Chef Mitchell preparing Savory Herb Garlic Pastry
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered the joy of making Savory Herb Garlic Pastry during a culinary class in France. The blend of fresh herbs with buttery pastry captivated my taste buds and inspired me to perfect my own version. Over the years, I've tailored the recipe to include a variety of herbs, ensuring that each bite is bursting with flavor. Now, it's a favorite among family and friends."

Chef Mitchell specializes in French cuisine and has a passion for creating delectable snacks. With over a decade of experience in the culinary world, he has mastered the art of pastry-making and enjoys sharing his love for food through innovative recipes.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Savory Herb Garlic Pastry served on a plate

Why This Savory Herb Garlic Pastry Recipe Works

This recipe combines a perfect balance of herbs and garlic, creating a burst of flavor in every bite. The flaky texture of the pastry contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling, making it a delightful snack for any occasion. Additionally, using fresh herbs elevates the taste and aroma, making it irresistible.

The technique of using puff pastry ensures that these pastries are light and airy. The egg wash gives a beautiful golden color, while the careful sealing of the edges prevents the filling from leaking out during baking, resulting in a perfect dish every time.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, ensure that your puff pastry is well-chilled before rolling it out. This helps to maintain its flaky texture. Also, don't overfill the pastries to avoid spillage during baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the filling and fill the pastries ahead of time. Just store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. This way, you can enjoy freshly baked pastries without the last-minute hassle.

If you don't have ricotta cheese, you can substitute it with cream cheese or cottage cheese for a similar creamy texture. Just remember to adjust the seasoning as needed since these alternatives might have different flavors.

The pastries are done when they are golden brown and puffed up. You can also insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the pastry is ready. The aroma of baked herbs and garlic will also be a delightful indicator.

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pastries. Just arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

These pastries pair wonderfully with a simple salad or a yogurt dip. A glass of white wine also complements their flavors beautifully. They're perfect for parties, picnics, or as a snack with friends.

The pastries can last in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain their crispness, store them in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven to restore their flaky texture.

Absolutely! You can assemble the pastries up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. This is a great time-saver for gatherings.

The best way to reheat these pastries is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will help restore their crispiness and warm the filling evenly.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If the filling or pastry turns out dry, it may be due to overcooking.

Solution: Keep an eye on the baking time and ensure you don't exceed 30 minutes. Adding a bit more cheese to the filling can also help retain moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the pastries aren't crispy, it may be due to insufficient baking time.

Solution: Make sure to bake the pastries until they are visibly golden brown. Preheating the oven properly also contributes to achieving that nice crisp.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked pastries can become hard and unappetizing.

Prevention: Monitor the baking closely and consider using a thermometer to check the oven's accuracy. If they do overcook, serve with a dip to mask dryness.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the center of the pastries is undercooked, they may be doughy.

Recovery: Ensure that the pastries are spaced apart on the baking sheet to allow for even heat distribution. If you find them undercooked, return to the oven for a few more minutes.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: If the edges of the pastries burn while the center remains undercooked, it might be due to high oven temperature.

Prevention: Reduce the temperature slightly and check for doneness earlier. Consider using parchment paper to protect the bottoms from burning.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the pastries are too sweet, consider adding more herbs and a bit of lemon juice to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: For overly salty pastries, serve with a side of unsalted yogurt or cream to offset the taste.

Bland: If the pastries lack flavor, increase the amount of garlic and herbs in the filling for a bolder taste.

Fresh ingredients for Savory Herb Garlic Pastry

Essential Ingredients for Savory Herb Garlic Pastry

The key ingredients in this recipe include fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and chives, which provide a vibrant flavor profile. Garlic adds a savory depth, while the combination of ricotta and mozzarella creates a creamy filling that pairs perfectly with the flaky pastry. Using high-quality ingredients will enhance the overall taste.

Opt for fresh herbs whenever possible for the best flavor. The quality of your puff pastry also matters; look for all-butter varieties for a richer taste. Each ingredient contributes to the final product, so choose wisely for the best results.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Puff Pastry: Using high-quality puff pastry is key to achieving a flaky texture. Always keep it cold until you're ready to use it to maintain its layers.
  • Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs provide vibrant flavors and aromas. Always wash and dry them thoroughly before chopping to avoid excess moisture in your filling.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a robust flavor. For a milder taste, you can sauté it briefly before adding it to the filling, allowing its sweetness to come through.
Cooking process for Savory Herb Garlic Pastry

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Creating Savory Herb Garlic Pastry is a straightforward process that involves preparing the filling, filling the pastry, and baking to perfection. The simplicity of the steps ensures that even beginner cooks can achieve delicious results.

Achieving perfect results relies on proper baking techniques, such as maintaining the right oven temperature and ensuring a good seal on the pastries. Following the steps closely will help you create a delightful snack that will impress everyone.

Key Technique for Perfect Savory Herb Garlic Pastry

The most important technique for making Savory Herb Garlic Pastry is ensuring that the edges are properly sealed. This prevents the filling from leaking out during baking and allows the pastry to rise beautifully. The use of an egg wash also contributes to a golden, glossy finish.

Savory Herb Garlic Pastry

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    Freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    For added flavor
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
    Optional
  • Salt to taste
    For seasoning

For the Sauce

  • 1 lb puff pastry
    Thawed
  • 4 cloves garlic
    Minced
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley
    Chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh thyme
    Chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh chives
    Chopped
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
    Softened
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese
    Shredded
  • 1 egg
    Beaten
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling

    In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, chives, paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

  2. Preheat Oven

    Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  3. Roll Out Pastry

    On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into squares or circles.

  4. Fill the Pastry

    Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each pastry piece. Brush the edges with beaten egg.

  5. Seal the Pastry

    Fold the pastry over to form a triangle or a pocket and press the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges.

  6. Brush with Egg Wash

    Brush the tops of the pastries with the remaining beaten egg for a golden finish.

  7. Bake Pastries

    Place the filled pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

  8. Cool and Serve

    Remove pastries from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store Savory Herb Garlic Pastry, place them in an airtight container. They will keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat in the oven to ensure they regain their crispiness.

Serving Suggestions

These pastries are best served warm and can be enjoyed on their own or with a light dip. A yogurt-based dip or a fresh salad complements the flavors beautifully.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to experiment with different herbs or cheese in the filling. Spinach or sun-dried tomatoes can also be great additions for a twist on the classic flavor.