These cheese and asparagus puffs are a tasty and elegant treat that combines the flakiness of puff pastry with the savory goodness of cheese and the freshness of asparagus. They are great for entertaining or as a special snack.
What are the ingredients for cheese and asparagus puffs?
Certainly, here’s a description of each ingredient used in the cheese and asparagus puffs recipe:
- Puff Pastry: Puff pastry is a light, flaky dough made from layers of butter and dough. It serves as the base for the puffs, providing a buttery, crispy texture when baked.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is a versatile cooking oil that adds a mild, fruity flavor. In this recipe, it is used to brush the asparagus spears for a slight hint of richness and to promote browning.
- Asparagus Spears: Asparagus is a vibrant green vegetable with a tender, slightly earthy flavor. It is the star ingredient in this dish, providing a fresh, crisp contrast to the pastry and cheese. By the way, asparagus is also a good source of antioxidants like Vitamin A and Vitamin E.
- Shredded Cheese: Shredded cheese adds creaminess and a rich, savory flavor to the puffs. You can choose from various cheese options based on your preference, such as sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyère, or mild Swiss.
- Egg: The beaten egg is used to brush the tops of the puff pastry, creating a glossy, golden-brown finish when baked. It also helps seal the pastry edges.
- Dried Oregano: Dried oregano is a fragrant herb that contributes a Mediterranean-inspired flavor and aroma to the puffs.
- Sesame Seeds: Sesame seeds are tiny, nutty seeds that add a subtle crunch and a mild, toasty flavor to the puffs. They also provide a decorative touch.
Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the flavor, texture, and appearance of the cheese and asparagus puffs. When combined, they result in a delicious and visually appealing dish that’s perfect for appetizers or as a side.
What cheeses melt good?
Puff pastry can pair wonderfully with a variety of cheeses that melt well and complement its flaky, buttery texture. Here are some cheeses that melt nicely in puff pastry dishes:
- Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice that melts smoothly and offers a rich, savory flavor. It pairs well with a wide range of ingredients.
- Gruyère Cheese: Gruyère is known for its excellent melting properties and nutty, slightly sweet flavor. It’s a popular choice for quiches and savory pastries.
- Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese melts easily and has a mild, slightly nutty flavor. It’s versatile and can be used in both sweet and savory puff pastry dishes.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella is renowned for its fantastic meltability and mild, milky taste. It’s a great option for pizzas, calzones, and pastry pockets.
- Brie Cheese: Brie is a creamy and buttery cheese that becomes velvety when melted. It pairs beautifully with fruits, nuts, and sweet fillings in puff pastry.
- Fontina Cheese: Fontina is a semi-soft cheese with a mild, creamy flavor. It melts smoothly and complements various savory and sweet puff pastry recipes.
- Blue Cheese: Blue cheese adds a bold and distinctive flavor when melted. It works well in savory pastries and can be balanced with sweet or fruity ingredients.
- Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is a creamy and tangy option that enhances the richness of puff pastry. It’s often used in sweet pastries and danishes.
- Gouda Cheese: Gouda is a semi-hard cheese with a creamy texture and a mild, nutty taste. It melts smoothly and can be used in a variety of puff pastry creations.
- Parmesan Cheese: While Parmesan doesn’t melt into a smooth sauce like some other cheeses, it adds a savory and sharp flavor when sprinkled on top of puff pastry dishes before baking.
When working with puff pastry and cheese, it’s important to consider the flavor profiles you want to create. Experimenting with different cheese varieties can lead to delicious and unique results, whether you’re making savory appetizers, quiches, or sweet pastries. For this Cheese and Asparagus Puffs, I chose Cheddar cheese.
How to make cheese and asparagus puffs?
Preheat your oven according to the temperature specified on the puff pastry package, typically around 375°F or 190°C.
Prepare the asparagus by trimming the tough ends. In the center of each puff pastry circle, place a generous portion of shredded cheese. Arrange four asparagus spears on top of the cheese.
Fold over two sides of the puff pastry circles to envelop the cheese and asparagus carefully. Brush the exposed edges of the asparagus with olive oil.
Brush the tops of the puff pastry with beaten egg and then sprinkle them with dried oregano and sesame seeds.
Position the assembled puffs onto a parchment-lined baking dish and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes or until the puff pastry achieves a golden-brown, puffed appearance.
After removing the cheese and asparagus puffs from the oven, allow them to cool slightly before serving. These delightful treats can be served as either an appetizer or a side dish. Enjoy!
If you like puff pastry, check out these recipes:
Cheese and Asparagus Puffs
Ingredients
- 4 circles of puff pastry, thawed
- 1 tsp olive oil (for brushing asparagus)
- 16 16 asparagus spears (4 for each circle)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar, Gruyère, or Swiss)
- 1 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- dried oregano and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the puff pastry package (usually around 375°F or 190°C).
- Trim the tough ends of the asparagus spears. Place a handful of shredded cheese in the center of each puff pastry circle. Take four asparagus spears and arrange them on top of the cheese.
- Carefully fold two sides of the puff pastry circles over the cheese and asparagus. Brush the edges of asparagus with the oil.
- Brush the tops of the puff pastry with beaten egg and sprinkle them with dried oregano and sesame seeds.
- Place the assembled puffs on the baking dish lined with parchment and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the puff pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
- Remove the cheese and asparagus puffs from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. They can be served as an appetizer or side dish. Enjoy!
Cheese and Asparagus Puffs