Why You’ll Love Irresistible Puff Pastry Appetizers with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe
These puff pastry appetizers strike the perfect balance between easy preparation and gourmet flavor. Whether you’re hosting guests or just looking for a savory snack, this recipe delivers:
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Minimal ingredients with maximum flavor
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Buttery, flaky puff pastry
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Rich garlic-parmesan dipping sauce
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Perfect as a make-ahead appetizer
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Customizable fillings and sauce options
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Appetizers:
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puff pastry
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parsley
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melted butter
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salt
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garlic
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beef
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cheese
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egg
For the Sauce:
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garlic
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mayonnaise
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egg
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parmesan
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water
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olive oil
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lemon juice
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sugar
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mustard
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salt
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black pepper
Directions
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
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Prepare Filling: Finely chop the parsley and garlic. Sauté the ground beef with salt until fully cooked. Let it cool slightly, then mix it with chopped parsley, garlic, and grated cheese.
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Assemble Appetizers: Roll out the puff pastry and cut into small squares. Add a spoonful of the filling to each square. Fold into triangles or seal into small pockets, pressing the edges.
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Brush with Butter and Egg: Mix melted butter with a beaten egg. Brush the tops of each pastry with the mixture.
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Bake: Arrange pastries on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
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Make the Sauce: In a blender or mixing bowl, combine garlic, mayonnaise, egg, parmesan, water, olive oil, lemon juice, sugar, mustard, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
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Serve: Serve warm pastries with the garlic parmesan dipping sauce on the side.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 12–16 puff pastry appetizers and serves 4–6 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
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Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
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Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
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Cheese Swap: Use mozzarella, cheddar, or feta instead of the standard cheese.
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Herb Twist: Try dill, oregano, or chives in place of parsley for a flavor change.
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Mini Quiches: Use a muffin tin to make open-faced versions with egg and cheese.
Storage/Reheating
Storage:
Store leftover pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce should be kept separately and refrigerated in a sealed jar or container.
Reheating:
Reheat the pastries in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes to restore their crispiness. The sauce can be served cold or gently warmed.
FAQs
What type of puff pastry should I use?
You can use either store-bought frozen puff pastry or homemade. Just ensure it’s fully thawed before using.
Can I make these puff pastry appetizers ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them and store in the fridge for a few hours or freeze them before baking.
How do I keep puff pastry from getting soggy?
Let the filling cool before adding it to the pastry, and avoid overfilling.
Can I freeze baked puff pastry appetizers?
Absolutely. Once cooled, place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven directly from frozen.
Is the sauce safe to eat with raw egg?
The sauce uses a raw egg, so use pasteurized eggs to ensure safety, especially for children, pregnant individuals, or those with weakened immune systems.
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground or shredded cooked chicken works well as a filling substitute.
What kind of cheese works best?
A melting cheese like mozzarella, gouda, or cheddar gives the best gooey texture.
Can I make the sauce in advance?
Yes, it stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Use reduced-fat cheese, lean beef, and a lighter sauce base (like Greek yogurt) if desired.
Are these good served cold?
They’re best warm, but can still be enjoyed at room temperature. Reheating is recommended for the best texture.
Conclusion
These puff pastry appetizers are a game-changer when it comes to easy entertaining or snacking. With their golden exterior, savory filling, and indulgent garlic parmesan sauce, they’re sure to impress. Whether you stick to the classic version or try a variation, you’ll find yourself making them again and again.
