Buffalo Pastry Hearts Recipe
Introduction
Buffalo pastry hearts are a delightful and savory treat that combines the bold flavors of buffalo chicken with the flaky goodness of puff pastry. These bite-sized pastries are perfect for parties, game nights, or as a tasty appetizer for any occasion. In this article, we will walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to make buffalo pastry hearts that will surely impress your guests.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the recipe, let's gather all the necessary ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1 package (17.3 ounces) puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon water
- Optional toppings: blue cheese dressing, chopped scallions
Instructions
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let's move on to the step-by-step instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, cream cheese, and blue cheese crumbles. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 2: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the puff pastry sheets. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out heart shapes from the puff pastry sheets.
Step 3: Fill the Pastry Hearts
Take half of the heart-shaped pastry cutouts and place a spoonful of the buffalo chicken filling in the center of each heart. Leave a small border around the edges to seal the pastries later. Top each filled heart with another heart-shaped pastry cutout and press the edges together gently.
Step 4: Seal the Pastry Hearts
Using a fork, press the edges of the pastry hearts to seal them. This will create a decorative pattern and prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash
In a small bowl, beat the egg with water to create an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the top of each pastry heart. This will give the pastries a beautiful golden color when baked.
Step 6: Bake the Buffalo Pastry Hearts
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the filled pastry hearts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.
Step 7: Optional Toppings
If desired, you can serve the buffalo pastry hearts with a side of blue cheese dressing for dipping. You can also sprinkle some chopped scallions on top for added freshness and flavor.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once the buffalo pastry hearts are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm and watch your guests enjoy every bite of these delicious treats.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to consider when making buffalo pastry hearts:
Tip 1: Shredded Chicken
You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for this recipe. Simply shred the chicken into small pieces before mixing it with the buffalo wing sauce and other ingredients.
Tip 2: Adjusting the Spice Level
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of buffalo wing sauce or opt for a milder version. On the other hand, if you like it hot and spicy, feel free to add more sauce or even a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling mixture.
Variation 1: Vegetarian Option
If you're looking for a vegetarian alternative, you can substitute the shredded chicken with cooked and mashed chickpeas. Add some extra spices and seasonings to give it a flavorful kick.
Variation 2: Cheese Options
If you're not a fan of blue cheese, you can replace it with shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese. This will still provide a creamy and cheesy element to the filling.
Conclusion
Buffalo pastry hearts are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines the tangy and spicy flavors of buffalo chicken with the buttery and flaky goodness of puff pastry. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can create a batch of these delicious treats in no time. Whether you're hosting a party or simply craving a flavorful snack, buffalo pastry hearts are sure to satisfy your taste buds. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy these delectable bites with your loved ones.