Pastries with Aperifrais

I have made these mini-pastries with Aperifrais many times, especially when I need something quick for a meal with friends. They are suitable for vegetarians and do not require hard-to-find ingredients. What I like most is that it doesn't involve complicated steps, and the final appearance is quite pleasant on a platter.

Quick Info

Total time: about 40 minutes
Preparation time: 15-20 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes (depending on the oven)
Servings: 12 mini-pastries
Difficulty: easy
Recipe type: appetizer, suitable for vegetarians, good for festive meals or quick snacks

Ingredients

Puff pastry – 1/2 pack (approx. 400 g)
Delaco Aperifrais cheese (Italy or Provence) – 12 pieces
Green olives – 12 pieces, sliced
Cherry tomatoes – 10 pieces
Green onion – 1-2 stalks
Olive oil – 1-2 tablespoons
Dried thyme – 1-2 teaspoons (to taste)
Salt and pepper – to taste

Preparation method

1. Finely chop the green onion and slice the cherry tomatoes. Place them in a pan with a little olive oil. Sauté for a few minutes, just enough to soften them, so they don't release too much water into the pastry. Add salt, pepper, and thyme to taste. Let cool slightly.

2. Roll out the puff pastry on a work surface. Using a wavy-edged knife (or a regular one if you don't have it), cut 12 equal squares or rectangles.

3. Place each piece of pastry on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

4. Put a teaspoon of the tomato and onion mixture on each piece of pastry. Sprinkle a few slices of olives on top.

5. Place the tray in the preheated oven at 200°C. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the pastry is golden and well risen. The time may vary slightly depending on the oven.

6. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. On each pastry, place a piece of Aperifrais cheese.

7. Arrange the mini-pastries on a platter. They can be served warm or at room temperature.

Why I make this recipe often

I love this recipe because it's quick, doesn't require special technique, and the ingredients are easy to find. It works well for any occasion when something light is needed, but it also looks good enough for a festive meal. It can be adapted, and nothing ever goes to waste.

Tips and variations

Tips

Don't let the tomato mixture be too watery, so it doesn't make the pastry soggy.
If the puff pastry is too thick, roll it out a bit with a rolling pin.
Make sure the baking tray is prepared with parchment paper so the pastries don't stick.
Add the Aperifrais cheese only after the pastries have cooled slightly, so it doesn't melt immediately.

Substitutions

You can replace Aperifrais with another creamy cheese, but the texture will be different.
Green olives can be replaced with black olives, depending on what you have on hand.

Variations

If you're not vegetarian, you can add a thin strip of chicken pastrami or another preferred deli meat under the layer of vegetables.
Other herbs can also be used to taste (basil or oregano work well too).

Serving ideas

They are great as an appetizer for a party, on a platter alongside other simple snacks.
They can be packed in small boxes for a picnic or as a snack at the office.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use another type of dough if I don't have puff pastry?
Puff pastry is the most suitable, but you can also try using pizza dough. The texture will be denser, not as crispy.

Do I need to cook the tomato mixture or can it be raw?
If you use raw tomatoes and onions, the pastry may get soggy during baking. A brief sauté helps a lot for the final texture.

Can I prepare the pastries in advance and add the cheese just before serving?
Yes, you can bake the pastries, and the Aperifrais cheese can be added when you want to serve them. This way, it doesn't melt or run on the platter.

How long do the pastries last at room temperature?
They can be kept for a few hours without any problems. After a longer time, the puff pastry loses its crispness.

Nutritional values

The values are estimated, for one serving (one pastry, with Aperifrais):

Calories: 100-120 kcal
Protein: 2-3 g
Carbohydrates: 8-10 g
Fats: 6-8 g
The values may vary depending on the dough used and the type of cheese. It is a moderately caloric appetizer, with a decent amount of fats and carbohydrates from the puff pastry.

Storage and reheating

It is best to consume them on the day of preparation, as the puff pastry becomes soft after a while. If there are leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator in a closed box, but not for more than 1-2 days. Reheating in the oven makes them acceptable again, but the texture will not be the same as at the beginning. The cheese is added only after reheating, not before.

 Ingredients: Puff pastry (about 1/2 pack - 400g) Delaco Aperifrais Italy or Provence 12 pieces Green olives 12 pieces Cherry tomatoes 10 pieces Green onion 1-2 pieces Olive oil Thyme, crushed 1-2 teaspoons to taste Salt, pepper

 Tags:  savory pastries delaco appetizers