Tex-Mex-Inspired Cheddar & Jalapeño Pastry Bites
These bite-sized Tex-Mex-inspired cheddar and jalapeño pastry bites are the perfect appetizer for any occasion. With their crispy, golden exterior and melty, cheesy filling, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing snacks for a family movie night, or just indulging in a delicious bite to satisfy your cravings, these little treats will deliver. They’re quick to assemble, can be made ahead of time, and only take a few minutes to bake, so you’re ready to serve them fresh and hot. The spicy jalapeños add a bold kick, but if you prefer a milder version, feel free to leave them out.
Ingredients for Cheddar & Jalapeño Pastry Bites
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Puff pastry dough | 1 sheet |
| Cheddar cheese, shredded | 36 pieces |
| Jalapeño peppers, sliced | 36 slices |
| Black olives, sliced | 36 slices |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 112.8 kcal |
| Fat Content | 9.3 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 5.9 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 29.4 mg |
| Sodium Content | 173.9 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 0.4 g |
| Fiber Content | 0 g |
| Sugar Content | 0.1 g |
| Protein Content | 7 g |
Instructions for Making Cheddar & Jalapeño Pastry Bites
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C), ensuring it reaches the perfect temperature for crisping up your pastry.
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Prepare the Pastry: Roll out your puff pastry dough on a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to flatten it to about 1/8 inch thick. This thin layer of dough ensures that each bite is perfectly flaky.
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Cut the Pastry: Using a sharp knife or a pastry cutter, cut the rolled-out dough into squares, each measuring about 2 1/2 inches on each side. You’ll need 36 pastry squares in total for this recipe.
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Assemble the Bites: Place one piece of shredded cheddar cheese in the center of each pastry square. The cheese will melt and become gooey, creating a delicious filling inside the pastry.
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Add the Heat (Optional): If you’re a fan of a little spice, place a slice of jalapeño pepper on top of the cheese. The fresh heat of the jalapeño pairs wonderfully with the richness of the cheddar. For a milder version, feel free to skip the jalapeños!
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Top with Olives: Add a slice of black olive on top of the jalapeño. The savory taste of the olive complements the spicy heat and creamy cheese beautifully.
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Seal the Pastry: To form the pastry bite, bring two opposite corners of the pastry square over the olive and cheese filling, pinching them together tightly. Then, repeat the process with the other two corners to create a little packet, ensuring the filling stays inside during baking.
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Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place your prepared pastry bundles on an ungreased baking sheet, making sure they are evenly spaced to allow for expansion as they bake.
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Bake: Bake the pastry bites in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until they are lightly browned and crispy. The cheese should be melted, and the pastry should have puffed up to a perfect golden finish.
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Serve: Once baked, remove the pastry bites from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. These little treats are best served warm, with a crisp, flaky exterior and gooey, cheesy center. Perfect for snacking or as an appetizer for your next gathering.
Tips and Variations:
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Make Ahead: You can assemble these pastry bites a day ahead and store them in the fridge. Just pop them into the oven when you’re ready to serve. Bake for an additional 1-2 minutes if they’ve been refrigerated to ensure they are piping hot.
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Cheese Options: While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for an added kick.
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Vegan Version: For a plant-based version, substitute the cheddar with vegan cheese and skip the olive if needed.
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Add More Heat: For those who enjoy their appetizers with extra spice, consider adding a few dashes of hot sauce on top of the cheese before sealing the pastry.
These Cheddar & Jalapeño Pastry Bites are the perfect combination of savory cheese, spicy jalapeños, and flaky puff pastry, making them an irresistible addition to any Tex-Mex-inspired menu. Whether you make them ahead of time or bake them fresh, they’ll be a crowd-pleaser every time!
