Roast Beef and Cheddar Puff Pastry Pockets Recipe

Name: Roast Beef and Cheddar Puff Pastry Pockets
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 9
Ingredients: 1 (17.3 ounce) package puff pastry sheets; 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided; 3 Tablespoons chipotle mayonnaise; 9 pieces thinly sliced deli roast beef, about 1/2 pound; 5 slices Cheddar cheese; 1 egg + 1 Tablespoon water; 1 tablespoon water; 1 Tablespoon Everything Bagel Seasoning

Cook Time: 20 minutes

This recipe yields 9 servings and is perfect for a quick and tasty snack or lunch. Follow the simple steps to make delicious, golden-brown puff pastry sandwiches filled with deli roast beef and cheddar cheese.

Ingredients

1 (17.3-ounce) package frozen puff pastry sheets
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons chipotle mayonnaise
9 thin slices deli roast beef
5 slices Cheddar cheese
1 large egg
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon Everything Bagel seasoning

Directions

Step 1: Thaw the puff pastry sheets. You can do this in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours or at room temperature for 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the manufacturers directions. The pastry should be cold to the touch but still pliable.

Step 2: Preheat your oven to 400F (200C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 3: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of flour over a clean work surface and lightly flour a rolling pin. Unfold one sheet of puff pastry and roll it out into a 12x12-inch square.

Step 4: Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the pastry into 9 equal squares (about 4x4 inches each). Place the squares on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Leaving a 1/2-inch border on each square, brush the center with about 1 teaspoon of chipotle mayonnaise. Fold a slice of deli roast beef to fit within the border of each square.

Step 6: Top the beef with a 3-inch square of Cheddar cheese. Use any leftover cheese trimmings to fill the remaining squares.

Step 7: For the sandwich tops, sprinkle the work surface with the remaining flour and flour the rolling pin. Unfold the second sheet of puff pastry, roll it out to 12 inches, and cut it into 9 equal squares.

Step 8: To make the egg wash, whisk the egg and 1 tablespoon of water together with a fork until the yolk and white are fully combined. Brush the 1/2-inch border of each sandwich bottom with the egg wash.

Step 9: Carefully place the sandwich tops over the bottom squares. Crimp the edges together using a fork to seal the sandwiches.

Step 10: Brush the tops of the sandwiches with the egg wash and sprinkle with Everything Bagel seasoning.

Step 11: Bake the sandwiches in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed.

Step 12: Let the sandwiches cool on a rack for 8 to 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!

Cooks Note

Preparation time includes 20 minutes of thawing for the puff pastry sheets. Please refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for thawing instructions.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	468
Total Fat	31g (39% DV)
Saturated Fat	7g (35% DV)
Cholesterol	50mg (17% DV)
Sodium	1057mg (46% DV)
Total Carbohydrate	34g (12% DV)
Dietary Fiber	1g (4% DV)
Total Sugars	2g
Protein	14g (29% DV)
Vitamin C	1mg (1% DV)
Calcium	152mg (12% DV)
Iron	3mg (15% DV)
Potassium	242mg (5% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind Roast Beef and Cheddar Puff Pastry Pockets

Roast Beef and Cheddar Puff Pastry Pockets are a modern take on the classic savory pastry, combining the flaky elegance of puff pastry with hearty American flavors. Puff pastry itself dates back to 17th-century France, where it was prized for its delicate layers and buttery taste. The addition of roast beef and Cheddar brings a distinctly Anglo-American twist, reflecting the influence of traditional deli sandwiches and comfort foods.

Regional Variations

While the concept of stuffed pastries exists worldwide, this particular combination is most popular in the United States. In the Midwest, Cheddar cheese is often sharper, reflecting local dairy production, while on the East Coast, smaller, bite-sized versions are served at cocktail parties and casual gatherings. Some variations incorporate horseradish cream, caramelized onions, or even a hint of mustard to enhance the savory profile.

What Sets It Apart

Unlike a simple roast beef sandwich or a traditional Cornish pasty, these pockets emphasize the contrast between crisp, buttery layers of pastry and the rich, melty interior. Unlike meat pies or calzones, the filling is minimalistic and focused on a few high-quality ingredients, making it more refined and portable. The use of puff pastry also creates an airy texture that is unique compared to denser bread-based alternatives.

Typical Occasions and Serving

These puff pastry pockets are often served as appetizers at parties, as part of a brunch spread, or as a convenient snack for gatherings. They can also appear on lunch menus in cafs and delis, particularly in regions where grab-and-go foods are popular. Served warm, they are ideal for pairing with dipping sauces such as chipotle mayo, horseradish cream, or a tangy mustard dip.

Interesting Facts

The combination of beef and Cheddar is inspired by classic deli sandwiches, but the pastry approach allows it to be handheld without a plate.
Puff pastry must remain cold until baking to achieve its signature flakiness; any warmth before baking can reduce the rise.
Everything Bagel Seasoning on top is a modern twist, adding texture and a subtle burst of flavor, merging American bakery trends with traditional pastry techniques.
These pockets can be easily frozen and baked later, making them a practical choice for meal prep or entertaining large groups.
The use of chipotle mayonnaise introduces a smoky, slightly spicy element, reflecting contemporary American flavor trends.

Overall, Roast Beef and Cheddar Puff Pastry Pockets are a versatile, flavorful snack that blends French pastry tradition with classic American deli flavors, perfect for both casual and festive occasions.

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FAQ about Roast Beef and Cheddar Puff Pastry Pockets Recipe

Yes, you can prepare the pockets in advance and store them in the refrigerator before baking. To do so, assemble the pockets as per the instructions, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, brush with egg wash and bake as directed.

Yes, these puff pastry pockets freeze well. After assembling them, place them on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the pockets to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. To bake, simply brush them with egg wash and bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Leftover puff pastry pockets should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.

Absolutely! You can substitute Cheddar with other cheeses such as Swiss, provolone, mozzarella, or even a flavored cheese like pepper jack. Just be sure the cheese melts well to get the desired gooey texture inside the puff pastry.

Yes, you can customize the filling to your taste. Try adding sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added flavor. Just be sure to cook any vegetables before adding them to prevent excess moisture, which can make the pastry soggy.

Yes, you can easily make these puff pastry pockets vegetarian by substituting the roast beef with ingredients like grilled vegetables, hummus, or even a plant-based protein such as tofu or tempeh. You can also swap the chipotle mayonnaise for a vegan version.

The puff pastry pockets are done when they are golden brown and puffed up. This typically takes about 18-20 minutes in the oven at 400°F (200°C). If you're unsure, you can check the internal temperature with a kitchen thermometer—aim for around 165°F (74°C).

These puff pastry pockets make a great appetizer or snack on their own, but you can serve them with a side salad, some dipping sauces like ranch, mustard, or marinara, or even a light soup for a more complete meal.

Yes, you can use gluten-free puff pastry sheets to make this recipe gluten-free. Be sure to check the other ingredients (like the chipotle mayonnaise) to ensure they are also gluten-free if needed.

To adjust the spiciness, you can use more or less chipotle mayonnaise, or swap it out entirely for a milder mayonnaise. If you prefer heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper inside the pockets.

Comments

John Sanchez

10/16/2024 07:16:30 PM

This dish was incredibly easy to make and absolutely DELICIOUS!! I adore a meal that can be prepared in just 10 minutes and still tastes this amazing! It's definitely going into my list of all-time favorites.