Ricotta Puffs: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Appetizer

When you think of delicious, easy-to-make appetizers, Ricotta Puffs should certainly come to mind. These crispy, flaky puffs filled with creamy ricotta cheese, roasted red peppers, and aromatic herbs make for the perfect party snack or a savory side dish. The blend of tangy ricotta and roasted peppers enveloped in buttery puff pastry is nothing short of irresistible. If you’re looking for an appetizer that’s both sophisticated and simple to prepare, these Ricotta Puffs are the answer!

In this article, we will guide you through a basic Ricotta Puffs recipe, provide some advanced techniques to elevate the dish, discuss the best ways to store them, suggest possible substitutions for dietary restrictions, and answer some frequently asked questions. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this article has everything you need to make the perfect batch of Ricotta Puffs.

For more inspiration, check out these helpful links:

• How to work with puff pastry
• Roasted Red Peppers 101

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Ricotta Puffs Recipe: Flaky, Savory Appetizer with Ricotta & Roasted Red Peppers

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12-16 puffs 1x

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Description

These delightful Ricotta Puffs are golden, flaky, and filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta cheese, roasted red peppers, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for an appetizer or a savory snack, these puffs are made with thawed puff pastry for a quick and easy dish that’s sure to impress your guests.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 package (17-1/4 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup roasted sweet red peppers, drained and chopped
• 3 tablespoons grated Romano or Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon 2% milk

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Prepare the filling:
   In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped roasted red peppers, 2 tablespoons of the grated Romano or Parmesan cheese, minced parsley, crushed oregano, pepper, and milk. Mix until smooth and well combined.

3. Prepare the puff pastry:
   Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut the pastry into squares (about 3-4 inches each) using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.

4. Assemble the puffs:
   Place a small spoonful of the ricotta mixture in the center of each puff pastry square. Fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or rectangle, depending on the shape of the pastry. Press the edges gently to seal.

5. Bake the puffs:
   Place the filled puffs on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with a little bit of milk and sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of grated Romano or Parmesan cheese.

6. Bake and serve:
   Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the puffs are golden brown and puffed up. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• These puffs can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge before baking. Simply bake them just before serving.
• For added flavor, you can include a pinch of garlic powder or red pepper flakes in the filling.
• If you prefer a lighter filling, you can substitute the ricotta with a mix of cream cheese and Greek yogurt.
• You can also brush the tops of the puffs with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water) before baking for a glossy finish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 puff
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: Ricotta Puffs Recipe

Instructions

1. Prepare the puff pastry: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut the pastry into squares or circles depending on your preference.
2. Make the filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, roasted sweet red peppers, 2 tablespoons of the grated Romano or Parmesan cheese, minced parsley, dried oregano, pepper, and milk. Stir until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
3. Assemble the puffs: Spoon a small amount of the ricotta mixture into the center of each pastry square or circle. Fold the edges of the puff pastry over the filling to create a sealed pocket or pastry bundle. If you’re using squares, you can create a simple fold-over or pinch the corners to form a triangle.
4. Bake the Ricotta Puffs: Place the filled puffs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops of the pastries with a bit of milk or melted butter for a golden, shiny finish. Sprinkle the remaining Romano or Parmesan cheese on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden and crisp.
5. Serve and enjoy: Once baked, remove the puffs from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These Ricotta Puffs are best enjoyed warm, with their flaky exterior and creamy interior.

Advanced Techniques

1. Flavor Variations

While the classic Ricotta Puffs recipe is a winner, you can always experiment with different fillings to make the dish your own. Here are a few flavor variations to try:

• Spinach and Ricotta: Add a handful of cooked spinach to the ricotta mixture for a rich, savory combination.
• Bacon and Chive: For a smoky flavor, mix in crumbled cooked bacon and fresh chives.
• Mushroom and Thyme: Sauté chopped mushrooms with thyme and blend them into the ricotta for an earthy flavor profile.

2. Using Fresh Puff Pastry

If you have the time and inclination, you can make your own puff pastry from scratch instead of using store-bought frozen puff pastry. Homemade puff pastry allows you to control the texture and flavor, making for an even more impressive result.

3. Add an Egg Wash

To get a beautiful, glossy finish on your Ricotta Puffs, you can brush them with a simple egg wash before baking. This will give them a golden, shiny appearance that is both visually stunning and appetizing.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Storing Ricotta Puffs

Ricotta Puffs are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored for later use:

• Room Temperature: Store the puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. However, they may lose some of their crispness.
• Refrigeration: If you’d like to keep the puffs longer, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to eat, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to restore their flakiness.

Freezing Ricotta Puffs

To store Ricotta Puffs for a longer period, freezing is the best option. Here’s how to do it:

1. Assemble the puffs, but do not bake them.
2. Arrange the unbaked puffs on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them for about 2 hours.
3. Once frozen, transfer the puffs to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
4. When ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw. Simply place the frozen puffs directly on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until golden and puffed.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

If you’re looking to adapt this recipe to meet specific dietary needs, here are some substitutions you can try:

• Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based ricotta (such as almond or tofu ricotta) and replace the milk with a dairy-free alternative, such as almond milk or coconut milk.
• Gluten-Free: Instead of traditional puff pastry, opt for gluten-free puff pastry available at most grocery stores. Be sure to check the ingredients to ensure it’s safe for your needs.
• Vegan: Replace the ricotta cheese with a vegan cheese alternative, and use a plant-based milk to keep the dish fully vegan. You can also skip the grated cheese topping or use a dairy-free version.
• Low-Fat: For a lighter version of this recipe, use reduced-fat ricotta cheese and limit or skip the grated cheese on top.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I make Ricotta Puffs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Ricotta Puffs ahead of time. Assemble the puffs, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them as mentioned above.

Can I use a different cheese?

Certainly! While ricotta is the star of this recipe, you can experiment with other cheeses such as goat cheese, cream cheese, or even mozzarella, depending on your taste preferences.

What’s the best way to reheat Ricotta Puffs?

To reheat Ricotta Puffs, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This will help preserve their crispness and warm the filling inside.

Are Ricotta Puffs vegetarian?

Yes, Ricotta Puffs are vegetarian-friendly, as they contain no meat or poultry. However, if you’re serving vegetarians, make sure to use non-animal rennet in the cheese.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Ricotta Puffs are an incredibly versatile and delightful dish that can elevate any meal or gathering. With a basic recipe that is simple to follow and various ways to customize the flavor, you can create an appetizer that will wow your guests. Whether you’re making them for a casual family dinner or a sophisticated cocktail party, these Ricotta Puffs will certainly be a hit.

The ability to adapt this recipe for various dietary needs, store leftovers for later, and even freeze them for future use makes Ricotta Puffs a great choice for both experienced and beginner cooks. So next time you’re looking for something tasty and impressive, give these Ricotta Puffs a try—they’re guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire!