Flaky Puff Pastry Snacks with Sausage and Cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s hot enough to bake the puff pastry and create those delicious, golden layers.

2. Cook the Sausage

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausages until they are browned and fully cooked through. Remove the sausages from the pan and let them cool slightly before crumbling them into small pieces. This ensures the sausage is easy to mix with the cheese and pastry.

3. Prepare the Puff Pastry

Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to smooth it out, making sure it’s even and slightly thinner than the original thickness. Cut the pastry into rectangles or squares, depending on how large or small you want your snacks.

4. Assemble the Pastries

On each piece of puff pastry, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese and then add the crumbled sausage. Season with a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for extra flavor.

5. Fold and Seal the Pastries

Fold the puff pastry over the filling, creating a neat packet or turnover shape. Press down on the edges with a fork to seal them. This will help prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.

6. Egg Wash for a Golden Finish

In a small bowl, beat the egg and brush it over the top of each pastry. This egg wash gives the pastries their golden, shiny appearance once they’re out of the oven.

7. Bake to Perfection

Place the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they’re spaced out evenly. Bake them in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry has puffed up and is golden brown. The cheese should be melted and bubbling inside.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Once the pastries are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, if desired. These puff pastry snacks are best enjoyed warm, with a crispy exterior and a melty, savory filling.

Tips for Success:

• Sausage Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of sausages, like spicy chorizo, chicken sausage, or even vegetarian sausage for a different flavor profile.
• Cheese Choices: While cheddar and mozzarella are great options, you can also try Gruyère, gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack for a more robust flavor.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare these pastries ahead of time and freeze them before baking. Just bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Why You’ll Love These Snacks:

• Flaky and Buttery: The puff pastry creates a delicate, flaky crust that’s perfectly buttery, making every bite irresistible.
• Savory and Satisfying: The combination of sausage and cheese is a classic pairing that delivers rich, savory flavors.
• Versatile: These snacks are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a party appetizer, and they can be easily customized with different fillings.

These flaky puff pastry snacks with sausage and cheese are the ultimate comfort food in a bite-sized form. Serve them warm at your next gathering, or simply enjoy them on your own as a quick and delicious treat.