Valentine’s Puff Pastry Veggie Bites Recipe
These charming Valentines Puff Pastry Veggie Bites are a delightful appetizer featuring flaky puff pastry hearts filled with a creamy cheddar and cream cheese mixture, paired with fresh cherry tomatoes and red bell peppers. Served alongside a crisp veggie platter with ranch dip, they’re perfect for sharing on a romantic occasion or festive gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 puff pastry bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry Bites
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 red bell peppers
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Veggie Platter
- 1 cucumber
- 1 cup ranch dip
- 10–12 mini mozzarella balls
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the puff pastry bites.
- Cut Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out matching heart shapes from the dough.
- Prepare Filling: In a bowl, mix the shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese together until smooth and thoroughly combined to create the creamy cheese filling.
- Assemble: Place half of the heart-shaped pastry pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon the cheese filling onto each, then top with cherry tomatoes or sliced red bell peppers. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover each with the remaining pastry hearts and press the edges firmly to seal.
- Bake: Bake the assembled puff pastry hearts in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they puff up and turn golden brown on top.
- Veggie Option: While the pastry bites bake, slice the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red bell peppers. Arrange them artistically in a heart shape on a serving platter around the mini mozzarella balls and fresh basil leaves to complement the bites. Serve the ranch dip on the side.
- Serve: Remove the puff pastry bites from the oven, let them cool slightly, then serve them warm or at room temperature alongside the fresh veggie platter and ranch dip for a festive presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute cream cheese with ricotta for a lighter texture.
- Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed before rolling to prevent tears.
- Experiment with other fresh veggies like sliced zucchini or carrots for the platter.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.
- The puff pastry bites can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving to keep them fresh and crispy.
Keywords: Valentines appetizer, puff pastry bites, cheesy puff pastry, veggie bites, party appetizers, vegetarian Valentine's Day snacks
