Whipped Savory Cheese & Chive Spread on Puff Pastry Wafers

The holiday season calls for delightful appetizers that bring joy to our gatherings. This Whipped Savory Cheese & Chive Spread on Puff Pastry Wafers is a must-have addition to your festive table. Combining creamy cheeses, zesty scallions, and a touch of Hungarian sweet paprika, this appetizer promises to be a crowd-pleaser.

Puff Pastry Wafers

Before we delve into the savory spread, let’s start with the perfect foundation – the Puff Pastry Wafers. You’ll need one sheet of frozen puff pastry dough, readily available in a 17.3-ounce package. Thaw the pastry according to the package instructions, then lightly dust your workspace with all-purpose flour. Roll out the puff pastry to smooth any creases and ensure an even thickness. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you do this.

Once your puff pastry is prepared, it’s time to shape it into wafers. You have the option of using a cookie cutter or simply cutting it into squares or rectangles. Cut them into the size you desire or as many as you need, I made about two dozen with my small fluted edge cookie cutter.

For a lovely golden hue during baking, brush each wafer with beaten egg. Alternatively, you can brush the entire puff pastry sheet with beaten egg before using the cookie cutter. Arrange the wafers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place another sheet of parchment paper on top and then set a second empty cookie sheet over it. This nesting technique prevents excessive puffing while creating delightful puff pastry wafers. Bake for approximately 12-15 minutes or until they become puffy and achieve a golden-brown color. After baking, allow the wafers to cool on a wire rack as you proceed to prepare the savory cheese spread.

Whipped Savory Cheese & Chive Spread

The star of this appetizer is the luxurious Whipped Savory Cheese & Chive Spread. To make this delightful concoction, gather the following ingredients: 8 oz. cream cheese, 8 oz. feta cheese, 4 tbsp unsalted butter (1/2 stick), softened, 3 scallions, including stalk, finely chopped, 2 tsp Hungarian sweet paprika, more or less to taste, 1/4 tsp salt, more or less to taste.

Start by bringing the cream cheese and feta cheese to room temperature. This will make it easier to whip them together into a smooth and creamy consistency. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, feta cheese, and unsalted butter. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, whip the mixture until it’s velvety and thoroughly combined. Next, add in the finely chopped scallions to the cheese mixture. The scallions bring a delightful hint of oniony flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the spread. Sprinkle in the Hungarian sweet paprika, which will add a gentle kick of spice and a beautiful reddish hue to the mixture. Be sure to adjust the amount of paprika and salt to suit your personal taste preferences.

Assembling the Appetizer

With the Puff Pastry Wafers and Whipped Savory Cheese & Chive Spread prepared, it’s now time to construct this delightful holiday appetizer. Take each puff pastry wafer, and generously spread or pipe a dollop of the whipped cheese mixture atop it. Arrange these wafers neatly on a serving platter to create an inviting display for your guests. Finish by garnishing with extra scallions and a sprinkle of paprika. The contrasting textures of the buttery, flaky puff pastry wafers and the creamy, savory cheese spread make this appetizer truly delightful. The mild tanginess of the feta cheese combined with the subtle heat of the Hungarian sweet paprika and the freshness of scallions will leave your guests wanting more.

This holiday season, treat your loved ones to the Whipped Savory Cheese & Chive Spread on Puff Pastry Wafers, and watch as they savor each bite with delight. It’s the perfect way to kick off any festive gathering and set the mood for a joyful and delicious celebration.