Kamil Perry
Puff pastry is a versatile ingredient that can be used to make a variety of dishes, both sweet and savoury. In this article, we will explore the different ways to use puff pastry sheets to create delicious cheese bread. From classic recipes like cheesy garlic bread to more creative combinations such as ham and cheese turnovers, there are endless possibilities to elevate your meals. By following simple preparation techniques and baking methods, you can impress your guests or simply satisfy your cravings with mouth-watering cheesy puff pastry creations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven temperature | 350 °F, 180 °C, 375°F, 325F or 400°F |
| Ingredients | Puff pastry, cheese, egg, butter, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, oregano, mint, thyme, milk, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, honey, ham, dijon mustard, aged cheddar, mozzarella, feta, cream cheese, Italian seasoning |
| Preparation | Thaw pastry, roll out, cut, add fillings, fold, brush with egg wash, bake, dust with sugar |
| Variations | Cheese straws, ham and cheese turnovers, cream cheese puff pastry, cheese pastry |
| Serving suggestions | Warm or room temperature, with marinara sauce, roasted tomato and pepper soup |
| Storage | Freeze for up to 2 months, store in an airtight container |
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What You'll Learn
How to make puff pastry from scratch
Homemade puff pastry is a rewarding and delicious alternative to store-bought pastry. While it can be time-consuming, the process is relatively simple and the results are well worth the effort. Here is a step-by-step guide to making puff pastry from scratch:
Ingredients
All you need to make puff pastry are some basic pantry staples:
- Flour
- Salt
- Butter
- Ice Water
Method
- Begin by making the dough, also known as a "lean dough" because of its simple ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cube the butter and add it to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut the butter into the dough until it is in uniform pieces about the size of peas.
- Create a well in the center of the dough and slowly drizzle in the ice water, stirring with a wooden spoon or fork as you pour. Do not over-mix the dough.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and pat it into a rough square. The dough will seem dry and crumbly, but do not add extra water. It will come together as you roll it out.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle and fold it into thirds, like a business letter. This process of rolling and folding creates the flaky layers that make puff pastry so delightful.
- Repeat the rolling and folding process several times, chilling the dough between each turn. This chilling time is essential, as it allows the butter to firm up and the dough to relax, making it easier to handle.
- After the final turn, roll the dough out to the desired thickness and cut it into the desired shape. You can now fill it with your choice of ingredients, such as cheese and garlic for a savory treat, or apples and cinnamon for something sweeter.
- Bake the pastry in a preheated oven until it is puffed, golden, and flaky. Enjoy the delicious results of your labor!
While this process takes some time and patience, the end result is a flaky, buttery, and delicious puff pastry that is perfect for any sweet or savory treat. So, impress your guests or treat yourself by making puff pastry from scratch!
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Preparing the puff pastry sheets
Preparing puff pastry sheets is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare puff pastry sheets for your delicious cheese bread:
Thawing the Puff Pastry Sheets
Start by removing the desired number of puff pastry sheets from the freezer. Place them on a counter or any flat surface and let them thaw according to the package instructions. This usually involves leaving them at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour. An alternative method is to wrap the sheets in paper towels and microwave them for around 15 seconds on each side. The pastry sheets are ready when they can be easily unfolded without forcing them.
Rolling and Cutting the Puff Pastry Sheets
Once the puff pastry sheets are thawed, it's time to roll them out. Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin, if needed. Gently roll out the sheets to your desired thickness and shape. For most recipes, an 1/8-inch thickness is recommended. You can cut the sheets into various shapes, such as rectangles, squares, or triangles, depending on the presentation you want to achieve.
Filling and Toppings
Now comes the fun part—adding the cheese and any other fillings or toppings! For a simple cheese bread, sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the puff pastry sheets. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as mozzarella, Parmesan, cheddar, or cream cheese. Feel free to experiment with combinations and amounts to find your favorite flavor profile. You can also add other toppings like herbs (oregano, thyme, or parsley), spices, or even a drizzle of honey.
Baking Instructions
Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature, usually between 350°F and 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Place your prepared puff pastry sheets on the baking sheet, leaving some space between them to allow for even cooking. If desired, brush the pastry sheets with an egg wash, which will give them a golden, glossy finish. Bake for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of your pastry, until they are puffed, golden brown, and flaky.
Serving Suggestions
Once baked, let the puff pastry cheese bread cool slightly before serving. You can serve them as appetizers or alongside soups, stews, or dips. They are best enjoyed warm, but they can also be served at room temperature. For a sweet touch, dust the cheese bread with powdered sugar or drizzle them with a sugar glaze. Enjoy the flaky, buttery goodness!
