Cheesy Sausage Puff Pastry Bites

Instructions for Making Cheesy Sausage Puff Pastry Bites

Follow these simple steps to create these irresistible bite-sized snacks!

1. Prepare the Sausage Filling

Start by cooking the breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Use a spatula to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once the sausage is browned and fully cooked, drain any excess grease.

Stir in the cream cheese, allowing it to melt and combine with the sausage. Add in the Dijon mustard (if using), garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Once the mixture is fully combined and creamy, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Puff Pastry

While the sausage filling cools, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a clean, flat surface. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut each sheet into squares (about 9-12 pieces per sheet, depending on the size of your bites). If you prefer smaller or larger bites, you can adjust the size of the squares accordingly.

3. Assemble the Bites

Spoon a small amount of the sausage mixture onto the center of each puff pastry square. Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top of the sausage mixture for extra cheesy goodness. Be careful not to overstuff the pastries so they can properly seal and bake evenly.

4. Seal the Pastry Bites

Fold each puff pastry square over the filling to form a pocket or triangle shape. Press the edges down gently with a fork to seal them tightly and prevent the filling from spilling out while baking.

5. Egg Wash and Bake

In a small bowl, whisk the egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the top of each pastry with the egg wash to give them a golden, shiny finish when they bake.

Place the pastry bites onto your prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re spaced evenly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed up, and the cheese inside is melted and bubbling.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the puff pastry bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Serve them on a platter with dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, or a tangy ranch dip for extra flavor.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Sausage Puff Pastry Bites

• Don’t Overstuff: Be careful not to add too much filling to the puff pastry, as it can cause the bites to leak or become difficult to seal. A tablespoon of sausage filling per pastry is usually perfect.
• Use High-Quality Sausage: The sausage is the star of the filling, so choose one with a flavor you love. You can even try a sausage with added herbs or spices to mix things up.
• Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Mozzarella, Gouda, or a blend of cheeses can add unique flavors to the filling.
• Make Ahead: If you’re preparing these for a party or event, you can assemble the puff pastry bites ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just brush them with egg wash and bake when you’re ready to serve.
• Customize the Filling: You can easily customize the sausage mixture by adding in chopped vegetables, like onions or peppers, or adding herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor.

Variations of Cheesy Sausage Puff Pastry Bites

While the classic combination of sausage and cheese is always a hit, there are plenty of ways to customize this recipe:

• Spicy Sausage Puff Pastry Bites: Use a spicy sausage or add a few dashes of hot sauce or jalapeños to the filling for a spicy kick.
• Sausage and Spinach Bites: Add some sautéed spinach to the filling for a healthy, flavorful twist.
• Breakfast Sausage Bites: Make these bite-sized pastries with breakfast sausage, scrambled eggs, and cheese for a fun brunch snack.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Sausage Puff Pastry Bites are the ultimate easy-to-make snack that’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. With a flaky, buttery pastry shell, savory sausage filling, and gooey cheese, these puff pastry bites hit all the right notes. Whether you’re serving them at a party, making them for a weekend brunch, or enjoying them on game day, they’ll be a hit every time.

So grab some puff pastry, your favorite sausage, and cheese, and get baking! You’ll be enjoying these crispy, cheesy bites in no time!