Breakfast
Freeflourish
Gluten-Free Savory Herb and Cheese Palmiers
By Freeflourish Test KitchenReviewed by Freeflourish Editorial TeamPublished Apr 23, 2026 · Updated May 11, 2026
French-inspired
35 mins
glutenfreevegetarianbakingsnackfamilyfriendlyeasyappetizerkidfriendlysavory
These easy-to-make gluten-free savory palmiers combine fresh herbs and sharp cheddar cheese in a flaky, crispy puff pastry, ideal as a snack, appetizer, or kid-friendly treat. A perfect family-friendly recipe for quick baking and gluten-free snacking any time of day.
Prep
15 min
Cook
20 min
Total
35 min
Servings
24
Difficulty
easy
Cuisine
French-inspired
Ingredients
Servings
24
- 1 sheet gluten-free puff pastry (about 8 oz), thawed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or dairy-free cheese for dairy-free options)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg (for egg wash) or dairy-free milk alternative for brushing
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Unfold the thawed gluten-free puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface using gluten-free flour.
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Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the entire surface of the pastry sheet.
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Evenly distribute the chopped parsley, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the cheese layer.
-
Starting from one edge, carefully roll the pastry tightly towards the center to form a log. Repeat from the opposite edge, rolling towards the center so both sides meet in the middle.
-
Wrap the rolled log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 10 minutes to firm up.
-
Remove the log from the fridge and slice into approximately 1/4-inch (0.6 cm) thick slices to create individual palmiers.
-
Place the palmiers on the prepared baking sheet spaced about 1 inch apart.
-
Brush the tops lightly with beaten egg or a dairy-free milk alternative for a golden finish.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until the palmiers are puffed, golden, and crisp.
-
Allow the palmiers to cool for 5 minutes before serving warm or at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.
This naturally gluten-free and vegetarian recipe can be easily customized to fit various dietary needs:
- Dairy-Free: Substitute sharp cheddar with dairy-free cheese alternatives such as vegan shredded cheddar or cashew-based cheese. Use plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk in place of egg wash for a golden crust.
- Nut-Free: This recipe is inherently nut-free; if choosing dairy-free cheeses, ensure they are free from nut ingredients.
- Vegan: Replace cheese with a vegan cheese alternative and brush palmiers with plant-based milk. Confirm the gluten-free puff pastry contains no animal-derived ingredients—some brands offer vegan puff pastry options.
- Low-Carb or Paleo: Gluten-free puff pastry typically has higher carbs; for low-carb or paleo diets, consider making crusts with almond or coconut flour, recognizing texture will vary.
Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs or spices to suit your taste, maintaining this recipe’s family-friendly appeal perfect for snacks, appetizers, or quick & easy baking occasions.
Allergen Overlap Note
While all of our gluten-free recipes, covering categories such as Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Desserts, Snacks, Gluten-Free Baking, and more, are carefully crafted to avoid gluten-containing ingredients, it’s essential to be mindful of potential allergen cross-contamination. Many recipes also accommodate dairy-free, nut-free, vegan, and other dietary preferences; however, some ingredients might be processed in facilities handling wheat, nuts, dairy, or other allergens.
To ensure safe gluten-free and allergen-aware cooking practices:
- Always verify ingredient labels for hidden gluten or allergen traces.
- Use separate utensils, cutting boards, and surfaces dedicated to gluten-free food prep to avoid cross-contact.
- Choose ingredient substitutes that comply with your dietary restrictions, including dairy-free or nut-free alternatives.
- Opt for certified gluten-free brands when purchasing pre-made products such as gluten-free puff pastry or baking mixes.
- Store gluten-free and allergen-safe ingredients separately from other pantry items.
Whether you’re following gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, paleo, whole30, or other special diets featured throughout our family-friendly and quick & easy recipes, following these safe cooking guidelines ensures wholesome and enjoyable meals for everyone.
Texture Expectations
Gluten-free baking often results in unique textural differences compared to traditional wheat-based baked goods. For these Gluten-Free Savory Herb and Cheese Palmiers, expect a delightfully flaky and crispy exterior thanks to the gluten-free puff pastry, designed to replicate the layered texture of classic puff pastry.
Due to the absence of gluten, the dough may be slightly more delicate, so handle carefully when rolling and slicing to maintain the light, flaky layers. The interior offers a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture from the cheese filling blended with fresh herbs that add subtle freshness without compromising crispness.
The texture may vary depending on the gluten-free flour blend in the puff pastry and type of cheese used—dairy-free or vegan cheeses can affect melt and creaminess, and different flour blends might produce more crumbly or less elastic dough. Watch your bake times and oven temperature closely to achieve the perfect crispy finish.
Enjoy these palmiers freshly baked or at room temperature to appreciate their signature flaky layers and savory flavor. Stored palmiers may soften but can be gently re-crisped in a warm oven prior to serving.
Overall, these palmiers deliver a satisfying contrast of flaky, crisp pastry and flavorful interior—a delicious family-friendly, kid-approved gluten-free snack or appetizer for any occasion.
Dining With Non Gf Family Note
When preparing gluten-free meals alongside family members who consume gluten, whether for breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts, snacks, soups & salads, gluten-free baking, or family-friendly dishes, preventing cross-contamination is crucial for safe dining.
- Designate Gluten-Free Zones and Tools: Use separate cutting boards, utensils, and cookware exclusively for gluten-free food preparation to avoid gluten residue.
- Thorough Cleaning: Wash hands, surfaces, and equipment carefully before making gluten-free dishes to prevent gluten transfer.
- Separate Storage: Keep gluten-free ingredients and prepared foods clearly labeled and stored apart from gluten-containing items.
- Prepare Gluten-Free Foods First: Cooking gluten-free items before others reduces risk of airborne flour and crumbs contaminating foods.
- Educate Family Members: Promote awareness on gluten-free precautions to prevent accidental gluten consumption, especially with snacks and desserts.
- Use Dedicated Appliances: For example, reserve a toaster for gluten-free bread or an air fryer for gluten-free snacks.
- Choose Naturally Gluten-Free Recipes: Opt for simple meals like soups, salads, or one-pot dishes that naturally fit gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and vegan options to minimize ingredient complexity.
- Clear Labeling: Label gluten-free items distinctly in pantry and fridge, including during holiday classic or seasonal meals.
Adhering to these best practices during gluten-free cooking and dining promotes a safer, inclusive experience for all family members—from quick and easy family meals to comforting holiday classics.
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