Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
- Flour, for dusting
- Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water)
Step 1: Preparing the Puff Pastry
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly dust your work surface with flour to prevent sticking. Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet onto the floured surface. Gently roll it out to smooth any creases and create an even thickness.
Step 2: Cutting the Pastry
Using a round cutter or a glass, cut out circles from the rolled-out puff pastry sheet. Choose the size of your cutter based on the desired size of your pastry baskets. Remove the excess dough and set it aside for later use.
Step 3: Shaping the Baskets
Take each cut-out circle of puff pastry and place it into a lightly greased muffin tin. Gently press the pastry down into the tin, allowing it to conform to the shape and creating a well in the center.
Pro tip: To prevent the pastry from puffing up too much during baking, use a fork to prick the bottom of each pastry case.
Step 4: Brushing with Egg Wash
Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the inside of each puff pastry basket with the prepared egg wash. This will help create a golden and glossy finish as the pastries bake.
Step 5: Baking the Baskets
Place the muffin tin with the prepared puff pastry baskets into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the pastry turns golden brown and puffs up nicely.
Pro tip: Keep a close eye on the pastries as they bake to prevent them from burning. Adjust the baking time according to your oven’s heat intensity.
Step 6: Cooling and Removing the Baskets
Once the puff pastry baskets are baked to perfection, remove the muffin tin from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Carefully transfer the baskets to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro tip: If any of the baskets have puffed up excessively during baking, use a spoon or fork to gently press down the centers to create more space for fillings.
Step 7: Filling the Baskets
Your empty puff pastry baskets are now ready to be filled with your desired sweet or savory fillings. For sweet options, consider whipped cream and fresh berries or vanilla custard and sliced fruits. For savory options, try filling them with a creamy chicken and vegetable mixture or herbed cream cheese and smoked salmon. The possibilities are endless!
With this simple step-by-step guide, you can easily create empty puff pastry baskets that are sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking to elevate your baking skills, these delicate and flavorful treats will not disappoint. So, roll up your sleeves, grab a sheet of puff pastry, and let your culinary imagination run wild!