Savory Cheese Puff Pastry Parcels

Feuilletés Fromages – Savory Puff Pastry Packages with Cheese

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour (not included in prep time)
Yield: 36 Packages

Description:

These delightful Feuilletés Fromages are bursting with wonderful flavors and boast an elegant appearance, making them perfect as appetizers or a side dish for a brunch buffet. This recipe, originally from the Overwaitea quarterly magazine, has been cherished for years for its simplicity and deliciousness. They can be prepared ahead of time, chilled, and baked just before serving, making them a convenient choice for entertaining.

Ingredients:

• 2 sheets puff pastry
• 1 cup cream cheese
• 1 egg + 2 egg yolks
• 1 cup Gruyere cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives), finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Puff Pastry:

   • Roll out each sheet of puff pastry into a rectangle measuring approximately 10 1/2 inches by 21 inches.
   • Cut each rectangle into 18 pieces, resulting in a total of 36 squares.

2. Prepare the Filling:

   • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream cheese and beaten egg until smooth.
   • Add the grated Gruyere cheese, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and chopped herbs to the bowl. Mix until well combined.

3. Assemble the Packages:

   • Place a tablespoon of the cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square.
   • In a separate small bowl, beat together the egg yolks and water to create an egg wash.
   • Brush the edges of each pastry square with the egg wash.
   • Carefully pull up the corners of the pastry square, bringing them together at the top to form a little package. Press the edges firmly to seal.

4. Chill and Bake:

   • Arrange the assembled puff pastry packages on a lightly oiled or parchment-lined baking sheet.
   • Refrigerate the packages for at least 1 hour to firm up.
   • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Brush the outside of each package with the remaining egg wash.

5. Bake and Serve:

   • Bake the puff pastry packages in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and puff up beautifully.
   • Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm.

Serving:

These Feuilletés Fromages are best served hot or warm, straight from the oven, allowing your guests to savor the delicious blend of creamy cheese, savory herbs, and flaky puff pastry. They make a stunning addition to any gathering, offering both irresistible taste and a sophisticated presentation.

This recipe for Feuilletés Fromages is sure to become a favorite for its ease of preparation and impressive results, making it a perfect choice for any occasion where you want to impress with delectable, homemade appetizers.