Description
Rotel sausage cream cheese puffs deliver a spicy, creamy explosion of flavor that delights party guests. Crisp pastry shells cradle zesty sausage and melted cream cheese, creating an irresistible bite you’ll crave at every gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 can rotel tomatoes
Pastry and Binding:
- 2 sheets puff pastry
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
Seasonings:
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Brown the ground sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking until no pink remains, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Drain excess grease from the sausage and transfer to a mixing bowl.
- Soften the cream cheese and fold it into the warm sausage, creating a smooth, well-integrated mixture.
- Drain the rotel tomatoes thoroughly to prevent excess moisture, then gently fold into the sausage-cream cheese blend.
- Incorporate garlic powder, black pepper, and salt into the mixture, stirring until evenly distributed.
- Unfold the puff pastry sheets and cut each into 9 equal squares using a sharp knife.
- Place a spoonful of the sausage mixture in the center of each pastry square.
- Fold the pastry corners towards the center, creating a small package and sealing the edges.
- Whisk the egg and brush each pastry package with the egg wash for a golden, glossy finish.
- Arrange the puffs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes until the pastries are puffed and deep golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow filling to set.
Notes
- Drain rotel tomatoes completely to prevent soggy pastry and maintain the crisp texture of the puffs.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother blending and easier mixing with sausage.
- Consider substituting pork sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner protein option that reduces overall fat content.
- Experiment with different spices like smoked paprika or red pepper flakes to add extra depth and kick to the filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg