Sausage and Cream Cheese Puff Pastry: A Savory and Flaky Delight
This Sausage and Cream Cheese Puff Pastry is a deliciously savory treat that combines the rich flavors of sausage and cream cheese, all wrapped in a golden, flaky puff pastry crust. It’s the perfect dish for a savory breakfast, brunch, or even as a party appetizer. The buttery and light texture of the puff pastry contrasts wonderfully with the creamy and flavorful filling, making every bite irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for a family meal or bringing it to a gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients for Sausage and Cream Cheese Puff Pastry:
- 1 lb (450g) Ground Sausage(you can use any variety: spicy, mild, or sweet)
- 8 oz (225g) Cream Cheese(softened)
- 1 sheet Puff Pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (for cooking the sausage)
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder(optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder(optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley(optional, for garnish)
- 1 Egg (for egg wash, optional for a golden finish)
Instructions for Sausage and Cream Cheese Puff Pastry:
STEP 1: PREHEAT THE OVEN AND PREPARE PUFF PASTRY
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Unroll the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and cut it into two equal pieces or leave it as a whole, depending on how you want to shape your pastry.
STEP 2: COOK THE SAUSAGE
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground sausage to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Stir occasionally to ensure the sausage cooks evenly.
- Once the sausage is fully cooked, drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside to cool slightly.
- Stir in garlic powder and onion powder for additional flavor (optional).
STEP 3: MAKE THE CREAM CHEESE MIXTURE
- In a separate bowl, soften the cream cheese by allowing it to come to room temperature.
- Once softened, mix the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked sausage to the cream cheese and mix well, ensuring the sausage is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
STEP 4: ASSEMBLE THE PUFF PASTRY
- Take one piece of puff pastry and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spread the sausage and cream cheese mixture evenly over the center of the pastry, leaving about 1 inch of space on each edge.
- If using the second piece of pastry, place it over the sausage mixture, or fold the pastry in half to make a rectangle shape, depending on your preference.
- Seal the edges by pressing them down with a fork to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
STEP 5: ADD AN EGG WASH (OPTIONAL)
- Beat the egg and brush it lightly over the top of the pastry to give it a golden, glossy finish after baking.
STEP 6: BAKE THE PUFF PASTRY
- Place the puff pastry in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up. The edges should be crisp and the filling should be heated through.
STEP 7: SERVE AND GARNISH
- Once baked, remove the sausage and cream cheese puff pastry from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.
- Slice into squares or serve as whole pieces, depending on your serving style.
These Sausage and Cream Cheese Puff Pastry squares are savory, creamy, and flaky, making them the perfect addition to any meal. Enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or as a delicious appetizer for your next gathering!