Get ready to transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean with these mouthwatering Feta Sweet Pepper Pastry Swirls! Imagine biting into a golden, flaky pastry that reveals a burst of creamy feta, vibrant sweet peppers, and fresh parsley – a culinary experience that's about to become your new party favorite. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply craving a delectable snack, these swirls are guaranteed to impress and satisfy even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 24 swirls
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup sweet bell peppers, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- On a clean, flat surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet. If it’s not already rolled out, aim for a rectangle shape, about 1/8 inch thick.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, finely chopped sweet bell peppers, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that feta cheese can be salty, so taste the mixture before adding too much salt.
- Spread the feta and pepper mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges to ensure the filling doesn’t spill out while baking.
- Starting from one edge, carefully roll the puff pastry tightly into a log shape. Make sure to keep the filling inside as you roll.
- Once rolled, use a sharp knife to slice the log into 1-inch thick swirls. You should have about 24 swirls.
- Arrange the swirls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for puffing during baking.
- Brush the tops of the swirls with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden color as they bake.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the swirls are puffed and golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the swirls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet.
- Serve warm as an appetizer or snack, and enjoy the delicious Mediterranean flavors!
Tips
- Keep your puff pastry cold: Ensure the pastry is thawed but still cool to the touch for the best flaky texture.
- Don't overfill: Be careful not to overload the pastry with filling, as this can make rolling difficult and cause leaks.
- Use a sharp knife: When slicing the roll, use a very sharp knife to create clean, even swirls without squishing the pastry.
- Egg wash magic: The beaten egg wash is crucial for achieving that gorgeous golden-brown color and glossy finish.
- Space matters: Leave enough room between swirls on the baking sheet to allow them to puff up and cook evenly.
- Serve immediately: These swirls are best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven when they're at their crispiest and most flavorful.
- Make ahead tip: You can prepare the rolls and refrigerate them before baking, then pop them in the oven when ready to serve for fresh, hot appetizers.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 110kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg
