Are you in search of a scrumptious and versatile pastry recipe that will satisfy your taste buds? Look no further than cheese pastries! These delectable treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful snack any time of day. Made with a flaky, buttery dough and filled with a creamy cheese mixture, cheese pastries are sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Join us as we explore the ins and outs of making these mouthwatering delights, including ingredients, instructions, cook notes, variations, and even keto and low-carb versions!
Ingredients:
For the Pastry Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup cold water
For the Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Egg Wash (Optional):
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pastry Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture.
- Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the cold water, a little at a time, until the dough comes together and forms a ball. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.
2. Make the Cheese Filling:
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and creamy. Set aside.
3. Assemble the Cheese Pastries:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or glass to cut out circles of dough.
- Place a spoonful of the cheese filling in the center of each dough circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal.
4. Bake the Pastries:
- Place the filled pastries on the prepared baking sheet. If desired, brush the tops of the pastries with the egg wash for a shiny finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and flaky.
- Remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Variety of Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheeses in the filling. Cheddar, Gruyere, or feta cheese can all add unique flavors to your pastries.
- Add-In Ingredients: Get creative with your fillings by adding ingredients like cooked bacon, diced ham, caramelized onions, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Sweet Version: For a sweet twist, omit the garlic powder and parsley from the filling and add a tablespoon of sugar instead. You can also sprinkle the tops of the pastries with cinnamon sugar before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I make the pastry dough ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the pastry dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before using. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
Q: Can I freeze the cheese pastries? A: Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pastries for up to 3 months. Simply assemble the pastries, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the pastries to a resealable plastic bag or airtight container. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen pastries on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: How do I reheat leftover cheese pastries? A: To reheat leftover cheese pastries, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake them for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto-Friendly Option: Substitute almond flour for the all-purpose flour in the pastry dough to make it keto-friendly. For the filling, use full-fat cream cheese and a combination of low-carb shredded cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Low-Carb Variation: Use almond flour or coconut flour for the pastry dough and reduce the amount of flour used in the filling. You can also omit the pastry dough altogether and use hollowed-out zucchini halves as a base for the cheese filling.
In conclusion, cheese pastries are a delightful and versatile treat that can be enjoyed any time of day. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or as a savory snack, these flaky, cheesy pastries are sure to please. With their buttery crust and creamy cheese filling, they’re a comfort food favorite that will leave you coming back for more. Try out this recipe today and experience the joy of homemade cheese pastries for yourself!
