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 pieces
Ingredients: 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed; 150g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 100g mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); 1 tsp dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Everyday Baking Collection

I adore creating heart-shaped pastries, and this Heart-Shaped Puff Pastry with Cheese is one of my ultimate favorites. The delightful combination of flaky pastry, creamy cheese, and a touch of herbs fills my kitchen with irresistible aromas. Each bite is a celebration of flavor and texture, perfect for any occasion, whether it's a romantic dinner or a fun gathering with friends. I remember the first time I made these; they disappeared almost instantly! I can't wait for you to experience this delicious treat!

Created by

Rachel Green

Last updated on 2026-01-08T14:37:34.510Z

When I first set out to make these heart-shaped pastries, I wanted to find a way to infuse traditional puff pastry with a modern twist. After several attempts, I discovered that blending different cheeses created a creamy filling that melted beautifully. I recommend using a mix of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella to achieve the perfect balance of flavor.

Additionally, brushing the tops with an egg wash ensures a golden, flaky crust that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. These pastries are a hit at any gathering, and I love that you can customize the filling with your favorite spices to make them truly your own.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Flaky, buttery pastry that melts in your mouth
Creamy cheese filling that oozes with flavor
Perfect for romantic dinners or special occasions

      

Perfecting the Puff Pastry

Achieving the perfect puff pastry is all about the right temperature and technique. When rolling out your pastry, keep it cold to ensure those flaky layers form beautifully during baking. If the dough becomes too warm or sticky, pop it back in the fridge for about 10 minutes before continuing. This helps maintain the integrity of your pastry and guarantees a crisp final product.

Remember to roll the pastry evenly to about 1/8-inch thickness. This allows for even puffing while baking. Uneven pastry thickness can lead to over or under-baking in certain areas, so take your time during this step. Also, using a light dusting of flour on your work surface prevents sticking and allows for easy movement of the dough.

Cheese Filling Tips

The combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella provides a great balance between flavor and texture. Cheddar adds a rich, tangy depth, while mozzarella contributes a lovely creaminess that melts beautifully. For a twist, consider adding a bit of grated parmesan or gouda to enhance the flavor profile even further. Just keep the total cheese weight the same to maintain the filling's consistency.

Be cautious not to overfill the hearts; a spoonful for each heart is perfect. Overfilling can lead to leakage during baking and make sealing difficult. Press the edges together firmly after brushing with egg wash, as this helps create a solid seal that keeps the cheese contained within the pastry.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your heart-shaped puff pastries:

Ingredients

1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
150g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
100g mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Once you've gathered all your ingredients, you're ready to start!

Instructions

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

Preheat the oven

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

Prepare the filling

In a bowl, combine the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.

Roll out the pastry

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to about 1/8-inch thickness.

Cut out heart shapes

Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart shapes from the rolled pastry. You should get about 12 hearts.

Fill and seal

Place a spoonful of the cheese mixture onto half of the heart shapes. Brush the edges with beaten egg, then press the other half of the heart shapes on top to seal.

Bake

Brush the tops of the filled pastries with the remaining beaten egg. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and puffed up.

Once baked, let the pastries cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some fresh herbs on top before baking or serve with a dipping sauce of your choice.

Serving Suggestions

These heart-shaped puff pastries can be served warm from the oven for the best texture. Pair them with a light salad drizzled with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheese. For a fun twist, consider serving them with a spicy marinara or a tangy dipping sauce to complement the flavors.

If you want to elevate the presentation, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top just before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness that really enhances the overall experience of the dish.

Storing and Reheating

If you happen to have leftovers (though they’re hard to resist!), store the cooled pastries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in an oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the pastry soggy.

For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked hearts. Prepare them up to the point of baking, then place them on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and store for up to a month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time until they are golden and puffed.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these pastries in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the filled pastries and keep them in the fridge until you're ready to bake them. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are chilled.

→ What can I substitute for cheese?

You can fill these pastries with a variety of fillings like spinach and ricotta, mushrooms, or even sweet fillings like chocolate or fruit preserves.

→ How do I store leftover pastries?

Store any leftover pastries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to regain their flakiness.

→ Can I freeze these pastries?

Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked pastries and bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.