Sausage-Stuffed Puff Pastry Recipe

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## Instructions

### 1. Cook the Sausage Filling
In a medium skillet, heat **olive oil** over medium heat. Add the **onion** and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add the **garlic** and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Next, crumble and add the **ground sausage** to the pan, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Once cooked, remove from heat and stir in the **shredded cheese** (if using), **dried thyme**, **salt**, **pepper**, and **fresh parsley**. Set aside to cool slightly.

### 2. Prepare the Puff Pastry
Preheat your oven to **400°F (200°C)**. On a lightly floured surface, unfold the **puff pastry** sheet and roll it out slightly to smooth the creases. Cut the pastry into **squares** or **rectangles**, depending on your preferred serving size (about 4–6 squares works well).

### 3. Stuff the Pastry
Place a generous spoonful of the **sausage mixture** in the center of each puff pastry square. Fold the pastry over to enclose the filling and form a neat pocket. Press the edges together to seal. If you prefer a more polished look, you can crimp the edges with a fork.

### 4. Brush with Egg Wash
Transfer the stuffed pastries to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the **beaten egg** to create a golden, shiny finish during baking.

### 5. Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for **15–20 minutes**, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up, and the sausage filling is hot and bubbly.

### 6. Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, let the pastries cool slightly before serving. These little pockets of savory goodness are perfect on their own or served with a dipping sauce like **mustard** or **spicy ketchup**.

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## Variations and Tips

– **Add veggies**: For extra flavor and nutrition, add finely chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the sausage mixture.
– **Make mini versions**: Cut the puff pastry into smaller squares and create bite-sized appetizers that are perfect for parties or game days.
– **Try different cheeses**: Experiment with different cheeses like **mozzarella**, **Parmesan**, or **goat cheese** for a unique twist.
– **Make ahead**: You can assemble the sausage-stuffed pastries ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake them just before serving. This is a great time-saver for busy entertaining days!

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## Perfect Pairings for Sausage-Stuffed Puff Pastry

These savory pastries pair wonderfully with a variety of sides and drinks:

– 🥗 A **simple green salad** with vinaigrette balances out the richness of the sausage.
– 🍅 A side of **roasted tomatoes** or **sautéed vegetables** can add a refreshing contrast to the warm pastry.
– 🍷 Pair with a crisp **white wine** like Sauvignon Blanc or a light **red wine** such as Pinot Noir for an elegant touch.

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## Final Thoughts

**Sausage-Stuffed Puff Pastry** is the perfect combination of **flaky** and **savory**, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. From casual weeknight dinners to elegant parties, this dish will leave your guests asking for seconds. With a rich sausage filling wrapped in buttery puff pastry, each bite is a moment of pure indulgence.

So, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to something delicious, give this simple yet impressive recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!

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Want to make it even easier? You can prepare the filling ahead of time and simply assemble the pastries when you’re ready to bake. Let me know if you’d like more tips or other variations!