipe uses two sheets of puff pastry, usually found in one 16-ounce package.
What should the texture of the finished palmiers be?
The finished palmiers should be crispy, golden brown, and flaky.
Do I need to season the pesto layer?
Yes, after adding the cheese, tomatoes, and nuts, you should season lightly with kosher salt.