This recipe yields savory and slightly spicy Cheesy Jalapeño Puff Pastry Turnovers, perfect as an appetizer, snack, or light lunch. These turnovers feature flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy, cheesy mixture and the zesty kick of jalapeño peppers. The buttery layers of the puff pastry create a delightful contrast to the rich and flavorful filling, making each bite a satisfying experience. The filling typically consists of cream cheese for a smooth and tangy base, shredded cheese (such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend) for extra meltiness and flavor, and diced jalapeño peppers for a touch of heat. The jalapeños can be fresh or pickled, depending on your preference for spiciness and flavor intensity. Some variations might include other ingredients like chopped green onions, garlic powder, or a pinch of cumin to enhance the overall taste. The assembly involves cutting the puff pastry into squares or triangles, placing a spoonful of the cheesy jalapeño mixture in the center, folding the pastry over to form a triangle or rectangle, and crimping the edges to seal in the filling. The tops of the turnovers are often brushed with an egg wash to promote a golden-brown and glossy finish during baking. A sprinkle of dried herbs like parsley or a dash of everything bagel seasoning can add visual appeal and extra flavor. Baked until golden brown and puffed, these turnovers offer a delicious combination of creamy cheese, spicy jalapeño, and flaky pastry, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. The image shows several golden-brown, flaky puff pastry turnovers filled with a melted, creamy white substance and flecks of green, likely jalapeño peppers. The tops of the turnovers are slightly browned and sprinkled with dried green herbs.
The texture of Cheesy Jalapeño Puff Pastry Turnovers is characterized by the light, airy, and incredibly flaky layers of the puff pastry giving way to a warm, soft, and gooey filling of melted cheese and tender pieces of jalapeño.
The flavor profile is a delightful combination of rich, buttery pastry, creamy and often slightly tangy cheese, and the zesty, slightly spicy kick from the jalapeño peppers. Additional seasonings can add layers of savory depth.
Cheesy Jalapeño Puff Pastry Turnovers are a savory and satisfying appetizer or snack, offering a wonderful interplay of textures and a delicious balance of creamy, spicy, and buttery flavors.
The preparation involves making a cheesy jalapeño filling, encasing it in puff pastry, and then baking until golden brown and puffed.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet (about 10-14 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- 2-3 tablespoons diced jalapeño peppers (fresh, finely chopped, seeds removed for less heat, or pickled, drained and chopped)
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Pinch of cumin (optional)
- 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
- Dried parsley or everything bagel seasoning, for garnish (optional)
Equipment:
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional, for lining)
- Small bowl (for egg wash)
- Pastry brush
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, diced jalapeño peppers, chopped green onions (if using), garlic powder (if using), and cumin (if using). Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Unfold and Cut the Puff Pastry: Gently unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into equal squares (about 4-5 inches) or triangles. You should get 4-6 pieces depending on the size and how you cut them.
- Fill the Pastry: Place a spoonful (about 1-2 tablespoons) of the cheese and jalapeño mixture in the center of each pastry square or triangle.
- Fold and Seal the Turnovers:
- Squares: Fold one corner of the square over to the opposite corner to form a triangle. Press the edges together firmly with your fingers. For extra security, you can use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges and seal them completely.
- Triangles: If you cut the pastry into triangles, simply fold one half over the other to create a larger triangle and press the edges to seal, crimping with a fork if desired.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Carefully transfer the filled and sealed turnovers to the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
- Brush with Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush the tops of each turnover with the egg wash to help them turn golden brown and glossy during baking.
- Garnish (Optional): If desired, sprinkle the tops of the egg-washed turnovers with dried parsley or everything bagel seasoning.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up, and the filling is melted and bubbly.
- Cool Slightly and Serve: Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the turnovers cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving. They are best enjoyed warm when the pastry is flaky and the filling is gooey.
Enjoy these delicious and easy Cheesy Jalapeño Puff Pastry Turnovers as a flavorful appetizer or snack!