Introduction
This savory puff pastry recipe is perfect for a quick meal or an appetizer that’s sure to impress.
The combination of crispy, flaky pastry with flavorful sausage, cheese, and Italian herbs creates a delightful bite for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a party or simply want a tasty snack, this recipe is easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
-1 sheet of puff pastry, thawe
-1 pound (450g) of ground sausage (or pre-cooked sausages
-1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite blend)
-1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or oregano)
-1 teaspoon garlic powder
-1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional topping)
Flour (for dusting)
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the pastry from sticking and set aside.
If you’re using ground sausage, heat a pan over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is browned and fully cooked through.
If using pre-cooked sausages, chop them into small pieces.
Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Stir in the shredded cheese, Italian herbs, and garlic powder, mixing until everything is evenly combined.
Lightly dust your work surface with flour and roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet. Make sure it’s large enough to fold over the filling without it spilling out.
Spread the sausage and cheese mixture evenly down the center of the pastry, leaving a little space on the edges for folding.
Fold the sides of the pastry over the filling, and then carefully roll it into a log shape, sealing the edges as you go.
Brush the top of the pastry with the beaten egg to give it a golden finish, and sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top if desired.
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
To begin, ensure your puff pastry is completely thawed before using it. This ensures it rolls out easily and doesn’t tear when you add the filling.
While the sausage is cooking, it’s helpful to prepare your filling ingredients so you can assemble everything quickly.
You can even make the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
For a crispy exterior, brush the pastry with an egg wash before baking.
This step creates a beautiful golden-brown crust and adds an extra shine to the pastry.
If you want to add more flavor.
consider incorporating finely chopped onions, peppers, or even spinach into the sausage mixture.
Make sure the sausage mixture is not too wet when spreading it on the pastry, as excess moisture could cause the pastry to become soggy.
To ensure even cooking, slice the pastry roll into even sections before serving, which also helps with presentation.
If you prefer bite-sized portions, you can cut the pastry into smaller pieces before baking, creating sausage and cheese pinwheels instead of a whole roll.
Tips
Using a high-quality puff pastry will significantly improve the texture and flavor of your dish. Look for a butter-based puff pastry for the best results.
If you don’t have an egg for the egg wash, you can use a tablespoon of milk or cream as a substitute.
For extra flavor, add a bit of hot sauce or mustard to the sausage filling. The spicy kick pairs well with the richness of the cheese and sausage.
When choosing your cheese, try using a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for a perfect combination of sharpness and meltiness.
Don’t overstuff the pastry with filling, as this can make it difficult to seal and could lead to spillage while baking.
If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, you can assemble the pastry and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking.
Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking.
Experiment with other herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to give the filling a more distinct flavor that complements the sausage and cheese.
Conclusion
This sausage and cheese puff pastry is an easy yet flavorful recipe that works for any occasion, from casual
snacks to festive appetizers. The flaky pastry, savory filling, and golden finish make it an irresistible treat.
With its flexibility in ingredients and simple preparation, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again. Enjoy it fresh from the oven, and watch as your guests enjoy every bite!