Get ready to elevate your culinary game with these mouthwatering cream cheese puff pastry triangles that are so delicious, they'll disappear faster than you can say "seconds, please!" Whether you're hosting a sophisticated dinner party or looking for a quick and impressive snack, these golden, flaky parcels of creamy goodness are about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen. Imagine biting into a perfectly crisp pastry that reveals a luxurious, herb-infused cream cheese filling - this recipe is guaranteed to make you the star of any gathering!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: International
Serves: 12 pieces
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 200g cream cheese
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that the puff pastry bakes evenly and becomes golden brown.
- On a clean, flat surface, lightly flour the area to prevent sticking. Unroll the sheet of puff pastry and gently roll it out with a rolling pin to smooth out any creases and to slightly increase its size.
- Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the puff pastry into 12 equal squares (approximately 4x4 inches each). Make sure the cuts are clean to ensure even baking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese with any fresh herbs you desire, such as chives, parsley, or dill. Mix until well combined and creamy. You can also add a pinch of salt and pepper for extra flavor.
- Place a generous tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the pastry to burst during baking.
- Fold each square over to create a triangle, bringing one corner to meet the opposite corner. Press the edges together firmly to seal, ensuring there are no gaps where the filling can escape.
- Using a fork, crimp the edges of each triangle to ensure they are well sealed and to create a decorative pattern. This also helps to keep the filling inside while baking.
- Transfer the filled puff pastry triangles onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each piece to allow for expansion during baking.
- Brush the tops of the puff pastry triangles with the beaten egg using a pastry brush. This will give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
- If desired, sprinkle some additional fresh herbs on top of the egg wash for added flavor and presentation.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
- Once baked, remove the puff pastries from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve the cream cheese puff pastries warm or at room temperature as an appetizer or snack. Enjoy!
Tips
- Keep your puff pastry cold: Always work with chilled pastry to ensure maximum flakiness and prevent the butter from melting.
- Don't overfill: Resist the temptation to overload each triangle with cream cheese. Too much filling can cause the pastry to burst during baking.
- Crimp carefully: Use a fork to create a tight seal around the edges, which prevents the filling from leaking and creates a beautiful decorative pattern.
- Egg wash is key: The beaten egg gives your pastries that gorgeous golden-brown color and glossy finish. Don't skip this step!
- Fresh herbs make a difference: Experiment with different herb combinations like chives, dill, or parsley to customize the flavor profile.
- Let them rest: Allow the pastries to cool slightly after baking to let the filling set and prevent burning your mouth.
- Make ahead friendly: You can prepare these in advance and reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving to restore their crispy texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 45mg
