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## How to Make the Golden Cheese Puff Pastry Star: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s move on to the step-by-step process of creating the **Golden Cheese Puff Pastry Star**. This recipe is easy to follow, even for beginners, and requires minimal effort to create a dish that looks like it came straight from a professional kitchen.
### Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Filling
1. In a medium bowl, **mix the cheeses**: Combine **cheddar cheese** (grated) and **cream cheese** (softened) in a large bowl. Stir them together until fully combined and smooth.
2. **Season the mixture**: Add **garlic powder**, a pinch of **salt**, and **pepper** to taste. Stir in any additional herbs if you’re using them. For example, you might want to add a teaspoon of **fresh thyme** or a tablespoon of **chopped fresh parsley** to the mix.
3. Set the cheese filling aside while you prepare the puff pastry.
### Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
1. **Thaw the puff pastry**: If you’re using frozen puff pastry, be sure to let it thaw according to the package instructions before use. It typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour at room temperature, depending on the brand.
2. **Roll out the pastry**: On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the first sheet of puff pastry. If necessary, you can roll it to smooth out creases or to increase the surface area for your filling.
3. **Cut the pastry**: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the puff pastry into a circular shape. You can use a round plate or bowl as a template to get a perfect circle.
4. **Spread the cheese mixture**: Spread a generous amount of the cheese filling evenly across the center of the puff pastry circle, leaving a small border around the edges. You want to make sure there is enough filling for a rich, cheesy center.
### Step 3: Assemble the Star Shape
1. **Place the second sheet of puff pastry on top**: Once the cheese mixture is in place, take the second sheet of puff pastry and place it directly on top of the filled pastry circle.
2. **Seal the edges**: Gently press around the edges of the pastry to seal it. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for an extra decorative touch.
3. **Cut the pastry into star points**: Now it’s time to shape the star! Using a sharp knife, make several cuts along the outer edges of the circle, leaving a small center intact (this will be the center of your star). Make sure the cuts are about 1 inch apart, creating triangle-like “points” on the outside.
4. **Twist the points**: Gently take each triangle-shaped section of pastry and twist it away from the center. This creates the star-like shape with the cheesy filling visible in the center.
### Step 4: Apply the Egg Wash
1. **Brush the pastry**: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg with a tablespoon of water or milk to create the egg wash. Use a pastry brush to generously coat the entire surface of the puff pastry with the egg wash. This will give your pastry a shiny, golden finish once it’s baked.
2. **Add optional seeds**: If desired, sprinkle **sesame seeds** or **poppy seeds** on top for extra texture and flavor.
### Step 5: Bake the Golden Cheese Puff Pastry Star
1. **Preheat the oven**: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the pastry.
2. **Bake the pastry**: Place the assembled pastry on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on it as baking times can vary slightly based on your oven.
3. **Cool slightly**: Once baked, allow the pastry to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will give the cheese filling a moment to set, making it easier to cut and serve.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
1. **Garnish with fresh parsley**: Once the pastry has cooled slightly, garnish with a sprinkle of **fresh parsley** to add a pop of color.
2. **Serve**: Use a sharp knife to cut the Golden Cheese Puff Pastry Star into wedges, like a pizza, and serve immediately. This appetizer is best enjoyed fresh from the oven while the cheese is still warm and gooey.
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