Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will transform your appetizer game forever! These Puff Pastry Bites with Oaxaca Cheese are not just another snack - they're a crispy, cheesy, spicy explosion of flavor that will have your guests begging for the recipe. Imagine golden, flaky pastry pockets oozing with melted Oaxaca cheese and zesty jalapeños, creating a perfect bite-sized treat that bridges traditional Mexican flavors with elegant French pastry techniques.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup Oaxaca cheese, shredded
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1/4 cup chopped jalapeños
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the puff pastry will bake evenly and become golden brown.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to smooth out any creases. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the puff pastry into squares or rectangles, approximately 3 inches by 3 inches. You should be able to get around 16 pieces from one sheet.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded Oaxaca cheese and chopped jalapeños. Mix well to distribute the jalapeños evenly throughout the cheese.
- Take one piece of the puff pastry and place a generous tablespoon of the cheese and jalapeño mixture in the center. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the pastry to burst during baking.
- Fold the edges of the puff pastry over the filling to create a pocket or triangle shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal, and use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and extra sealing.
- Repeat the filling and folding process with the remaining puff pastry squares until all the filling is used up.
- Place the filled puff pastry bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for puffing during baking.
- Brush the tops of each puff pastry bite with the beaten egg to give them a golden and shiny finish once baked.
- Drizzle a little olive oil over the tops of the pastries for added flavor and crispiness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed and golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Once baked, remove the puff pastry bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet.
- Serve warm as a delicious appetizer or snack, and enjoy the melty Oaxaca cheese combined with the spicy kick from the jalapeños!
Tips
- Always ensure your puff pastry is completely thawed but still cold for the best texture and rise.
- Don't overfill your pastry squares - this can prevent proper sealing and cause leaks during baking.
- Use a fork to crimp edges not just for decoration, but to create a tight seal that keeps the cheese inside.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or dried herbs to your cheese mixture.
- If you want a less spicy version, remove the jalapeño seeds before chopping.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean, even pastry cuts.
- Parchment paper is key to preventing sticking and ensuring even browning.
- Let the pastry bites cool for a few minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set slightly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 40mg
