Chef Marie Laurent - French Pastry Specialist
👨‍🍳 Pastry Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 Le Cordon Bleu Graduate ⏰ 15+ Years Experience 🍽️ French Cuisine Expert

❤️ My Recipe Story

"During my years working in Parisian bistros, I learned that the simplest combinations often create the most memorable dishes. These cheese parcels became my go-to when entertaining - elegant enough for special occasions, yet simple enough for spontaneous gatherings."

Marie specializes in French pastry techniques that bring restaurant-quality results to home kitchens. She believes that with quality ingredients and proper technique, anyone can create impressive dishes that look as good as they taste.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Golden-brown puff pastry parcels on a white plate, filled with creamy melted cheese oozing out, garnished with fresh green herbs

The Secret to Flaky Perfection

The key to perfect puff pastry parcels is keeping everything cold. Cold pastry creates steam pockets during baking, resulting in those beautiful flaky layers. Work quickly and if the pastry becomes too soft, pop it back in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.

The cheese filling should be well-combined but not overmixed. The combination of mozzarella for stretch, cream cheese for creaminess, and Gruyère for flavor creates the perfect molten center that contrasts beautifully with the crispy pastry exterior.

💡 Professional Tip

Freeze assembled parcels for 15 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape and creates even more dramatic puffing and flakiness during baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Assemble the parcels completely, then freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3-4 minutes to the cooking time.

Any melting cheese works well. Try cheddar and cream cheese, brie and cranberry, or feta and spinach. The key is combining a good melting cheese with something creamy for texture.

Don't overfill the parcels - too much filling releases moisture. Also ensure your oven is fully preheated and consider placing parcels on the middle rack for even heat distribution.

Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry will give superior flavor and texture. However, quality store-bought puff pastry (like all-butter varieties) produces excellent results and saves significant time.

Seal edges thoroughly by pressing firmly and crimping with a fork. Egg wash acts as glue, so brush edges well before sealing. Don't overfill, and ensure there are small steam vents on top.

Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid the microwave as it makes the pastry soggy. They're also delicious served at room temperature.

Yes! Cut pastry into smaller squares (16 pieces per sheet) and reduce filling amount. Baking time will decrease to about 12-14 minutes. Perfect for party platters.

Marinara sauce, honey mustard, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli all complement these beautifully. For something special, try a balsamic reduction or herb-infused olive oil.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Pastry Not Puffing

Problem: Puff pastry stays flat and doesn't rise

Solution: Ensure oven is fully preheated to 400°F. Don't roll pastry too thin. Use cold pastry and avoid overhandling which melts the butter layers.

✅

Uneven Browning

Problem: Some areas brown faster than others

Solution: Rotate baking sheet halfway through cooking. Use middle oven rack. Ensure egg wash is applied evenly across all surfaces.

✅

Cheese Oozing Out

Problem: Filling leaks during baking

Prevention: Reduce filling amount slightly. Seal edges more thoroughly. Freeze parcels 15 minutes before baking to set the shape.

✅

Pastry Sticking

Problem: Parcels stick to baking sheet

Recovery: Always use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Don't skip this step as the cheese that leaks can create cement-like bonds to the pan.

✅

Doughy Center

Problem: Pastry is cooked outside but raw inside

Prevention: Reduce oven temperature to 375°F and bake longer. Ensure parcels aren't too thick. Make proper steam vents to release moisture.

✅

Flavor Balance Issues

Too Sweet: Add more herbs, garlic, or a pinch of red pepper flakes

Too Salty: Serve with a side of honey or sweet chutney to balance

Bland: Increase garlic and herbs in filling, or serve with flavorful dipping sauce

Raw ingredients for cheese puff pastry parcels including rolled puff pastry sheets, various cheeses, fresh herbs, eggs, and seasonings on a marble surface

Choosing Quality Ingredients

The pastry is the star here, so quality matters. Look for all-butter puff pastry in the freezer section - it has superior flavor and flakiness compared to varieties made with shortening. Brands like Dufour or Trader Joe's all-butter puff pastry are excellent choices.

For the cheese filling, use a combination of textures and flavors. Fresh mozzarella provides that desirable cheese pull, cream cheese adds smooth creaminess, while aged Gruyère or Swiss contributes complex, nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish beyond simple cheese pastry.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Puff Pastry Selection: Always choose all-butter puff pastry over oil-based versions. The butter creates better flavor and superior flaky layers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, not at room temperature.
  • Cheese Quality: Use block cheese and cube or grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Fresh mozzarella works, but low-moisture mozzarella is less watery.
  • Egg Wash: Beat eggs thoroughly with a pinch of salt. For extra shine, add a teaspoon of cream or milk. Apply two thin coats rather than one thick coat for the most beautiful golden finish.
Golden puff pastry parcels baking in the oven, showing the layers puffing up and developing a rich golden-brown color

Mastering the Baking Process

Proper oven temperature is crucial for puff pastry success. The high heat (400°F) creates immediate steam from the butter between layers, causing the dramatic rise. Opening the oven door during the first 12 minutes can cause collapse, so resist the temptation to peek.

The egg wash serves multiple purposes - it acts as glue for sealing, creates protective barrier against moisture, and produces that gorgeous golden sheen. Apply it generously but avoid pooling in any areas, which can prevent proper sealing or create uneven browning.

The Perfect Seal

Brush egg wash on all edges before folding. Press edges firmly together, then crimp with fork tines. The double seal (egg wash + crimping) ensures no cheese escapes during the dramatic puffing.

Golden Cheese-Filled Puff Pastry Parcels

Prep 15 min
Cook 18 min
Serves 8 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

For the Pastry

  • 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
    All-butter variety recommended
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
    For egg wash and sealing
  • 30ml melted butter
    For finishing glaze
  • Flaky sea salt
    For topping and texture
  • Fresh parsley or chives
    For garnish

For the Cheese Filling

  • 300g mozzarella cheese, cubed
    Low-moisture type works best
  • 150g cream cheese, softened
    Adds smooth creaminess
  • 100g Gruyère cheese, grated
    Provides complex flavor
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    Fresh garlic essential
  • 15ml fresh chives, chopped
    Adds mild onion flavor
  • 15ml fresh parsley, chopped
    Fresh herb brightness
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
    Freshly ground preferred
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
    Enhances cheese flavors

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cheese Filling

    In a medium bowl, combine mozzarella cubes, softened cream cheese, grated Gruyère, minced garlic, chives, parsley, black pepper, and nutmeg. Mix until well combined. Set aside.

  2. Cut Pastry

    Roll out thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into 4 equal squares (8 squares total). Keep pastry cold while working.

  3. Fill and Seal

    Place a generous spoonful of cheese mixture in the center of each square. Brush edges with beaten egg, then fold corner to corner to create triangles, or bring all four corners to center. Press edges firmly to seal, crimping with a fork if desired.

  4. Prepare for Baking

    Place parcels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each. Brush tops generously with remaining egg wash. Make small steam vents with a knife. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

  5. Bake and Serve

    Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 16-18 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Remove from oven, brush with melted butter, and garnish with fresh herbs. Let cool 3-4 minutes before serving.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Make-Ahead

Assemble parcels completely and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3-4 minutes to cooking time.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm as appetizers with marinara sauce for dipping, or pair with a crisp green salad for a light lunch. They're also excellent for brunch alongside fresh fruit.

Variations

Add cooked spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions to the cheese filling. For a heartier version, include crumbled cooked bacon or prosciutto. Sweet versions with brie and fig jam are also delicious.