Description
This Fastest Puff Pastry Appetizer is a delicious and easy-to-make snack featuring layers of mustard, mozzarella, cooked chicken, and fresh dill encased in crispy puff pastry. Perfect for parties or quick gatherings, it is baked to golden perfection and served with a tangy ketchup dip.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry Layers
- 2 x 400g puff pastry sheets (store-bought)
Fillings
- 3–4 teaspoons mustard (adjust to taste)
- 150g hard mozzarella cheese, grated or thinly sliced
- 200g cooked chicken, chopped into small pieces
- A bunch of fresh dill, finely chopped
For Topping and Serving
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 150g ketchup (for dipping or spreading)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the First Pastry Layer: Unroll one sheet of puff pastry onto the prepared baking sheet, creating your base layer.
- Spread Mustard: Evenly spread 3–4 teaspoons of mustard across the surface of the first pastry sheet, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent leakage.
- Layer the Fillings: Sprinkle half of the grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the mustard, then add half of the chopped cooked chicken on top. Follow with half of the finely chopped fresh dill for an herbaceous touch.
- Add the Second Layer of Puff Pastry: Gently place the second sheet of puff pastry on top of the layered fillings. Press down carefully to seal the edges and encase the filling completely.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Using a brush, coat the top of the puff pastry with the beaten egg to ensure a shiny, golden-brown finish after baking.
- Score the Pastry: Lightly score the top layer of puff pastry into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife. Be cautious not to cut all the way through the dough to keep the filling sealed inside.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and has a beautiful golden-brown color.
- Serve: Allow the baked pastry to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing along the scored lines. Serve the squares warm with ketchup on the side for dipping or spreading.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of mustard according to your taste preference, from mild to more pungent.
- Use cooked chicken leftovers or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Ensure the puff pastry edges are sealed properly to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor, though leftovers can be reheated in the oven.
