🥐 The fastest puff pastry appetiser
Ingredients:
1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade).
100 g (3.5 oz) cream cheese or ricotta
1 tomato, finely diced
½ a small red onion, finely chopped
½ green bell pepper, finely chopped
100 g (3.5 oz) of shredded mozzarella or another melting cheese
4–5 slices of ham, salami or cooked bacon (optional).
1 egg (for the egg wash)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs (parsley or basil, finely chopped)
Optional: grated Parmesan or sesame seeds for topping.
🧑🍳 Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Prepare the filling:
In a bowl, mix the cream cheese (or ricotta) with the chopped tomato, onion, bell pepper, cheese, salt, pepper and herbs. If you like, add small pieces of ham or bacon.
Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface until it is rectangular.
Cut it into even strips, each about 5–6 cm (2 inches) wide.
Fill and twist:
Spoon the filling along the centre of each strip.
Fold the pastry over the filling and gently twist both ends to form a spiral-like twist (as shown in the image).
Arrange the twists on the prepared baking tray.
Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until puffed up and golden brown.
Garnish:
Once out of the oven, sprinkle with grated Parmesan or chopped fresh parsley.
🍴 Serving suggestion:
Serve warm with a dipping sauce, such as garlic mayonnaise, spicy ketchup or honey mustard. Perfect for parties, breakfast or a cosy snack!
