Sausage and Cheese Puff Pastry 🌟
This savory puff pastry recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a flavorful snack. The flaky pastry, combined with savory sausage, melty cheese, and aromatic Italian herbs, makes this a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 1 pound (450g) of ground sausage (or pre-cooked sausages, chopped)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite blend)
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or oregano)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional topping)
- Flour (for dusting)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sausage Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- If using ground sausage, cook it in a pan over medium heat, breaking it apart until browned and cooked through.
- If using pre-cooked sausages, chop them into small pieces.
- Once cooked, remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Stir in shredded cheese, Italian herbs, and garlic powder. Mix well.
2. Roll the Puff Pastry:
- Lightly dust your work surface with flour and roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to ensure it’s large enough to fold over the filling without spilling.
- Spread the sausage and cheese mixture evenly down the center of the pastry, leaving a little space on the edges for folding.
3. Form the Roll:
- Fold the sides of the pastry over the filling, then carefully roll it into a log shape, sealing the edges as you go.
- Brush the top of the pastry with the beaten egg for a golden finish. If desired, sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds for a bit of crunch.
4. Bake:
- Place the pastry onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
How to Make It:
- Thawing the Puff Pastry: Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed before using it to prevent tearing when rolling it out.
- Preparing the Filling: You can prepare the sausage mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just make sure it’s not too wet when spreading it on the pastry, as excess moisture can cause the pastry to get soggy.
- For a Golden Finish: The egg wash step is essential for achieving a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Flavor Additions: Consider adding finely chopped onions, peppers, or spinach to the sausage mixture for added flavor and texture.
Tips:
- Quality Puff Pastry: For the best results, use a butter-based puff pastry—it will elevate both the texture and flavor.
- Egg Wash Alternatives: If you don’t have an egg, you can substitute with milk or cream for a similar effect.
- Cheese Blends: For extra flavor, use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella to get a balance of sharpness and meltiness.
- Portion Size: If you prefer smaller portions, slice the roll into sections before baking, or create bite-sized pinwheels by cutting the pastry into smaller pieces.
Conclusion:
This sausage and cheese puff pastry is an easy yet flavorful recipe, perfect for any meal or gathering. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or snack, it’s sure to be a hit. With the flexibility to adjust the filling ingredients to your taste, you can customize it and create a delicious treat that’s crispy, savory, and irresistible.
Enjoy it fresh from the oven—your guests will devour every bite!