To start, you’ll need some store-bought puff sheets or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own puff pastry from scratch. Remember to thaw frozen puff pastry according to the package instructions before using. Once your puff pastry is ready, here are some filling ideas to try:
1. Spinach and feta: Sauté some spinach with garlic and onions until wilted, then mix it with crumbled feta cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Fill a small portion of the puff pastry sheet with the mixture, leaving some space around the edges to seal.
2. Cheesy mushroom: Cook sliced mushrooms in a pan with butter until they release their moisture. Add minced garlic, thyme, and a splash of white wine. Let the mixture cool, then mix in shredded cheddar or gruyere cheese. Fill the puff pastry with the mushroom and cheese mixture, leaving room to seal.
3. Ham and cheese: Thinly slice cooked ham and mix it with shredded cheese, such as Swiss or Gouda. Season with a dash of Dijon mustard and fill the puff pastry with the mixture. This classic combination is always a crowd-pleaser.
4. Chicken and vegetable: Cook diced chicken with your choice of vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, and peas. Season with herbs like thyme and rosemary, and add a drizzle of lemon juice. Fill the puff pastry with the chicken and vegetable mixture, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
5. Spicy sausage: Sauté sliced spicy sausage with onions, garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes until browned and cooked through. Let the mixture cool before filling the puff pastry sheets. The spicy kick will add a flavorful punch to your pastries.
Once you have chosen your filling, it’s time to assemble and bake the puff pastries. Preheat your oven according to the puff pastry package instructions. Cut the puff pastry sheets into squares or rectangles, depending on your desired size. Spoon the filling onto one half of each pastry square, then fold the other half over the filling to create a triangle or rectangle shape.
Using a fork, crimp the edges of the pastry to seal them tightly. This step ensures that the filling stays inside during baking. Place the filled pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush them with an egg wash to achieve a golden, shiny finish.
Bake the pastries in the preheated oven until they are puffed up and beautifully browned, usually around 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them as cooking times may vary depending on your oven. Once they are done, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Savory puff pastries are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. They make for an excellent appetizer or a snack on their own, but you can also pair them with a side salad or dips like marinara sauce or aioli.
Now that you know how to fill savory puff pastries, let your creativity run wild with different fillings and flavor combinations. These flaky delights are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or a delightful treat for any occasion.