Are you searching for the secret to achieving perfectly crisp, golden brown puff pastry tops that will make your taste buds dance with delight? Your quest is about to be fulfilled! Embark on a culinary adventure as we delve into the art of crafting these irresistible pastry masterpieces. Prepare to uncover the secrets of expert bakers and learn the techniques that transform ordinary pastry into extraordinary creations. From choosing the right ingredients to mastering the delicate balance of folding and chilling, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to create puff pastry tops that will impress even the most discerning palate.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
CRISP PUFF PASTRY TOPS
This recipe for crisp puff pastry tops is courtesy of Martha Stewart.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Yield Makes 6
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
- Sprinkle work surface with sugar. Place puff pastry on top of sugar. Sprinkle top of puff pastry with sugar. Roll puff pastry into a 12-by-14-inch rectangle. Using a round cookie cutter, cut six 4 1/2-inch rounds; transfer to prepared baking sheet.
- With a sharp knife, score each pastry, making curved lines every 1/2-inch from the center out towards the edges, to resemble a pinwheel. Transfer baking sheets to a refrigerator until well chilled, at least 30 minutes.
- In a small bowl, beat together egg yolk and cream. Brush tops of chilled pastry rounds, leaving a 1/4-inch border around the edge; take care not to let any egg mixture drip over cut edges, as it will prevent pastry from puffing evenly. Sprinkle each round with 2 teaspoons sugar. Bake until crisp and caramelized, 15 to 18 minutes. Let cool on baking sheet.
BACON AND CHEDDAR PUFF PASTRY CRISPS
Steps:
- Heat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Unfold 1 pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Roll the pastry sheet into a 12x12-inch square. Cut into 36 (2-inch) squares. Prick the pastry squares with a fork. Repeat with the remaining pastry sheet, making 72 squares in all. Place the squares onto baking sheets.
- Bake for 8 minutes or until the pastries are golden brown. Using the back of a spoon, press down the centers of the hot pastries to make an indentation.
- Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon each cheese and bacon onto each pastry. Bake for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Remove the pastries from the baking sheets and let cool on wire racks for 10 minutes. Top with the dressing and chives.
PASTRY PUFFS
Our simple, 4-step recipe turns a few basic ingredients into 40 large puffs in just 35 minutes. Check out our Chocolate-Glazed Raspberry Cream Puffs recipe.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes Pastry Dessert Recipes
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment. In a small saucepan, bring water, butter, and sugar to a boil over high.
- Immediately remove from heat. With a wooden spoon, stir in all-purpose flour. Continue to stir until mixture pulls away from sides of pan, about 2 minutes. Let cool 2 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition until batter comes together. Transfer batter to a large zip-top bag; twist and squeeze bag so batter is in one corner. With scissors, snip a 1/2-inch opening in corner (or use a pastry bag with a 1/2-inch round plain tip).
- Pipe batter into desired size mounds, 1 inch apart, onto sheets. With a wet finger, smooth pointy tops. Bake 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees and bake until puffs are golden brown and feel light and hollow inside, 20 to 30 minutes. Let cool on sheets on wire racks.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 78 g, Fat 5 g, Protein 2 g
CRISPY POTATO PUFFS
Crispy coating surrounds a velvety potato filling in these adorable puffs. They make a perfect side for meats and poultry. Best of all, the recipe makes 2 dozen, so you can use just the number you need for dinner.-Eva Tomlinson, Bryan, Ohio
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 45m
Yield 12 servings (2 puffs each).
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Place potatoes in a large saucepan; add water to cover. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook, uncovered, 10-15 minutes or until tender. Drain; return to pan., Mash potatoes, gradually adding milk, butter and salt; stir in cheese. Transfer to a large bowl; refrigerate, covered, 2 hours or until firm enough to shape., In a shallow dish, combine cornflakes and sesame seeds. Shape potato mixture into 1-1/2-in. balls; roll in cornflake mixture. Place on greased baking sheets. Bake 7-9 minutes or until golden brown., Freeze option: Place unbaked puffs on baking sheets; cover and freeze until firm. Transfer to resealable plastic freezer bags. Freeze up to 3 months. To use, preheat oven to 400°. Place frozen potato puffs on greased baking sheets. Bake 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and heated through.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 248 calories, Fat 7g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 16mg cholesterol, Sodium 466mg sodium, Carbohydrate 42g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 5g protein.
Tips for Perfect Puff Pastry Tops:
- Use high-quality butter: The quality of the butter you use will greatly impact the taste and texture of your puff pastry. Look for a high-fat butter (82% or higher) that is cold and firm.
- Laminate the dough properly: The laminating process is what creates the flaky layers in puff pastry. Be sure to roll the dough out evenly and fold it into thirds before chilling. Repeat this process several times to create the desired number of layers.
- Chill the dough thoroughly: Chilling the dough between each step is essential for developing the gluten and preventing the butter from melting. This will help to create a light and airy pastry.
- Bake the pastry at a high temperature: Puff pastry should be baked at a high temperature (400°F or higher) to quickly create steam and puff up the layers. This will result in a crispy and golden-brown pastry.
- Use an egg wash: Brushing the pastry with an egg wash before baking will help to create a shiny and golden-brown crust.
Conclusion:
With a little practice, you can easily create beautiful and delicious puff pastry tops that will impress your friends and family. These tips will help you achieve the perfect results every time. So next time you're looking for a special treat, give puff pastry a try!
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