Flaky Puff Pastry Snacks with Sausage and Cheese

by

Ingredients

Before we dive into the preparation, let’s gather all the ingredients. This recipe makes approximately 24 snacks.

For the filling:

  • 300g (10 oz) sausage (pork, chicken, or turkey – choose your favorite)
  • 150g (5 oz) shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

For the pastry:

  • 1 sheet of puff pastry (about 250g / 9 oz, thawed if frozen)
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Optional:

  • Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme) for garnish
  • Mustard or ketchup for dipping

Preparing the Sausage Filling

The filling is the heart of these snacks. To ensure the perfect balance of flavors:

  1. Heat the pan: Place a medium skillet over medium heat and add 1 tbsp of olive oil.
  2. Cook the onion and garlic: Sauté the finely chopped onion for 2–3 minutes until translucent, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  3. Cook the sausage: Remove the sausage from its casing (if needed) and crumble it into the pan. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
  4. Season: Add paprika, black pepper, and salt, stirring well to combine. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
  5. Add the cheese: Once the sausage mixture has cooled a bit, mix in the shredded cheese. This helps the cheese melt evenly inside the pastry without making it too runny.

Tip: Cooling the filling slightly prevents the pastry from becoming soggy when baked.

Preparing the Puff Pastry

Using puff pastry is a game-changer for flaky snacks. If using store-bought frozen pastry:

  1. Thaw properly: Allow the puff pastry sheet to thaw in the fridge for 2–3 hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  2. Roll out the pastry: Lightly flour your work surface and roll the pastry sheet into a rectangle approximately 10×12 inches. This ensures even thickness and easy cutting.
  3. Cut the pastry: Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut the sheet into 24 equal squares. Each square will hold a small portion of filling.

Pro tip: Keep the pastry cold until ready to assemble. Warm pastry loses its flakiness.

Assembling the Sausage and Cheese Snacks

  1. Add the filling: Place a teaspoon of the sausage and cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square.
  2. Fold the pastry: Fold each square into a triangle or rectangle, depending on your shape preference.
  3. Seal the edges: Use a fork to press the edges firmly, ensuring the filling stays inside during baking.
  4. Brush with egg wash: Brush each pastry snack with the beaten egg. This gives them a golden, glossy finish.

Optional: Sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese on top for added indulgence.

Baking the Puff Pastry Snacks

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 200°C (390°F).
  2. Line a baking tray: Place parchment paper on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
  3. Arrange the pastries: Place the snacks on the tray, leaving a little space between each to allow for expansion.
  4. Bake: Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.
  5. Cool slightly: Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This prevents the filling from burning your tongue!

Serving Suggestions

These Flaky Puff Pastry Snacks with Sausage and Cheese are versatile and perfect for:

  • Parties and gatherings: Serve warm on a platter with dipping sauces like mustard, ketchup, or a spicy aioli.
  • Breakfast or brunch: Pair with a fresh salad or a side of scrambled eggs.
  • Snack time: Perfect for kids’ lunchboxes or an afternoon snack.

Garnish ideas: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Tips for Perfect Puff Pastry Snacks

  1. Keep pastry cold: Cold pastry ensures maximum puff and flakiness. Work quickly to prevent it from warming up.
  2. Don’t overfill: Too much filling can cause the pastry to burst during baking. A teaspoon per square is perfect.
  3. Experiment with flavors: Add cooked mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the filling for variety.
  4. Make ahead: You can assemble the snacks and freeze them before baking. Bake straight from the freezer, adding 5 extra minutes to the baking time.
  5. Cheese choice: Hard cheeses like cheddar melt well and hold shape, while softer cheeses like mozzarella add gooey stretch.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Snack)

  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Protein: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fat: 9g
  • Fiber: 0.5g

Note: These are rough estimates and may vary depending on the type of sausage and cheese used.

Variations to Try

  • Spicy sausage: Use chorizo or add a pinch of chili flakes to the filling for a kick.
  • Vegetarian option: Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and cheese.
  • Mini versions: Make bite-sized snacks by cutting smaller squares, perfect for cocktail parties.
  • Sweet and savory twist: Add a bit of apple or pear diced finely to the sausage mixture for a subtle sweetness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These snacks are golden, flaky, and irresistibly savory. They’re simple enough for beginners, yet impressive enough to serve at any gathering. The combination of buttery puff pastry, savory sausage, and melty cheese is universally loved and highly customizable to suit your tastes.

Whether you’re planning a party, a family brunch, or just craving a warm, comforting snack, these Flaky Puff Pastry Snacks with Sausage and Cheese are guaranteed to satisfy. The best part? They’re as fun to make as they are to eat.

These little puff pastry pockets are perfect for baking enthusiasts of any level. Once you master the basic recipe, you can start experimenting with fillings, cheeses, and spices to create your own signature snacks.

Leave a Comment