Imagine a dish that combines the delicate, buttery layers of puff pastry with the creamy, tangy goodness of goat cheese, all studded with vibrant spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. These French Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Stacks are not just a recipe – they're a gourmet experience that will transport your taste buds straight to the charming countryside of France. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a luxurious yet easy-to-make meal, this recipe is your golden ticket to culinary excellence.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 6 ounces goat cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Carefully unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry into 12 equal rectangular pieces, ensuring clean and even cuts.
- In a small bowl, crumble the goat cheese and mix it with finely chopped fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Place 6 pastry rectangles on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece for even baking.
- Spread the goat cheese mixture evenly across each of these 6 pastry rectangles, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow during baking.
- Carefully place the remaining 6 pastry rectangles on top of the cheese-covered pieces, creating a layered stack.
- Brush the top of each pastry stack with beaten egg, which will help create a golden, shiny surface when baked.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and turns a beautiful golden brown color.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the pastry to set and the cheese to stabilize.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or chives, and serve warm as an appetizer or light lunch.
Tips
- Pastry Temperature Matters: Ensure your puff pastry is thoroughly thawed but still cool. If it's too warm, it won't puff up beautifully during baking.
- Sharp Cutting Technique: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter and make clean, straight cuts to create even pastry rectangles. This ensures uniform cooking and a professional presentation.
- Don't Overfill: Leave a small border around the edges when spreading the goat cheese mixture to prevent overflow and messy edges.
- Egg Wash Secret: Brush the pastry with beaten egg generously – this creates that stunning golden-brown, glossy finish that makes your dish look professionally prepared.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the pastry stacks to rest for 5 minutes after baking. This helps the cheese set and prevents burning your mouth while allowing the layers to become perfectly crisp.
- Serving Suggestions: These stacks are versatile! Serve as an elegant appetizer, light lunch, or even as part of a brunch spread. Fresh herbs like thyme or chives can add a beautiful finishing touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 65mg
