Description

These Pepper Jelly & Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Squares are delightful appetizers featuring a flaky puff pastry base topped with creamy, flavorful cream cheese and tangy pepper jelly. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, they offer a wonderful blend of sweet, spicy, and savory in every bite. Easy to prepare and elegant to serve, these squares are ideal for parties, gatherings, or casual snacking.

Ingredients

Scale

Puff Pastry Base

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

Cream Cheese Mixture

8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup (60g) sour cream
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (optional)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients

1/2 cup (120g) pepper jelly (red or green, depending on preference)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Prepare Puff Pastry: Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet onto a clean surface. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry evenly into 9 squares forming a 3×3 grid.
Mix Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, chopped fresh chives (if using), garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
Assemble Squares: Spread a small spoonful of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each puff pastry square, leaving a border around the edges to allow for folding.
Add Pepper Jelly: Place a spoonful of pepper jelly atop the cream cheese layer in the center of each square to add a sweet and spicy flavor contrast.
Fold and Egg Wash: Gently fold the edges of each puff pastry square slightly over the filling to create a small crust. Brush the exposed edges with the beaten egg to achieve a golden, shiny finish when baked.
Bake: Arrange the assembled squares on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until the puff pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
Cool and Garnish: Remove the squares from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Serve: Serve the puff pastry squares warm for the best taste experience. Enjoy as an appetizer or snack!

Notes

You can use either red or green pepper jelly depending on your preferred flavor and color.
The fresh chives add a mild onion flavor but can be omitted if unavailable or undesired.
Ensure puff pastry is fully thawed before cutting to prevent cracking.
Brush the edges with egg wash carefully to avoid getting it on the filling, which can burn.
These squares are best enjoyed warm but can be reheated gently in an oven or toaster oven.
For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives.