Imagine a world where your taste buds do a happy dance—yeah, that’s where these baked garlic Parmesan puffs come in. They’re like little clouds of cheesy goodness, ready to transform any dull day into a flavor fiesta. I discovered these gems while trying to impress my in-laws, and let me tell you, they were gone before I could even say “pass the puffs.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
- Spread the thawed puff pastry sheets out on a cutting board.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, garlic salt, and paprika until well combined.
- Evenly brush the prepared egg mixture over the surface of both puff pastry sheets.
- Sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan cheese evenly across the puff pastry sheets.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the puff pastry into 1-inch squares.
- Arrange the cut squares on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced about ½ inch apart.
- Bake the puffs in the oven for 12-13 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up.
- Once baked, remove the puffs from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
- Garnish the puffs with chopped parsley before serving.
Ingredients
- 2 sheets of puff pastry, thawed as per package instructions
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- ½ teaspoon of garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon of paprika
- ¾ cup (75 g) of finely grated parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish
FAQ
- Can I make Garlic Parmesan Puffs in advance?
- Absolutely! You can prepare the puffs by brushing them with the egg mixture and cutting them into squares. Place the prepared squares on a lined baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Alternatively, freeze them for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, you can do so directly from frozen, just add a few minutes to the baking time.
- How can I vary the flavors of Garlic Parmesan Puffs?
- You can customize the puffs by adding different ingredients to the cheese mixture. Try mixing in shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese, finely chopped herbs like basil, oregano, or rosemary, or small amounts of sun-dried tomatoes or spinach. For added protein, consider incorporating finely chopped bacon bits or ham. Some suggested combinations include spinach and parmesan, bacon and cheddar, or sun-dried tomato and basil.
- What is the best way to store Garlic Parmesan Puffs?
- Allow the puffs to cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until they are warm and crispy.
- Can I use homemade puff pastry for this recipe?
- Yes, if you prefer to make your own puff pastry, you can use a homemade version. Although the recipe is designed for convenience using store-bought puff pastry, homemade puff pastry from a recipe like Apple Turnovers would work well for a more personalized touch.
- What can I do if I want a stronger garlic flavor in the puffs?
- If you prefer a more pronounced garlic taste, consider adding extra garlic salt to the seasoned egg mixture. You can also mix in a small amount of minced fresh garlic for an even stronger flavor profile.
Tips
- Plan Ahead for Convenience: Prepare the puffs in advance by brushing them with the egg mixture and cutting them into squares. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or freeze them for up to 2 months; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Experiment with Flavor Variations: Customize your puffs by adding different cheeses, herbs, vegetables, or proteins. Try combinations like spinach and parmesan, or bacon and cheddar for a unique twist.
- Use Fresh Ingredients for Maximum Flavor: Opt for freshly grated parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged varieties to ensure the best flavor in your puffs.
- Store Properly to Maintain Freshness: After cooling to room temperature, store the puffs in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Reheat them at 350°F for 5-10 minutes to enjoy them warm and crispy again.
Equipment
- Parchment Paper – Used to line the baking sheets.
- Pizza Wheel – For cutting the puff pastry sheets into squares.
- Baking Sheets – If you don’t already have them, you’ll need two for this recipe.
