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There’s something truly special about the sound of puff pastry as it crispens in the oven, transforming into delicate layers that promise a burst of flavor with every bite. When I first attempted making Palmiers with Bacon, Swiss, and Caramelized Onions, I was surprised to find that such an elegant appetizer could be whipped up in my own kitchen. This recipe was born from a cozy evening of experimenting with what I had on hand, namely, some delightful smoky bacon, creamy Gruyère, and sweet caramelized onions.

Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, these indulgent bites provide a comforting blend of flavors that will elevate your snacking experience. Whether you’re hosting a potluck or simply craving a unique treat to savor on the weekends, these palmiers deliver both ease and gourmet flair. Let me guide you through the simple steps to achieve this crowd-pleasing favorite—it’s time to have a little fun in the kitchen!

Why are Palmiers with Bacon, Swiss, and Caramelized Onions a must-try?

Irresistible flavor abounds in these palmiers, combining savory bacon with creamy Swiss and sweet onions for a taste sensation. Effortlessly elegant, they are impressive enough for any gathering yet simple enough for weeknight snacking. Versatile as can be, these bites can be frozen and baked later, making them ideal for busy days. Perfectly crispy on the outside and delightfully gooey inside, they create a fantastic texture that’ll have everyone reaching for more. For more easy appetizers, check out my appetizer collection for some inspiration!

Palmiers with Bacon, Swiss, and Caramelized Onions Ingredients

• Perfect for your next gathering!

For the Pastry

Puff pastry – This flaky delight serves as the foundation; ensure it’s fully defrosted for easy handling.

For the Filling

Cream-style horseradish – Adds a zesty kick that complements the richness of the bacon and cheese.
Shredded Gruyère – This Swiss cheese melts beautifully and brings a nutty flavor to the palmiers.
Caramelized onions – Their natural sweetness balances the saltiness of the bacon perfectly.
Crispy bacon – The star ingredient that brings a smoky crunch everyone will love!
Fresh thyme – Just a hint of this herb elevates the flavor profile, tying everything together.

These Palmiers with Bacon, Swiss, and Caramelized Onions are sure to impress!

How to Make Palmiers with Bacon, Swiss, and Caramelized Onions

Roll out your puff pastry on a lightly-floured surface. If it feels thick, roll it out to approximately 1/8-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and delightful flakiness.
Spread 1 tablespoon of cream-style horseradish evenly over the dough. Sprinkle 1 cup of Gruyère, ⅓ cup of caramelized onions, half of the crumbled bacon, and ½ teaspoon of chopped fresh thyme to infuse your pastry with flavor.
Press down gently on the layered toppings by placing a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper on top. This helps to compact everything nicely so the flavors meld together.
Tuck and roll the pastry starting from one of the longer edges towards the center. Then, take the opposite side and roll it towards the middle until the ends meet. Use a little water to seal any seams as needed to keep them tight.
Repeat the same process with the second sheet of puff pastry and the remaining fillings, ensuring that you capture all those incredible flavors in both rolls.
Wrap each rolled pastry in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge to chill for at least 1 hour, or pop it in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm them up, making them easier to slice.
Unwrap the chilled rolls and cut them into ¼-inch thick slices. You should get about 24 slices per roll, perfect for sharing—if you want!
Bake immediately by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and arrange the slices 1 inch apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until they are golden and flaky, rotating the pans halfway for even cooking. Let them rest for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for cooling.
Store for later by freezing the unbaked palmiers on the baking sheets until solid. Transfer to freezer-safe bags for up to 1 month. When ready, preheat your oven and bake from frozen for 15-18 minutes until golden, following the same baking steps.

Optional: Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs before serving for added elegance.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Palmiers with Bacon, Swiss, and Caramelized Onions?

What pairs perfectly with these flavorful bites? Let’s take a culinary journey together!

Crisp Green Salad: A refreshing mix of greens with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness, providing a delightful contrast that brightens the palate.
Garlic Herb Butter Pasta: The buttery garlic pasta adds a comforting touch, and its hearty texture enhances the savoriness of the palmiers beautifully.
Roasted Veggies: Sweet roasted carrots and earthy Brussels sprouts offer a deliciously colorful side, enhancing the flavor experience with their caramelized edges.
Savory Cheese Platter: Pair with an assortment of cheeses like aged cheddar and brie to elevate the appetizer feeling, making for a sophisticated nibble alongside your palmiers.
Sparkling White Wine: A chilled glass of bubbly adds a celebratory touch, brightening the flavors of the creamy cheese and crispy bacon for a delightful experience.
Light Fruit Sorbet: Servings of fruity sorbet cleanse the palate after the salty bites, providing a refreshing and sweet finish to your meal.

