Description
These Pepper Jelly & Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Squares make an elegant and delicious appetizer featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy, tangy cream cheese mixture and sweet-spicy pepper jelly. Perfect for parties and gatherings, these bite-sized treats combine flaky, creamy, and fruity flavors with a touch of fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (60g) sour cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Topping
- 1/2 cup (120g) pepper jelly (red or green, depending on preference)
Finishing
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet onto a clean surface. Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, cut the sheet into 9 equal squares arranged in a 3×3 grid.
- Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, chopped fresh chives (if using), garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well combined.
- Assemble Squares: Spread a small spoonful of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each puff pastry square, leaving a small border around the edges for folding.
- Add Pepper Jelly: Spoon a small amount of pepper jelly on top of the cream cheese mixture in each square’s center, adding a sweet and spicy contrast.
- Fold and Brush Edges: Gently fold the edges of each puff pastry square slightly over the filling to create a small crust border. Brush the exposed edges with the beaten egg to help them turn golden and glossy when baked.
- Bake: Place the prepared puff pastry squares on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the squares from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve: Serve these savory-sweet puff pastry squares warm as an elegant appetizer or party snack and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure the puff pastry is completely thawed but still chilled to ensure easy handling and optimal puffing during baking.
- Use red or green pepper jelly depending on your flavor preference; green pepper jelly tends to be slightly spicier and more herbaceous.
- Chives are optional but add a fresh, subtle onion flavor that complements the cream cheese filling nicely.
- Keep an eye on the baking time as puff pastry can quickly turn from golden to overly brown.
- These appetizers are best served warm but can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated gently.
- For a vegetarian option, ensure your jelly does not contain gelatin or animal-derived additives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
