In college I made french onion soup "my way" & had everyone begging me when was i going to make it again. Being a poor student, i needed something simple, cheap, & fancy.
First i made the onion soup (basic)(skipping the toast)
I ladled the soup into mugs.
Cut squares of puff pastry to drape over each mug.
Sprinkled granulated garlic & shredded cheese over pastry.
Baked in oven until golden brown.
Eat this by breaking the cheesey pastry into the onion soup.Yummy!!!
Any leftover pastry was cut into strips, seasoned the same way as the soup for add in crunch if wanted. (baked @ same time as soup)
15 Perfect Puff Pastry Recipes
Photo: cardamom
In order to pull off fine food in a hurry, it’s important to have a few gourmet tricks. That’s where keeping some puff pastry on hand comes into play. It adds gourmet goodness to your meal preparation, and it cooks in jiffy. There are even vegan puff pastry options, according to this article from PETA’s web site. Here are fifteen phenomenal recipe ideas for this time-saving food. (See also: Quick, Easy, and Festive Cream Cheese Appetizers)
1. Pot Pie
Pot pies are extremely affordable to prepare using frozen mixed vegetables and leftover poultry such as turkey or chicken. But if you want to take it to the next level in a hurry, consider covering your pot pie with puff pastry. It’ll save time compared to homemade dumplings and be a bit fancier as a bonus.
2. Tomato and Cheese Tart
If you find yourself with extra tomatoes from the garden, an elegant puff pastry tart with cheese makes a fantastic option for an afternoon tea or a light romantic dinner. Not having to make the crust yourself? Priceless.
3. Impromptu Pizza
For a sassy spin on this traditional Italian pie, try a puff pastry pizza using a gourmet pizza sauce and some unexpected toppings like roasted eggplant or sliced artichoke hearts.
4. Fast "Breadsticks"
They may not be low fat, but preparing seasoned breadsticks with puff pastry puts a sophisticated touch to your evening meal. Use them as an appetizer or pair with your favorite bisque and soup garnishes.
5. Individual Feta-Spinach Dinner Tarts
Those who have been reading my food posts from the beginning are already aware of my fondness for frozen spinach as a frugal and nutritious ingredient. These spinach and feta tarts use puff pastry, resulting in individual servings that are suitably fancy and flavorful as well.
6. Baked Brie in a Crust
Incorporating baked brie into your next party menu will say "special" like few other snacks can. Baking it in puff pastry just puts it over the top. This is a fun idea to use for a Christmas party or other winter holiday gathering.
7. Blue Cheese Mini Tartlets
Blue cheese tends to take center stage on the tongue regardless of what it’s paired with, and these mini tartlets are no exception. Try pairing them with a red wine for a sophisticated wedding shower menu.
8. Portobello Pinwheels
Puff pastry makes an impression when used for pinwheel appetizers. These portobello pinwheels prove that point precisely..
9. Easy Cherry Turnovers
When you find yourself in need of an easy dessert to serve unexpected company, try these quick cherry turnovers made with puff pastry and pie filling. Since these are the two main ingredients, the flavor profile can easily be changed by switching your choice of canned filling to apple or blueberry, for example.
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10. Stuffed Indian Veggie Puffs
Do you love international cuisines? Me too. That’s why I’m always stoked when I stumble across ethnic recipes like these Indian snacks made with puff pastry. The flavor pairing is solid and the use of store-bought crust makes them achievable for the busy home cook.
11. Beef and Sweet Potato Turnovers
Searching for a sexier way to serve up some bargain beef? These sweet potato and beef turnovers from Real Simple magazine might be just the ticket. The ingredient list is short, and the recipe could be easily veganized with a couple of substitutions.
12. Simple Strudel
If you need some ways to use raisins that don’t include in oatmeal, this simple strudel from the Food Network is worth a shot. Serve it up with some strong coffee as you plan your family vacation to Germany. It’s sure to get you in the mood.
13. Mediterranean Puff Pastry Chicken
Those who enjoy poultry will likely love this puff pastry chicken recipe that features the flavors of the Mediterranean. Try it with a sauced cannellini side dish, some mixed greens, and a white wine.
14. Vegetarian Quiche
When you need to make simple menus look stylish, pie-based meals can be your best friend. Puff pastry is a simple way to put them on the table, as this vegetarian quiche recipe from Yummly demonstrates.
15. Super Simple Sticky Buns
Comfort food is king when good friends stop by for coffee. The Food Network’s easy sticky buns recipe uses puff pastry to allow you to pull off your culinary efforts with style.
While I don’t consider puff pastry something I need to buy in bulk on a regular basis, I do think its flexibility and fast cooking time make it an item that’s worth having in the freezer.
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