Avocado Mozzarella Puffs
The ultimate comfort food, Avocado Mozzarella Puffs are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. These easy, flavorful bites are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, these puffs are a must-try!
Equipment
- Aluminum Baking Sheet (2 pack)
- 2-inch Cookie Cutter
- Basting and Pastry Brush
Ingredients
- 1 avocado (mashed)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (from 1/2 lime)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper (freshly ground, or to taste)
- 2 sheets puff pastry (1 package)
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 6 ounces mozzarella cheese (cut into 12 cubes of 1 inch each)
- 1/4 cup salsa
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400℉. This step is crucial as it ensures that your puff pastry will rise beautifully and develop that golden color we all love. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed avocado with the lime juice and pepper. The lime juice not only adds flavor but also keeps the avocado from browning. Mix well until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheets into a rectangle, aiming for about 12 inches by 16 inches. The rolling process is fun, and it gives the pastry a uniform thickness, ensuring even baking.
- Using a 2-inch cookie cutter, cut out circles from the rolled pastry. You should get about 24 circles from both sheets. This is where the magic begins! You’ll create the perfect base for your puffs.
- Take 12 of the circles and brush the edges with the beaten egg. This egg wash will help seal the puffs and give them a beautiful glaze when baked.
- On top of these circles, place a dollop of the avocado mixture, a piece of mozzarella cheese, and about a teaspoon of salsa. These ingredients work wonderfully together, creating a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Now, place the remaining 12 circles of puff pastry on top of the filled circles. Gently stretch them if necessary to completely cover the filling. This step is crucial to ensure the filling is well enclosed, resembling little sombrero hats.
- Using a fork, press down on the edges to seal each puff securely. This adds a charming touch and ensures that none of the delicious filling escapes during baking.
- Transfer the assembled puffs to the prepared baking sheet and brush them with more of the egg wash. This step will give your puffs a lovely golden brown hue as they bake.
- Bake for about 12 minutes or until they are golden and puffy. Keep an eye on them as they bake; the smell will be irresistible and will likely draw everyone to the kitchen!
- Once baked, remove the puffs from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with additional salsa on the side for dipping. Enjoy the fantastic flavor and texture of your homemade Avocado Mozzarella Puffs!
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover puffs in the fridge for up to 3 days. Any longer and the salsa might start to degrade the pastry.
- Airtight Container: Keep your puffs in an airtight container or tightly wrap them with plastic wrap to maintain their freshness.
- Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing these puffs as thawing doesn’t suit the salsa or avocado very well. They are best enjoyed fresh.
- Experiment: Feel free to experiment with different fillings! You can try other cheeses or spices to make them your own.
- Serving Ideas: These puffs pair well with a variety of dips and can be served as part of a larger appetizer spread.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Ripe avocado and quality mozzarella cheese make a noticeable difference.