Description
These Mushroom Cheese Puff Bites are deliciously flaky pastries filled with a savory blend of sautéed mushrooms, onions, garlic, and creamy cheeses. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, they combine the golden crispiness of puff pastry with a rich, flavorful filling enhanced by fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
Filling
- 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Finishing
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare it for baking the puff bites.
- Sauté Onions: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes, to bring out their sweetness.
- Cook Mushrooms and Garlic: Add the minced garlic and finely chopped mushrooms to the skillet. Cook until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown, approximately 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste for balanced flavor.
- Mix Filling: Remove the skillet from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. Stir in the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and chopped parsley until fully combined to create a creamy, flavorful filling.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth it out. Cut the pastry into 3×3 inch squares, ensuring uniform sizes for even baking.
- Fill Pastry Squares: Place about a tablespoon of the mushroom and cheese filling in the center of each pastry square, being careful not to overfill.
- Shape Puff Bites: Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling to create a pocket and pinch the edges securely. Use a fork to crimp the edges if desired for a decorative seal.
- Apply Egg Wash: Arrange the filled pastry bites on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them a golden shine after baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed and golden brown. Monitor closely to avoid over-browning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the puff bites cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the filling to set slightly and prevent burns.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is well chilled before rolling to prevent sticking and tearing.
- For a stronger mushroom flavor, consider using a mix of wild mushrooms.
- Variations: Substitute mozzarella with other melty cheeses like fontina or gouda for a different taste.
- Leftover bites can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in an oven to retain crispness.
- For a vegetarian diet, confirm no animal rennet in cheeses used.
