Heart-Shaped Puff Pastry with Cheese

Name: Heart-Shaped Puff Pastry with Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); Fresh herbs (such as thyme or parsley), chopped; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Daily Recipes

I adore whipping up these heart-shaped puff pastries, especially for special occasions or cozy gatherings. The buttery, flaky texture paired with rich cheese filling creates a delightful treat that never fails to impress. Each bite is a perfect blend of crisp and creamy, making them a hit with both friends and family. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or just a midweek snack, these pastries bring a touch of love to the table. It’s a simple recipe that looks sophisticated, leaving everyone guessing your culinary secrets!

Created by

Gillian Sykes

Last updated on 2026-01-07T11:33:34.558Z

When I first decided to make heart-shaped puff pastry with cheese, I wanted to create something that would bring joy and warmth to my loved ones. I experimented with different cheese blends and settled on a combination of creamy mozzarella and sharp cheddar that perfectly complemented the flaky pastry. To add an extra touch, I sprinkled fresh herbs for a burst of flavor and aroma.

I learned that the key to achieving that ideal puff is to keep the dough cold. Chilling it between folds allows the butter to remain intact and ensures maximum flakiness. The result is a delightful pastry that's not only visually appealing but also a treat for the taste buds!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Delicate pastry that shatters beautifully with each bite
Savory cheese filling that melts in your mouth
Versatile enough for any occasion, from brunch to romantic dinners

The Magic of Puff Pastry

Puff pastry is a wonderful ingredient that creates layers of lightness and flakiness. Its key to success lies in the lamination process, which involves folding and rolling layers of butter into the dough. The steam generated during baking causes the layers to separate and puff up. Ensure that your butter is cold when you roll it into the dough; this helps create those signature flaky layers. If you have the time, making your own puff pastry from scratch can elevate this dish, but store-bought works beautifully as well!

When rolling out store-bought puff pastry, aim for an even thickness of about 1/8 inch. An uneven thickness can lead to inconsistent baking, with some parts remaining soggy while others overcook. Additionally, keep the pastry cool as you work—if it begins to soften too much, pop it back in the refrigerator for a few minutes to maintain its structure.

Choosing the Right Cheeses

In this recipe, the combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and cream cheese creates a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. Mozzarella provides a gooey stretch, cheddar adds a sharp tang, and cream cheese contributes to a creamy, rich filling. If you’re looking to switch things up, consider using Monterey Jack for a milder flavor or feta for a burst of saltiness. Just be mindful that moisture content can vary between cheeses—too much could make the filling runny, so drain any excess liquid from softer cheeses before mixing.

For a herbaceous twist, you can customize your filling with fresh herbs like basil or chives. This can enhance the overall flavor profile, making each bite more aromatic. And if you’d like to add a bit of spice, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños can kick the flavor up a notch without overpowering the dish.

Serving and Storing Tips

These heart-shaped pastries are best served warm, right out of the oven. To elevate your presentation for special occasions, consider a drizzle of balsamic reduction or a sprinkle of extra herbs on top. If you're making them ahead of time, you can bake them partially (about 15 minutes), then freeze them. When ready to serve, simply bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden and puffed.

For storage, keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to restore that delightful crispness. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the pastry soggy.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create a perfect heart-shaped puff pastry with cheese:

Ingredients

1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Fresh herbs (such as thyme or parsley), chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to prepare the ingredients before you start assembling the pastries.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious heart-shaped puff pastries:

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until it's about 1/8 inch thick.

Cut Out Hearts

Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart shapes from the rolled pastry. Place half of them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the mozzarella, cheddar, cream cheese, and herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble the Pastries

Spoon a small amount of the cheese mixture onto each pastry heart on the baking sheet. Place another pastry heart on top and press the edges to seal. Brush with beaten egg.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Let cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy these delightful pastries warm, straight from the oven!

Pro Tips

For a variation, try adding finely chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the cheese filling for added flavor and nutrition.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue with puff pastries is that they can sometimes come out flat instead of puffy. This can happen if the oven door is opened too frequently during baking. Avoid checking on the pastries until the halfway point; this helps maintain the oven's temperature and ensures even rising. Also, ensure your oven is preheated effectively; a hot oven is critical for activating the puff pastry's steam.

If the edges of your pastries seem to be browning too quickly while the centers remain uncooked, consider lowering the oven temperature slightly and extending the baking time. This allows for even cooking without burning the delicate edges.

Scaling the Recipe

If you're expecting a crowd, this recipe is easy to scale up! Just ensure each heart-shaped pastry has enough filling and that you adjust your baking sheet sizes to accommodate increased quantities. You can fit more on a larger tray; just remember to leave space between each one to allow for proper puffing.

Conversely, if you want to make a smaller batch, simply cut the quantities in half. Puff pastry can be tricky to work with in very small amounts, so consider making a few extra hearts to enjoy later or freeze them for another occasion!

Making it Ahead

Preparing ahead of time can be a game-changer, particularly during busy occasions. You can mix your cheese filling and shape the heart pastries the night before. Store them in the refrigerator, covered, until you’re ready to bake. Just don’t brush them with the egg wash until right before baking to maintain their freshness.

Additionally, if you’re planning to serve these for an event, consider having a variety of fillings prepared to cater to different tastes. This way, you can offer dietary options or creative flavor combinations, making your heart-shaped pastries even more inviting!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought pastry dough?

Absolutely! Store-bought puff pastry is perfect for this recipe and saves time.

→ How do I store leftover pastries?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

→ Can I freeze these pastries?

Yes! You can freeze the unbaked pastries. Just assemble them, place on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

→ What other fillings can I use?

You can get creative with fillings! Try using different cheeses, sautéed vegetables, or cooked meats.