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Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 8 pockets
Ingredients
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 200 g (7 oz) cream cheese
- 100 g (3.5 oz) feta cheese
- 300 g (10.5 oz) cheddar or gouda cheese, grated
- 70 g (2.5 oz) mozzarella, shredded
- 10 g (2–3 cloves) garlic, minced
- 30 g (about 1/4 cup) parsley, chopped
For the Puff Pastry:
- 700 g (24 oz) puff pastry, thawed if frozen
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For the Bacon and Cream Sauce:
- 100 g (3.5 oz) bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 10 g (1 tbsp) rosemary, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 200 g (3/4 cup) cooking cream
- 25 g (1 tbsp) mustard
- 2 g (1/2 tsp) black pepper
- 2 g (1/2 tsp) salt
Directions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, feta cheese, grated cheddar or gouda, and mozzarella until well combined.
- Stir in minced garlic and chopped parsley. Set aside.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface. Cut into even squares or rectangles, large enough to hold a portion of the cheese filling.
- Assemble the Pastry:
- Spoon the cheese mixture onto the center of each puff pastry piece.
- Fold the pastry over the filling to form pockets or turnovers, sealing the edges with a fork.
- Place the filled pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush the tops with beaten egg.
- Bake the Pastry:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crispy.
- Prepare the Bacon and Cream Sauce:
- While the pastries bake, cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove, crumble, and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and chopped rosemary until fragrant.
- Add cooking cream, mustard, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook over low heat until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the crumbled bacon back to the sauce and stir.
- Serve:
- Remove the baked puff pastry from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
- Serve the cheesy pastries warm with the creamy bacon and herb sauce drizzled over or served on the side for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a light meal.
- Serve as an appetizer alongside a glass of white wine or sparkling water.
- Offer as part of a party platter with assorted dips.
Cooking Tips
- Thaw frozen puff pastry fully before rolling to prevent cracking.
- Seal the edges of the pastry tightly to keep the filling from oozing out during baking.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle the pastries with sesame or poppy seeds before baking.
- Use a pizza cutter for clean and even pastry portions.
- If the sauce thickens too much, thin it with a splash of milk or cream.
Nutritional Benefits
- Cheese provides calcium and protein.
- Garlic and parsley add antioxidants and fresh flavor.
- Bacon and cream offer indulgent richness, perfect for occasional treats.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon from the sauce or replace with plant-based alternatives.
- Can be made nut-free.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store baked pastries in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for 5–7 minutes at 180°C (350°F).
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked, filled pastries for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 5 minutes to the cooking time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines flaky pastry with creamy, cheesy goodness.
- The bacon and herb sauce adds a rich, savory touch.
- Perfect for entertaining, family meals, or a cozy snack.
- Customizable with different herbs, cheeses, or fillings.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Puff Pastry Pockets with Creamy Bacon and Herb Sauce are a delicious and indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The flaky, buttery pastry paired with the gooey cheese filling and rich sauce will leave everyone craving more. Try this recipe today and impress your guests with this irresistible dish!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
Yes, store-bought puff pastry works perfectly for this recipe. - What can I use instead of feta cheese?
Ricotta or goat cheese are great substitutes. - Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate unbaked pastries for up to 24 hours before baking. - Can I freeze the pastries?
Absolutely! Freeze unbaked pastries and bake directly from frozen when ready to serve. - How do I prevent the pastries from becoming soggy?
Ensure the filling is not overly moist, and use chilled pastry. - What if I don’t have fresh rosemary?
Substitute with dried rosemary or thyme. - Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
Use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. - What other fillings can I use?
Spinach, mushrooms, or cooked chicken make great alternatives. - How do I reheat leftover pastries?
Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness. - Can I add spices to the cheese mixture?
Yes, paprika or chili flakes can add extra flavor.