Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With ready-rolled puff pastry, this recipe is ready in minutes, making it perfect for a busy day or last-minute guests.
- High Protein: Thanks to the Kabanos sausage and mozzarella cheese, each pastry packs a satisfying amount of protein.
- Customizable: Swap the Kabanos for your favorite sausages, or add a touch of chili flakes for an extra spicy kick—this recipe is versatile to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
- 1/2 sheet ready-rolled puff pastry (about 10 cm square)
- 2 tbsp green pesto
- 20g grated mozzarella cheese
- A few pieces of chopped Kabanos sausage (or another sausage of choice)
- 1 egg (for brushing on top)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Prepare the Pastry
Preheat your oven to 180°C (or 170°C if using an air fryer). Unroll the puff pastry and cut it in half to form two squares, each approximately 10 cm wide.
2. Add the Pesto
Spoon 1 tbsp of green pesto into the center of each pastry square. Spread it evenly, leaving a small border around the edges to help with folding.
3. Top with Cheese and Kabanos
Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the pesto. Add a few pieces of chopped Kabanos sausage for a spicy kick and rich flavor.
4. Create the Folded Pastry Shape
Using a sharp knife, make a cut from each corner toward the center of the pastry, stopping just short of the middle. This will create a star shape with four triangles attached at the center. Fold each corner toward the center, pressing gently to seal the pastry.
5. Brush with Egg
Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the pastries. This gives them a golden-brown finish when baked.
6. Bake or Air Fry
Place the pastries on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in the oven at 180°C for about 15 minutes or air fry at 170°C for 12-14 minutes. Make sure the bottoms are crispy before removing them.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6 (depending on how large you cut the squares)
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 12-15 minutes (baking or air frying)
- Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Different Sausages: Swap out Kabanos for other types of sausages like chorizo or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Add Vegetables: Mix in some finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or even spinach to give the filling a veggie boost.
- Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese, cheddar, or parmesan to change up the flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To retain the crispiness, reheat the pastries in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use puff pastry sheets that are already thawed?
Yes! Ready-rolled puff pastry works perfectly, but you can also use thawed regular puff pastry sheets if you prefer.
2. Can I use a different kind of sausage?
Absolutely! You can swap the Kabanos with any sausage of your choice, Italian sausage, or even vegetarian sausage if preferred.
3. Can I add more spice to the pesto?
Yes, you can add chili flakes or a bit of hot sauce to the pesto for extra heat and flavor.
4. Can I make these pastries ahead of time?
You can prepare the pastries and assemble them ahead of time, then bake or air fry just before serving. They’re best served fresh for that crispy texture.
5. What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! You can bake these in a conventional oven as directed in the recipe. Just be sure to check them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly.
6. Can I freeze these pastries?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but uncooked pastries. Just pop them in the oven from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
7. What other toppings can I add to the pesto?
Feel free to experiment by adding some finely grated parmesan, fresh herbs like basil, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
8. How can I prevent the bottom from getting soggy?
Make sure your oven or air fryer is preheated, and avoid overfilling the pastries. If baking in the oven, consider using a perforated baking sheet to allow air circulation underneath.
9. Can I use a different type of pastry?
While puff pastry gives these pastries a great texture, you can experiment with other doughs, like shortcrust, if you prefer something denser.
10. Can I serve these with a dip?
Definitely! Serve these spicy pesto pastries with a side of marinara sauce, aioli, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for an extra layer of flavor.
Conclusion
These Spicy Pesto Pastries are the perfect combination of crunchy, cheesy, and spicy. They’re quick to make, packed with protein, and can easily be customized to suit your taste. Whether you’re looking for a snack, appetizer, or a quick lunch, these pastries will not disappoint. Give them a try and enjoy the satisfying flavors with every bite!
Spicy Pesto Pastries
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes (baking or air frying)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 pastries
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking or Air Frying
- Cuisine: European
Description
Spicy Pesto Pastries made with flaky puff pastry, zesty pesto, mozzarella, and Kabanos sausage, offering a crunchy, cheesy, and spicy snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
1/2 sheet ready-rolled puff pastry (about 10 cm square)
2 tbsp green pesto
20g grated mozzarella cheese
A few pieces of chopped Kabanos sausage (or another sausage of choice)
1 egg (for brushing on top)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pastry: Preheat your oven to 180°C (or 170°C if using an air fryer). Unroll the puff pastry and cut it in half to form two squares, each approximately 10 cm wide.
- Add the Pesto: Spoon 1 tbsp of green pesto into the center of each pastry square. Spread it evenly, leaving a small border around the edges to help with folding.
- Top with Cheese and Kabanos: Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the pesto. Add a few pieces of chopped Kabanos sausage for a spicy kick and rich flavor.
- Create the Folded Pastry Shape: Using a sharp knife, make a cut from each corner toward the center of the pastry, stopping just short of the middle. This will create a star shape with four triangles attached at the center. Fold each corner toward the center, pressing gently to seal the pastry.
- Brush with Egg: Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the pastries. This gives them a golden-brown finish when baked.
- Bake or Air Fry: Place the pastries on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in the oven at 180°C for about 15 minutes or air fry at 170°C for 12-14 minutes. Make sure the bottoms are crispy before removing them.
Notes
For extra spice, add chili flakes or hot sauce to the pesto.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.
If you don’t have an air fryer, bake in a conventional oven as per the instructions, checking halfway through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
