Preparing the Puff Pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, unfold your thawed puff pastry. Roll out the pastry slightly to even it out.
- Cut the puff pastry sheet into squares. Then, cut each square diagonally to form two triangles. You should get about 16 triangles from a standard puff pastry sheet.
Adding the Filling:
For Savory Triangles:
- Mix the grated cheese and chopped spinach. Season with salt and pepper. Place a small spoonful of the mixture in the center of each triangle.
For Sweet Triangles:
- Mix the cream cheese until smooth and spreadable. Place a teaspoon of cream cheese and a teaspoon of jam in the center of each triangle.
Forming the Triangles:
- Carefully stretch the corners of each triangle slightly to enlarge. Fold one corner over the filling to the opposite corner, forming a smaller triangle. Press the edges together to seal. For extra security, you can crimp the edges with a fork.
- Place the filled triangles on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each triangle lightly with the beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful golden sheen.
Baking:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry has puffed up and turned golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
Serving:
- Serve the savory puff pastry triangles warm, ideally while they’re still flaky and crispy.
- For the sweet triangles, let them cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar for a pretty finish.
Tips:
- Sealing Your Triangles: Make sure the edges of your puff pastry triangles are sealed well to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
- Customization: Feel free to experiment with different fillings based on your preferences. Anything from sautéed mushrooms and onions to chocolate chips and nuts can work.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare these triangles in advance, freeze them on a baking sheet, and once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Whether you choose the savory or sweet route, these puff pastry triangles are sure to impress with their delightful flavors and textures, making them a perfect choice for any occasion.