Ingredients:
For the puff pastry:
- 1 pack of puff pastry (from the refrigerated section)
For the filling:
- 200 g cream cheese
- 100 g grated Emmental or Gouda
- 1 garlic clove (pressed)
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh herbs (e.g. parsley, chives)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the garnish:
- Sesame or poppy seeds (optional)
- Fresh herbs for sprinkling
Preparation:
1. Prepare the filling:
- Put the cream cheese in a bowl and mix with grated Emmental cheese, pressed garlic, finely chopped herbs, salt and pepper. The filling should be well combined and creamy.
2. Roll out the puff pastry:
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Make sure the dough is thin, but not too thin to hold the filling.
3. Filling and shaping:
- Place small portions of the prepared filling on the puff pastry, leaving enough space between the portions.
- Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges well to form small pockets. Press the edges lightly with a fork to seal.
4. Spread and garnish:
- Brush the filled puff pastry pieces with a beaten egg to achieve a golden browning during baking.
- Optionally, sesame or poppy seeds can be sprinkled over the surface to add additional flavor and an appealing appearance.
5. Baking:
- Place the filled puff pastry pieces on a baking tray lined with baking paper and bake in the preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve and enjoy:
- Remove the freshly baked puff pastry pieces from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve warm.
Tips for perfect filled puff pastry:
- Experiment with fillings: Vary the fillings according to your taste. Tomato paste, olives, dried tomatoes or bacon are just some of the countless possibilities.
- Even Size: Make sure the filled pockets are evenly sized to ensure they bake evenly.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs give the filling a more intense flavor. Parsley, chives, dill or basil are particularly good.
- Sealing the edges: Make sure the edges of the filled pockets are well sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
Why these filled puff pastry pieces are special:
- Versatility: Stuffed puff pastry is extremely versatile and can be customized according to preferences and occasions.
- Crispy texture: The puff pastry gives the pieces a wonderfully crispy texture, while the filling provides the perfect taste.
- Easy to prepare: This recipe is simple and does not require complicated techniques, making it accessible even for beginners in the kitchen.
Conclusion:
Stuffed puff pastry pieces are the perfect choice for simple snacks, starters or party appetizers. With their crispy shell and creamy filling, they are not only a hit in terms of taste, but also visually appealing. Treat yourself and your guests to these little delicacies that can be prepared in no time. Enjoy!