Description
Delightful star-shaped cheese appetizers topped with red pepper jelly, perfect for any festive occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 sheet puff pastry (about 250 g), thawed
- 200 g cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or Gruyère)
- 2 tbsp fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- ½ cup red pepper jelly (or hot pepper jelly for a spicy kick)
- Fresh thyme leaves or microgreens (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thick.
- Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out stars (re-roll scraps if needed).
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and chives until smooth.
- Place half the pastry stars on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spoon about 1 tsp of the cheese mixture into the center of each star.
- Top with another pastry star, press edges lightly to seal.
- Brush tops with beaten egg wash.
- Bake 15–18 minutes, until golden and puffed.
- Once cooled slightly, top each star with a small dollop of red pepper jelly.
- Garnish with thyme leaves or microgreens for a festive look.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use hot pepper jelly.
- These appetizers can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- Experiment with different cheeses for varied flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 star
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg