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There’s something so wonderfully fancy about palmiers, those delicate, flaky pastry spirals that look like they came straight out of a French bakery. But here’s a little secret—they’re actually incredibly easy to make at home! And while most people think of them as sweet treats, these Savory Ham and Broccoli Palmiers prove that puff pastry can go the savory route beautifully.
Palmiers usually feature sugar or cinnamon, but swapping in savory fillings opens a whole new world of possibilities. In this recipe, we combine smoky ham, tender broccoli, and melty cheese, all wrapped up in crisp, golden puff pastry. The result is a buttery, cheesy bite that’s equal parts elegant and comforting—perfect for brunches, parties, or even an afternoon snack with a cup of tea.
Table of Contents
Serving Ideas
These Savory Ham and Broccoli Palmiers are incredibly versatile. Serve them warm straight from the oven as an appetizer, or pack them in a lunchbox for an easy-to-grab snack. They pair beautifully with a light green salad or a bowl of creamy tomato soup. And if you’re hosting brunch, they’ll disappear fast from any platter!
Make-Ahead Friendly
One of my favorite things about palmiers is how freezer-friendly they are. You can assemble the roll ahead of time, slice, and freeze. When guests arrive, just pop them into the oven—no stress, no mess, just flaky, cheesy perfection.
Tips & Variations
- Substitute turkey or prosciutto for the ham if you prefer.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of spice.
- These palmiers can be frozen unbaked—just slice and freeze them on a tray, then bake straight from frozen for an easy make-ahead appetizer.
- You can add more flavorful cheeses like Gruyere or Cheddar.
Ingredients and Tips
Puff Pastry- Puff pastry is a light, flaky dough made by layering butter and dough through a process called lamination. When baked, the steam from the butter creates delicate, airy layers that puff up beautifully. It’s incredibly versatile, perfect for both sweet and savory recipes like tarts, palmiers, and turnovers. Best of all, store-bought puff pastry makes it easy to create bakery-quality dishes right at home with minimal effort.
Tip: Only thaw puff pastry that you intend to use and also be careful of pressing the puff pastry. Overly pressed puff pastry will not rise properly.
Cream Cheese- Cream cheese is a smooth, mild, and creamy cheese made from a blend of milk and cream. the base that holds the filling together. It works well in both savory and sweet applications due to its rich texture. It adds a delightful tang that enhances baked goods, frostings, and even sauces.
Broccoli- I love broccoli, and it goes so well with so many dishes.
Ham- Since it is a feature ingredient, it is important to use a very good premium deli ham. It is also the source of sodium in this recipe.
How to make Savory Ham and Broccoli Palmier
I have written out the most important parts of this recipe in a step-by-step sequence of images along with the instructions for the Apricot Carrot Bread. You can find the full sequence of instruction in the recipe card below.
1. To a medium bowl, add cream cheese. Using a fork, beat the cream cream until smooth. Set aside
2. Take the ham slices and dice the ham into small pieces. Add them to the bowl of cream cheese.
3.Take the frozen broccoli and microwave it per instructions on the bag. Microwave until thawed but not hot.
4. Once broccoli is thawed, add to a strainer and squeeze broccoli to remove as much water as possible.
5. Toss the broccoli onto your cutting board and dice it the same way you did the ham. Add it to your cream cheese bowl.
6. Mix the ham and broccoli into the cream cheese until well combined. Set aside.
7. Dust your cutting board with a small amount of flour. Open your box of puff pastry. There are usually two sheets per box. Take the sheets and unfold them on your cutting board, being very careful not to break them.
8. Divide the cream cheese mixture between the 2 sheets of puff pastry. Spread the cream cheese mixture thinly on each sheet, making sure to leave 1/2 inch edge uncovered on both sides of the puff pastry.
9. Starting at an outside-edge, begin rolling the edge of the puff pastry to the middle of the sheet. At the other outside-edge of the same sheet of puff pastry, roll that edge towards the center also. Both rolls should meet in the middle. Repeat this process for the second sheet of puff pastry.
10. To a small bowl, add the egg and water. Beat until well combined to form an egg wash.
11. Using your pastry brush, brush the middle seam between the two rolls of the puff pastry with the egg wash. Push the rolls together.
12. Cut the puff pastry about 1/2 inch thick. Place your palmier on to the cookie leaving space to expand.
13. Bake at 400℉ for about 15mins or until golden brown.
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Savory Ham and Broccoli Palmiers
Video
Equipment
- shape kitchen knife
- cutting board
- 1 strainer
Ingredients
- 1 8oz package cream cheese or neufchatel cheese softened
- 3 slices premium ham more if using thinly sliced ham
- 2 cup frozen broccoli
- 1 box Puff Pastry thawed
- flour for dusting work surface
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- To a medium bowl, add cream cheese. Using a fork, beat the cream cream until smooth. Set aside
- Take the ham slices and dice the ham into small pieces. Add them to the bowl of cream cheese.
- Take the frozen broccoli and microwave it per instructions on the bag. Microwave until thawed but not hot.
- Once broccoli is thawed, add to a strainer and squeeze broccoli to remove as much water as possible.
- Toss the broccoli onto your cutting board and dice it the same way you did the ham. Add it to your cream cheese bowl.
- Mix the ham and broccoli into the cream cheese until well combined. Set aside.
- Dust your cutting board with a small amount of flour. Open your box of puff pastry. There are usually two sheets per box. Take the sheets and unfold them on your cutting board, being very careful not to break them.
- Divide the cream cheese mixture between the 2 sheets of puff pastry. Spread the cream cheese mixture thinly on each sheet, making sure to leave 1/2 inch edge uncovered on both sides of the puff pastry.
Forming Palmiers
- Starting at an outside-edge, begin rolling the edge of the puff pastry to the middle of the sheet. At the other outside-edge of the same sheet of puff pastry, roll that edge towards the center also. Both rolls should meet in the middle. Repeat this process for the second sheet of puff pastry.
- To a small bowl, add the egg and water. Beat until well combined to form an egg wash.
- Using your pastry brush, brush the middle seam between the two rolls of the puff pastry with the egg wash. Push the rolls together.
- Cut the puff pastry about 1/2 inch thick. Place your palmier on to the cookie leaving space to expand.
- Bake at 400℉ for about 15mins or until golden brown.
- Enjoy!!
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
These Ham and Broccoli Palmiers combine everything we love about comfort food—flavor, texture, and that irresistible buttery crunch. Whether you’re entertaining or simply treating yourself, they’re a reminder that good food doesn’t have to be complicated to be memorable.
