Quick Italian Puff Pastry Aperitif
Ingredients
First Layer:
- 400 g (14.1 oz) puff pastry
- 100 g (3.5 oz) tomato sauce
- 5 g (0.18 oz) salt
- 20 ml (0.7 fl oz) olive oil
- Sesame seeds (to taste)
- 100 g (3.5 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
Second Layer:
- 400 g (14.1 oz) puff pastry
- 200 g (7 oz) pressed cheese (e.g., Provolone, Gouda, or Fontina), sliced
- 150 g (5.3 oz) salami, sliced
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing)
Other:
- A little flour (for sprinkling the dough)
- Sesame seeds (for decoration)
- Poppy seeds (for decoration)
Dressing – Sauce:
- 30 g (1 oz) butter
- 25 g (0.9 oz) flour
- 200 ml (6.8 fl oz) beer
- 100 g (3.5 oz) grated cheese (e.g., Cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan)
- 3 g (0.1 oz) salt
- A pinch of chili (or to taste)
Instructions
1. Prepare the First Layer of Puff Pastry:
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (356°F). While the oven heats up, prepare the first layer of your puff pastry appetizer. Roll out 400 g of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking.
In a small bowl, combine 100 g of tomato sauce with 5 g of salt and 20 ml of olive oil. Stir well to create a smooth, seasoned sauce. Spread this sauce evenly over one half of the rolled-out puff pastry. Once the sauce is spread, sprinkle a generous amount of sesame seeds across the surface, followed by 100 g of grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Fold and Cut the First Layer:
Carefully fold the puff pastry in half, covering the sauce, sesame seeds, and Parmesan with the other half of the dough. Gently press down to seal the edges, then use a rolling pin to lightly flatten the dough into an even layer. Using a sharp knife or a pastry cutter, slice the dough into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
Place the cut squares onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
3. Prepare the Second Layer of Puff Pastry:
Roll out the remaining 400 g of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. On one half of the dough, arrange the 200 g of pressed cheese slices in a single layer, ensuring they cover the surface well. Next, add the 150 g of salami slices on top of the cheese, spacing them out evenly.
4. Fold and Cut the Second Layer:
Fold the puff pastry over the cheese and salami layer, pressing gently to seal the edges. Use a rolling pin to lightly flatten the dough, then slice it into squares or rectangles. Transfer the squares to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Brush and Decorate:
In a small bowl, beat 1 egg yolk until smooth. Brush the top of each puff pastry square with the beaten egg yolk, giving them a nice golden finish once baked. For added flavor and texture, sprinkle sesame seeds on the first batch of puff pastry squares and poppy seeds on the second batch.
6. Bake the Pastry:
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the puff pastry squares for about 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
7. Prepare the Dressing Sauce:
While the puff pastries are baking, prepare the cheesy beer sauce that will take these appetizers to the next level. In a small pot, melt 30 g of butter over low heat. Once the butter is melted, sprinkle in 25 g of flour and stir constantly to form a roux. Cook the roux until it begins to bubble, but do not let it brown.
Gradually pour in 200 ml of beer, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking the sauce until it thickens slightly. Once thickened, add 100 g of grated cheese and stir until fully melted and smooth. Season the sauce with 3 g of salt and a pinch of chili for a subtle kick. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
8. Serve with Style:
Once the puff pastries are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet. Serve the warm puff pastry squares with the cheesy beer sauce on the side for dipping. The combination of crispy pastry, savory filling, and rich sauce is sure to delight your guests.
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 12-16 (depending on square size)
- Calories per serving: Approx. 220 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 320mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 7g
Conclusion
This quick Italian puff pastry aperitif is a brilliant and delicious way to impress your guests with minimal effort. The combination of crispy pastry layers, flavorful fillings, and a rich, cheesy beer sauce makes it an irresistible treat. Perfect for any occasion, these puff pastry bites are not just a snack—they’re a celebration of Italian culinary simplicity and flavor. Serve them with love, and enjoy the delighted smiles of those who taste them!