This recipe provides instructions for creating delightful Cream Cheese and Herb Puff Pastry Squares, a simple yet elegant appetizer or snack that is both flaky and flavorful. These squares feature the light, buttery layers of puff pastry encasing a creamy and tangy filling made with cream cheese and aromatic herbs. The ease of preparation makes them a perfect choice for quick appetizers or a satisfying savory treat. The filling typically consists of softened cream cheese, which provides a smooth and rich base. Fresh or dried herbs, such as dill, chives, parsley, thyme, or a combination, are mixed into the cream cheese to impart a burst of freshness and flavor. A touch of garlic powder or onion powder can be added for extra savory depth. The process involves cutting thawed puff pastry sheets into equal squares. The cream cheese and herb mixture is then spread onto the center of each square, leaving a small border. The edges of the pastry can be simply folded inwards to partially cover the filling, or a second square of pastry can be placed on top to create a sealed pocket. For a beautiful golden-brown and glossy finish, the tops of the pastry squares are often brushed with an egg wash (a beaten egg with a little water or milk) before baking. Some variations might include a sprinkle of seeds like sesame or poppy seeds, or a grating of Parmesan cheese on top for added texture and visual appeal. Baked until the puff pastry is beautifully puffed and golden and the cream cheese filling is warm and slightly softened, these savory squares are best served warm. They are ideal for parties, brunches, or as a flavorful addition to a light meal. The combination of the flaky pastry and the creamy, herby filling makes them a universally appealing treat. The image shows a close-up of several golden-brown and flaky puff pastry squares piled on a wooden surface. The squares are puffed and have a slightly uneven, bubbly texture, characteristic of well-baked puff pastry. Some squares appear to have a visible creamy filling peeking through, and all are sprinkled with dried herbs.
The texture of Cream Cheese and Herb Puff Pastry Squares is a delightful combination of the light, airy, and incredibly flaky layers of puff pastry with a smooth, creamy, and slightly softened cream cheese filling infused with aromatic herbs.
The flavor profile is a harmonious blend of buttery and subtly rich puff pastry with the tangy and creamy taste of cream cheese, enhanced by the fresh and aromatic notes of the chosen herbs.
Cream Cheese and Herb Puff Pastry Squares are easy-to-make appetizers or snacks featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a warm and creamy mixture of cream cheese and flavorful herbs.
The preparation involves cutting puff pastry into squares, spreading a cream cheese and herb mixture on them, folding the edges or topping with another pastry square, brushing with egg wash, and baking until golden brown and puffed.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet (about 14.1 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as dill, chives, parsley, thyme, or a combination) or 1-2 teaspoons dried herbs (such as Italian seasoning, herbes de Provence, or a combination of the above)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water or milk (for egg wash)
- Optional toppings: Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, grated Parmesan cheese, extra herbs
Equipment:
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Mixing bowl (for the cream cheese and herb mixture)
- Spatula or spoon
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Small bowl (for egg wash)
- Pastry brush
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese and Herb Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped fresh herbs (or dried herbs), garlic powder (if using), and onion powder (if using). Mix well with a spatula or spoon until the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese.
- Prepare 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 2-3 inches each). You should get approximately 9-12 squares from one sheet, depending on the size you choose.
- Fill the Pastry Squares: Place a spoonful of the cream cheese and herb mixture in the center of each puff pastry square, leaving a small ½-inch border around the edges.
- Fold or Top the Pastry:
- Folding: For a simple presentation, you can fold two opposite corners of each square towards the center, partially covering the filling and pinching them gently to secure. Alternatively, you can fold all four corners towards the center and pinch.
- Topping: For a more enclosed bite, you can cut out the same number of additional squares from a second sheet of puff pastry (if you have one or if you rolled the first sheet larger). Place one cream cheese-filled square, then top it with a plain pastry square. Press the edges together with a fork to seal the filling inside. You can cut a small slit in the top of each to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water or milk to make an egg wash. Brush the tops of the filled pastry squares with the egg wash for a golden-brown and glossy finish.
- Add Optional Toppings: If desired, sprinkle the tops of the egg-washed squares with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, grated Parmesan cheese, or extra dried herbs.
- Bake the Pastry Squares: Arrange the filled pastry squares on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between them. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up. The filling should be warm and slightly softened.
- Cool and Serve: Carefully remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the Cream Cheese and Herb Puff Pastry Squares cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a serving platter. They are best served warm.
Enjoy these simple and flavorful puff pastry squares! They are a perfect appetizer, snack, or light bite.
Tips and Variations:
- Herb Combinations: Feel free to experiment with different fresh or dried herbs to create various flavor profiles.
- Cheese Variations: While cream cheese is the base, you can add a little shredded cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan cheese to the filling for a more complex cheesy flavor.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture for a little heat.
- Vegetable Additions: Finely chopped sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or caramelized onions can be added to the cream cheese filling. Ensure they are well-drained to avoid a soggy filling.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the filled pastry squares ahead of time, place them on a baking sheet, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Freezing: Baked and cooled puff pastry squares can be frozen. Wrap them individually and then place them in a freezer bag. Reheat them in the oven until warm and crispy.
These Cream Cheese and Herb Puff Pastry Squares are a versatile and delicious treat that is perfect for any occasion!