Heart-Shaped Puff Pastry with Cheese

Name: Heart-Shaped Puff Pastry with Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8 pastries
Ingredients: 1 package of puff pastry (thawed); 200g mozzarella cheese (shredded); 100g cream cheese (softened); 1 egg (beaten for egg wash); Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)

Highlighted under: Home Baking Recipes

I absolutely love the charm that heart-shaped pastries bring to any occasion! These Heart-Shaped Puff Pastry with Cheese are simple to make and are always a hit at gatherings. Flaky and buttery, they are filled with a delicious blend of cheeses that create a delightful contrast. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a celebration, these pastries also allow for plenty of creativity in presentation. Join me in making this irresistible treat that’s as beautiful as it is tasty!

Created by

Charlotte Wilson

Last updated on 2026-01-08T12:06:36.824Z

When I first tried making these heart-shaped puff pastries, I was amazed at how easy yet impressive they turned out! The trick is to use high-quality puff pastry, which puffs beautifully in the oven, creating the perfect texture for a savory treat. To enhance the flavor, I experimented with combining mozzarella and cream cheese, resulting in a creamy filling that pairs perfectly with the crispy pastry.

During my last gathering, I served these pastries as an appetizer, and they disappeared in minutes! A tip I found helpful is to cut the pastries in different sizes for an appealing presentation on the platter. Plus, you can sprinkle some herbs on top before baking for an extra flavor boost.

        Why You'll Love These Heart-Shaped Puff Pastry with Cheese
        Beautiful and romantic presentation for any occasion
Flaky texture combined with rich melted cheese
Easy-to-make, yet impressively elegant
Versatile for fillings—customize to your taste!

      

The Importance of Puff Pastry

Puff pastry is the star of this recipe, providing a flaky texture that enhances the overall eating experience. The layers of dough, when exposed to heat, create a beautifully risen pastry that's crisp on the outside while remaining tender within. For the best results, ensure that your puff pastry is cold before you roll it out. This helps keep the layers distinct and prevents them from merging, making your pastries light and airy.

Choosing high-quality puff pastry can elevate your Heart-Shaped Puff Pastry with Cheese. Look for a product with a high butter content, as this contributes to a richer flavor and texture. If you're feeling adventurous, consider making your own puff pastry from scratch. While time-consuming, it can provide a more personalized touch and better control over the flavor and texture.

Perfecting the Cheese Filling

The filling is what truly sets these pastries apart. Mozzarella adds a wonderful stretch, while cream cheese contributes a silky richness that balances the flavors. Don't shy away from experimenting with different cheeses; try adding aged cheddar for a sharper flavor or goat cheese for a tangy kick. Remember, layering different cheeses can create depth, so feel free to mix and match according to your preference!

When mixing the cheese filling, take care not to overmix. You want the cheeses to blend well, but overmixing may lead to a gummy texture—definitely not what you're aiming for. Adding fresh herbs such as chives or parsley at this stage can enhance the flavor profile. Just a sprinkle will bring freshness and brightness that complements the richness of the cheeses.

Tips for Assembly and Baking

When assembling the pastries, it's crucial to avoid overfilling them; this can cause the cheese to ooze out during baking, resulting in a mess. Stick to about a tablespoon of filling per pastry. If you find the edges aren’t sealing well, you can lightly dampen them with water before pressing them down with a fork. This helps ensure they stay closed and maintain their shape while baking.

For baking, using a baking sheet lined with parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also ensures even cooking. Bake until the pastries are golden brown and puffed up, typically around 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to prevent over-browning. If you want a deeper golden color, consider rotating the tray halfway through baking for even heat circulation.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your delicious heart-shaped pastries:

Pastry and Filling

1 package of puff pastry (thawed)
200g mozzarella cheese (shredded)
100g cream cheese (softened)
1 egg (beaten for egg wash)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)

Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before starting!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your heart-shaped pastries:

Prepare the Pastry

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut heart shapes using a cookie cutter or a knife.

Make the Filling

In a bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese, softened cream cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Assemble the Pastries

Place a spoonful of the cheese mixture in the center of each pastry heart. Be careful not to overfill. Brush the edges with the beaten egg, then fold over and seal the pastry by pressing the edges with a fork.

Bake

Transfer the pastries to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with egg wash and bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Once they are out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Pro Tips

For a touch of elegance, sprinkle fresh herbs on top before serving. Additionally, feel free to experiment with the filling
try adding sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These pastries are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-12 minutes; this will help restore some of the delicious flakiness without making them soggy.

If you're planning for an event, you can assemble the pastries a day in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since they’ll be coming from a cold environment.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Heart-Shaped Puff Pastry with Cheese warm alongside a fresh salad or as an appetizer during a romantic dinner or celebration. Pairing them with a light dip, such as a herbed yogurt or a zesty marinara sauce, can enhance the flavors and provide added moisture.

Consider presenting them on a rustic wooden board, garnished with fresh herbs to highlight their elegance. This not only adds a beautiful touch to your table but allows guests to enjoy them as finger food, making them perfect for parties or gatherings.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare these pastries in advance?

Yes, you can assemble them a few hours ahead of time and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Bake them just before serving.

→ What other fillings can I use?

You can use different types of cheese, cooked vegetables, or even meats like ham for varied flavors.

→ How do I store leftovers?

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

→ Can these be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked pastries. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.