Elegant Puff Pastry Roses with Chicken and Cheese

Ingredients

For the Pastry

• 1 package (400g/14 oz) puff pastry, thawed
• 50g (⅓ cup) all-purpose flour, for dusting
• 1 egg, for egg wash

For the Filling

• 150g (5.3 oz) cheese, grated
• 150g (5.3 oz) cooked chicken, finely chopped
• 150g (5.3 oz) cream cheese, softened

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F)
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper

1. Make the Filling

• In a medium bowl, combine the grated cheese, chopped chicken, and softened cream cheese
• Mix until well incorporated and set aside

1. Prepare the Pastry

• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a thin rectangle
• Using a round cutter or glass (approximately 4 inches/10cm diameter), cut circles from the pastry

1. Form the Roses

• Place a pastry circle on the prepared baking sheet
• Position an upside-down wine glass in the center
• Create 4-5 evenly spaced pleats around the glass
• Gently twist each pleat outward to form petals
• Press the pastry against the glass to maintain shape
• Carefully lift the glass straight up
• Repeat with remaining circles, spacing them 2 inches apart

1. Fill and Bake

• Place 1-2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each rose
• Beat the egg and carefully brush each pastry with egg wash
• Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and puffed

Nutritional Information

(Per serving, based on 10 roses)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fat: 21g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 380mg

Pro Tips and Tricks

• Ensure your puff pastry is thoroughly thawed but still cold
• Work quickly to prevent the pastry from becoming too warm
• Use a sharp round cutter for clean edges
• Don’t overfill the roses as the filling may overflow during baking
• Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even browning

Variations and Substitutions

1. Filling Options:

• Substitute chicken with ham, turkey, or spinach
• Try different cheese combinations (Gruyère, Cheddar, Gouda)
• Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions

1. Vegetarian Version:

• Replace chicken with roasted vegetables
• Use plant-based cream cheese
• Add herbs like thyme or rosemary