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Making the cheese filling
For the cheese filling, you can use a combination of cheeses. For a simple option, use a soft cheese like cream cheese and a hard, sharp cheese like Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or aged cheddar. You can also add herbs like parsley, Italian seasoning, mint, or oregano. If you want to get creative, try adding minced fresh herbs, spices, or infused salt blends to your cheese filling.
To make the cheese filling, start by preparing the cream cheese mixture. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until it is fluffy and well combined. Make sure that the cream cheese is at room temperature before you begin. You can add other ingredients like lemon juice, orange zest, or vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture to give it a unique flavor.
Next, add the shredded hard cheese of your choice to the cream cheese mixture and mix until combined. If you want a simpler option, you can also just sprinkle the shredded hard cheese on top of the cream cheese layer before rolling up the pastry.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can also add other ingredients to your cheese filling. For example, you can crumble feta cheese over the cream cheese layer, sprinkle mozzarella on top, and then add fresh herbs like mint and oregano. This creates a creamy and sharp flavor combination that pairs well with the flaky puff pastry.
Once you've made the cheese filling, it's time to assemble your puff pastry sheets. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on top of the pastry sheets, leaving a border around the edge. If you're using multiple types of cheese, create layers by sprinkling or crumbling each type of cheese on top of the cream cheese layer. Then, roll up the pastry and cut it into the desired number of pieces.
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Assembling the pastry
To make puff pastry cheese bread, you will need to assemble the pastry before baking it. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:
Thaw the puff pastry
Remove the puff pastry from the freezer and let it thaw according to the package instructions. This usually involves letting it sit at room temperature for around 30 minutes, or you can speed up the process by microwaving the pastry, wrapped in a paper towel, for 15 seconds on each side. The pastry is ready to be used when it is soft enough to be easily unfolded.
Prepare the baking sheets
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. You may also want to pre-heat your oven at this stage. The temperature and timing will depend on the specific recipe you are following.
Cut and fill the pastry
Cut the puff pastry into your desired shape. Many recipes suggest cutting the pastry into rectangles or squares, which can then be folded or rolled up. You may want to score a border around the edge of each piece of pastry, taking care not to cut all the way through. This will help to create a neat edge for your pastry once it is baked. Once you have cut your pastry, you can fill it with your chosen ingredients. Cheese, butter, garlic, herbs, and meat are all popular choices.
Egg wash and seasoning
Before baking, prepare an egg wash by whisking together an egg with a small amount of water. Brush this mixture over the pastries. You can also sprinkle the pastries with sugar, salt, or herbs at this stage, depending on your chosen recipe.
Bake and serve
Place the pastries in the oven and bake until golden brown. The baking time will depend on the type of pastry you are making, but it usually ranges from 10 to 25 minutes. Allow the pastries to cool slightly before serving.
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Baking and serving
When it comes to baking and serving, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your puff pastry sheets with cheese bread turns out perfectly.
Firstly, it is important to prepare your puff pastry sheets by thawing them. Remove the sheets from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for around 30 minutes, or until they are softened and easy to unfold. Alternatively, you can speed up the process by microwaving the sheets wrapped in paper towels for 15 seconds on each side.
Once your puff pastry sheets are ready, it's time to assemble your creation. If you're making cheese straws, for example, you'll want to sprinkle some cheese onto your work surface and place a sheet of puff pastry on top. Sprinkle more cheese over the pastry, and then roll it out and fold it in half. Repeat this process with another sheet of puff pastry if needed.
Roll out the pastry again until it is around 1/8-inch thick, and then cut it into strips about 1-inch wide. Transfer these strips to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and twist each strip to give it a spiral look. Chill the strips in the fridge for at least 10 minutes to help them firm up and puff up in the oven.
When you're ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F or 375°F, depending on the recipe. Place your chilled pastry on a baking sheet and brush with an egg wash. Bake for around 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, crispy, and a deep golden brown.
Finally, let your creation cool briefly on the baking sheet before transferring it to a cooling rack or serving plate. Puff pastry is best served warm or at room temperature on the same day it is made. However, if you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container and enjoy them later!
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Frequently asked questions
First, remove the puff pastry from the freezer and allow it to thaw. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the pastry in half and score a border. Mix butter, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and cheese, and spread on the pastry. Bake for 10 minutes.
You can use a combination of hard cheeses such as Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or aged cheddar. For a cream cheese puff pastry, you can use a combination of cream cheese, feta, and mozzarella.
Sprinkle a work surface with cheese. Place a puff pastry sheet on the cheese and top with more cheese. Roll out the pastry and fold it in half. Roll it out again until it is 1/8-inch thick. Cut into strips, twist, and transfer to a baking sheet. Chill in the fridge for at least 10 minutes. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden.
Yes, you can assemble the puff pastry ahead of time and freeze it. When ready to bake, place the pastries on a baking tray, brush with egg wash, and bake at 350°F until golden.
