Sausage and Cheese Puff Pastries

Sausage and Cheese Puff Pastries

Ingredients:

• 500g (1 lb) ground sausage (pork, beef, or turkey)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme or parsley
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the Sausage Filling:
   • In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
   • Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until soft and fragrant.
   • Stir in cream cheese, shredded cheese, and thyme. Mix until creamy and well-combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
   • Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   • Roll out the puff pastry sheets and cut each sheet into 4 equal squares.
3. Assemble the Pastries:
   • Place a spoonful of the sausage filling in the center of each pastry square.
   • Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling, pressing lightly to seal. Alternatively, fold into triangles and crimp the edges with a fork.
4. Bake:
   • Brush the pastries with beaten egg for a golden finish.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm as an appetizer, snack, or meal.

Tips:

• Add a touch of Dijon mustard or hot sauce to the filling for extra flavor.
• Substitute sausage with cooked ground chicken or mushrooms for a lighter option.
• Serve with sour cream or a dipping sauce for added creaminess.

Enjoy your savory pastries! 🥐🧀