Each pairing elevates the experience of enjoying palmiers, creating a well-rounded meal that feels both celebratory and comforting.

Palmiers with Bacon, Swiss, and Caramelized Onions Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine as you make this delightful recipe your own!

Vegetarian: Swap bacon for sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a savory, meat-free twist that’s just as delicious.
Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the filling for a zesty flavor explosion that will ignite your taste buds.
Cheese Swap: Try using aged cheddar or feta instead of Gruyère for a different flavor dimension that lends its own unique charm.
Sweet Touch: Incorporate a layer of fig jam before adding the cheese and veggies; this adds a sweet contrast that will surprise and delight!
Herb Booster: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or basil to enhance the savory aspect of the palmiers, crafting the perfect aromatic companion.
Nutty Crunch: Fold in some toasted nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for an unexpected crunch that dances beautifully with the buttery richness.
Garlic Infusion: Mix in roasted garlic for a fragrant note that makes these palmiers even more irresistible and aromatic.
Classic French: Use a classic tapenade spread instead of horseradish for a Mediterranean twist that embraces bold, briny flavors.

Mix, match, and enjoy the journey of flavor exploration with these delightful twists on your palmiers!

Make Ahead Options

These Palmiers with Bacon, Swiss, and Caramelized Onions are fantastic for meal prep! You can easily prepare the pastry rolls up to 24 hours in advance; simply follow the rolling steps and then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked palmiers for up to 1 month—just place them on baking sheets until solid, then transfer to freezer-safe bags. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake the frozen palmiers directly from the freezer for 15-18 minutes until they are golden and flaky. This way, you can savor gourmet flavors without the fuss on busy weeknights!

How to Store and Freeze Palmiers with Bacon, Swiss, and Caramelized Onions

Room Temperature: Keep any baked palmiers in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain their crispiness. Enjoy them fresh for the best taste!

Fridge: If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven briefly to restore some of their flaky texture.

Freezer: Unbaked palmiers can be frozen for up to 1 month. After slicing, freeze them on baking sheets until solid and then transfer to freezer-safe bags for convenient storage.

Reheating: For frozen palmiers, bake directly from frozen at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown and flaky, to enjoy the yummy flavors of bacon, Swiss, and caramelized onions at any time!

Expert Tips for Palmiers with Bacon, Swiss, and Caramelized Onions

Chill the pastry: Ensure your puff pastry is chilled before rolling to maintain its flakiness. This prevents it from becoming too soft and losing shape.
Avoid overfilling: Stick to the suggested amounts of ingredients to ensure that your palmiers hold together well and bake evenly without spilling filling.
Regular rotation: Rotate your baking sheets halfway through the cooking time to achieve an even golden color and perfect puffiness in your palmiers with bacon, Swiss, and caramelized onions.
Freeze properly: If you’re freezing, make sure to freeze them flat on a baking sheet first, then transfer to freezer bags. This prevents them from sticking together.
Watch the bake time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on the palmiers toward the end of baking to avoid overcooking them; they should be golden but not too dark.

Palmiers with Bacon, Swiss, and Caramelized Onions Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best puff pastry for my palmiers?
Absolutely! Look for puff pastry that’s made with real butter for the best flavor and flakiness. I always recommend checking the expiration date and ensuring it’s well-frozen before you buy it. A quality puff pastry will thaw beautifully and create those irresistible layers when baked!

How should I store leftover palmiers?
Very good question! After baking, store any leftover palmiers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them crispy. If you have any extras, they can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore that delightful crunch!

Can I freeze unbaked palmiers, and how do I do it?
Absolutely, you can freeze unbaked palmiers! After slicing them, place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them until solid, which usually takes about 1-2 hours. Once they’re firm, transfer the palmiers to freezer-safe bags. They can be stored this way for up to 1 month.

To bake from frozen, simply preheat your oven to 400°F, arrange the frozen slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet with 1 inch of space between each, and bake for 15-18 minutes until they’re golden and flaky.

What should I do if my palmiers unroll while baking?
No worries, it happens to the best of us! If your palmiers unroll, you can simply press them back together when you take them out of the oven. To prevent this from happening, I recommend ensuring the pastry is tightly rolled and sealed with water at the seams. Alternatively, chilling them longer before baking can help them hold their shape better.

Are palmiers with bacon suitable for pets?
When it comes to sharing with your furry friends, it’s best to keep these palmiers away from them. The bacon and horseradish can be too rich for pets and may upset their stomachs. If you want to treat your pet, consider making some plain, unseasoned puff pastry delights just for them!