Crispy Smoked Turkey Cheese Puff Pastry Stacks With Herb Garlic Butter Drizzle

Looking for an appetizer that’s guaranteed to impress? These Crispy Smoked Turkey Cheese Puff Pastry Stacks are the answer! Flaky, golden puff pastry embraces savory smoked turkey and sharp cheddar, all elevated by a luscious herb-garlic butter drizzle. They’re surprisingly easy to make, perfect for parties, holidays, or a special weekend treat. The combination of smoky, cheesy, and herbaceous flavors is simply irresistible. Get ready to wow your guests (or yourself!) with these delightful stacks.

Ingredients

• Puff Pastry Sheets (250g / 9oz – 2 sheets): We’re using pre-made puff pastry for convenience. Ensure it’s thawed according to package directions – you want it pliable but still cold. Puff pastry is a laminated dough, meaning it has layers of butter folded in, which creates that signature flaky texture when baked. All-butter puff pastry will give the best flavor and rise, but a good quality butter-blend will also work.
• Smoked Turkey Breast (200g / 7oz): Thinly sliced smoked turkey is the star of the savory filling. Smoked turkey provides a wonderful depth of flavor that complements the cheese and herbs. You can use pre-sliced deli turkey, or slice it yourself from a larger piece.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese (100g / 3.5oz): Grated sharp cheddar adds a tangy and robust flavor. Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and provides a lovely contrast to the smoky turkey. Feel free to use a different cheddar variety if you prefer, but sharp cheddar offers the most pronounced flavor.
• Unsalted Butter (50g / 3 Tbsp + 30g / 2 Tbsp): Butter is used in two ways here. The first portion (50g) is melted and brushed onto the pastry before baking, promoting browning and adding richness. The second portion (30g) is used to create the flavorful herb-garlic butter drizzle. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
• Large Egg (1) + Water (1 Tbsp): Whisked together, this creates an egg wash. The egg wash is brushed onto the pastry before baking, giving it a beautiful golden-brown color and a glossy sheen.
• Garlic (2 cloves ≈6g): Minced garlic infuses the butter with a pungent and aromatic flavor. Freshly minced garlic is always best for maximum flavor.
• Fresh Parsley (1 Tbsp ≈3g): Finely chopped fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note to the butter drizzle. Flat-leaf parsley (Italian parsley) is preferred for its flavor, but curly parsley can be used if that’s what you have on hand.
• Fresh Thyme Leaves (1 tsp ≈1g): Fresh thyme provides an earthy and slightly floral aroma. Remove the leaves from the stems before chopping.
• Olive Oil (1 Tbsp / 15ml): A touch of olive oil adds richness and helps to carry the flavors of the herbs and garlic in the butter drizzle.
• Salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the flavors. Use fine sea salt for best results.
• Black Pepper (¼ tsp): Adds a subtle spice. Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the most flavor.
• Smoked Paprika (Pinch): A final garnish that adds a hint of smokiness and a beautiful color contrast.

Substitutions

Don’t have smoked turkey? You can substitute with roasted chicken or ham. For the cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack or Gruyere would also be delicious. If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried, but reduce the amount to about 1 teaspoon each. If you’re avoiding dairy, you can use a dairy-free butter alternative and a vegan cheese.

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). This ensures the puff pastry rises properly and achieves that desirable golden-brown crispness. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Cut the Puff Pastry: Gently unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Lightly flouring prevents the pastry from sticking to the counter. Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, cut each sheet into 10cm (4-inch) squares. Aim for even squares to ensure consistent baking. You should end up with eight squares in total.
3. Assemble the Stacks: Place one puff pastry square on a clean board. In the center of the square, arrange one slice of thinly sliced smoked turkey breast. Don’t overcrowd the center; a single slice is perfect. Sprinkle a generous tablespoon of grated sharp cheddar cheese over the turkey. The cheese will melt and bind the stack together.
4. Fold and Seal: Carefully fold the four corners of the pastry square up towards the center, overlapping slightly. Gently press the corners together to seal the stack. This creates a neat, enclosed package. Repeat this process with the remaining squares, ensuring each stack is well-sealed.
5. Brush with Butter and Egg Wash: In a small bowl, melt the 50g of unsalted butter. Using a pastry brush, generously brush each puff pastry stack with the melted butter. This contributes to the golden-brown color and adds richness. Next, brush each stack with the whisked egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water). The egg wash provides a beautiful glossy finish.
6. Bake to Perfection: Carefully transfer the assembled stacks onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, golden brown, and wonderfully crisp. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
7. Prepare the Herb-Garlic Butter Drizzle: While the stacks are baking, prepare the flavorful herb-garlic butter drizzle. In a small saucepan, melt the 30g of unsalted butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the finely chopped fresh parsley, fresh thyme leaves, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld together.
8. Serve and Garnish: Once the puff pastry stacks are baked, remove them from the oven and arrange them artfully on a serving plate. Generously drizzle the warm herb-garlic butter over each stack, allowing it to pool slightly at the base. Finish with a light sprinkle of chopped parsley and a pinch of smoked paprika for a touch of color and smoky flavor. Serve immediately while hot and flaky.

Why Smoked Turkey and Cheese Work So Well

The combination of smoked turkey and sharp cheddar is a classic for a reason. The smokiness of the turkey provides a depth of flavor that complements the tangy sharpness of the cheddar. Encasing this savory filling in flaky puff pastry elevates the experience, creating a delightful contrast in textures. The herb-garlic butter drizzle adds another layer of complexity, tying all the flavors together beautifully.

Tips for the Flakiest Puff Pastry

Achieving truly flaky puff pastry is all about maintaining the layers of butter within the dough. Here are a few tips:

• Keep it Cold: Work with cold puff pastry. If it becomes too warm, the butter will melt and the layers will merge.
• Handle Gently: Avoid overworking the dough. Excessive handling develops the gluten, resulting in a tougher pastry.
• Don’t Skip the Flour: Lightly flouring your work surface prevents sticking and helps maintain the layers.

Variations and Substitutions

Feel free to customize these stacks to your liking! Here are a few ideas:

• Cheese Options: Gruyere, Swiss, or Monterey Jack cheese would all be delicious substitutes for cheddar.
• Meat Alternatives: Smoked chicken, ham, or even leftover roasted turkey can be used in place of smoked turkey breast.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs in the butter drizzle, such as rosemary, chives, or oregano.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the herb-garlic butter for a little heat.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These Crispy Smoked Turkey Cheese Puff Pastry Stacks make a fantastic appetizer, a light lunch, or even a sophisticated snack. They pair well with:

• A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette
• A bowl of creamy tomato soup
• A glass of dry white wine or sparkling cider

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these ahead of time?

While best served immediately, you can assemble the stacks ahead of time and store them, unbaked, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the egg wash just before baking.

Can I freeze these?

Baked stacks don’t freeze well as the pastry loses its crispness. However, unbaked, assembled stacks can be frozen for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Enjoy these delightful Crispy Smoked Turkey Cheese Puff Pastry Stacks! They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later!

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