Quick Puff Pastry Appetizer Platter
Servings: 8–10 | Prep time: 10 min | Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients
- 2 sheets of store-bought puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 200 g (7 oz) cream cheese
- 100 g (3.5 oz) shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
- 1 tsp dried herbs (thyme, oregano, or mixed Italian herbs)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional fillings/toppings:
- Sliced ham, salami, or prosciutto
- Spinach leaves
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Pesto or tapenade
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the filling:
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, shredded cheese, garlic, and herbs.
- Add optional ingredients like ham or spinach if desired.
- Prepare the puff pastry:
- Unfold the sheets and cut them into squares or rectangles (about 5×5 cm / 2×2 inches).
- Fill the pastry:
- Place a small spoonful of the filling in the center of each square.
- Fold over the pastry to create triangles or rectangles and seal the edges with a fork.
- Egg wash:
- Beat the egg and brush it over the tops of the pastries for a golden finish.
- Bake:
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
- Serve warm:
- Arrange on a platter and enjoy with dips like marinara, mustard, or aioli.
Tips:**
- You can make them ahead and freeze uncooked; bake straight from the freezer adding a few extra minutes.
- Mini versions (cut smaller) make for perfect finger food.