Pesto and Parmesan Shamrock-Shaped Puff Pastry Palmiers

As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, the quest for the perfect day appetizers that blend the festive spirit with delicious taste becomes paramount. Enter the shamrock-shaped puff pastry palmiers, a delightful twist on the classic palmiers recipe, making them an ideal addition to any St. Patrick’s Day party. This appetizer is not only a nod to the Irish tradition but also a testament to the versatility of puff pastry, turning a simple ingredient into a celebration of flavor and shape.

What are Palmiers

Palmiers, often known as elephant ears or French hearts, are a classic French pastry. They are made from puff pastry that is sweetened with sugar, then rolled, sliced, and baked until golden brown and crisp. These pastries are characterized by their distinctive heart or palm leaf shape, with caramelized sugar on the outside giving them a delightful crunch and sweetness. Simple and elegant, palmiers are enjoyed as a dessert or a sweet treat with coffee or tea.

Palmiers can also be made savoury, just like this recipe!

Why You’ll Love these St Patricks Day Appetizers

• Festive and Fun: Shaped like shamrocks, they’re perfect for adding that special touch to your St. Patrick’s day appetizers lineup.
• Irish Flair with Pesto: Combining the green color scheme with a delicious homemade basil pesto or store-bought option, it’s a pesto appetizer that brings a taste of Ireland to your table.
• Easy and Impressive: With just a few ingredients and simple kitchen tips, you can whip up a batch of these palmiers that look as good as they taste.
• Cheesy Goodness: The grated parmesan cheese melted into the basil pesto creates a flavor that’s hard to resist.

Inspiration Behind the Recipe

Inspired by the traditional Irish love for hearty food and communal celebrations, these palmiers are designed to be the perfect finger food for your party. The choice of basil pesto, with its vibrant green color, pays homage to the Irish green, while the puff pastry brings a delightful crunch that’s universally loved.

Ingredients for Pesto and Parmesan Palmiers

• 1 cup homemade basil pesto or store-bought
• 2 sheets of store-bought puff pastry (frozen puff pastry works well)
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 egg for egg wash

Optional Substitutions

• Pesto Variations: Fresh basil pesto, sun dried tomato pesto, or even a spinach dip can be used for a twist on the traditional flavor. These would even be perfect my Arugula and Sunflower Seeds Pesto and even this Oregano Pesto recipe.
• Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese like cream cheese or a blend of parmesan and pecorino for a different taste profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Opt for gluten-free puff pastry to cater to all dietary needs without compromising on the deliciousness.

How To Make Pesto Puff Pastry Palmiers

1. Preparation: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll out the thawed puff pastry into two 12-by-14-inch rectangles.
3. Shape the Shamrock: Cut a 1/2-inch-thick strip from one side of each rectangle and set aside for the shamrock’s stem.
4. Add the Pesto: Generously spoon and spread the pesto over each sheet, reaching all corners.
5. Cheese It Up: Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the pesto, pressing gently with the back of a spoon to secure it.
6. Roll and Slice: Roll both long sides of the pastry towards the center. Slice the log into 1/2 to 1-inch thick slices.
7. Form the Shamrocks: Place three slices together on the prepared baking sheet to form a shamrock shape, attaching the reserved pastry strip as the stem.
8. Egg Wash: Brush each palmier with the egg wash for a golden brown finish.
9. Bake: Bake for 15-19 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
10. Cooling: Allow to cool on a wire rack before serving to let them crisp up perfectly.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 220
• Fat: 15g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 1g

Tips for Making Savoury Palmiers

• Consistent Thickness: Ensure your puff pastry is rolled evenly for uniform baking.
• Keep It Chilled: If the dough becomes too soft while shaping, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up.
• Bake Until Perfectly Puffed: Keep an eye on the oven; the golden brown color is your cue for perfectly done palmiers.

How To Store Leftover Palmiers

To store leftover palmiers effectively, allow them to cool completely after baking. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store the container at room temperature for up to 3 days for best freshness.

How to Freeze Pamliers

For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag with as much air removed as possible for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for a few minutes until warmed through and crisp before serving.

Final Thoughts

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a touch of creativity and flavor that says love, taste, and joy in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or a small get-together, these shamrock-shaped puff pastry palmiers will surely be the highlight of your day’s menu. Happy baking!

If you make this recipe, make sure to leave me a comment and let me know what you think! And make sure to connect over on Instagram, you can find me at @may.eighty.five! Looking forward to connecting with you!