Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish
Introduction
Are you looking for a delicious and simple breakfast treat? Look no further than these easy breakfast cheese danishes. With their buttery pastry and creamy cheese filling, they are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save them for a special weekend brunch, these danishes are guaranteed to impress. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of making these delightful pastries and provide expert tips for success. Get ready to indulge in a homemade treat that will rival any bakery!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to love this recipe for easy breakfast cheese danishes. Firstly, they are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time. This means you can whip them up in no time, even on busy weekday mornings. Secondly, the combination of flaky pastry and rich cheese filling creates a texture that is both light and indulgent. Each bite is a delightful balance of buttery sweetness and tangy creaminess. Lastly, these danishes can be enjoyed by everyone, as they are vegetarian-friendly and can easily be made gluten-free using a suitable pastry dough.
Ingredients
To make these delicious breakfast cheese danishes, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup raspberry jam (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Note: Feel free to substitute the raspberry jam with any other fruit jam or preserve of your choice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your own easy breakfast cheese danishes:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, egg yolk, and lemon zest. Mix until well combined and creamy.
- Using a knife or pastry cutter, cut the puff pastry sheet into 4 equal squares.
- Place a dollop of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each pastry square. If desired, add a teaspoon of raspberry jam on top of the cream cheese.
- Take one corner of each pastry square and fold it over the filling, pressing down lightly to seal. Repeat with the remaining corners.
- Transfer the filled pastries onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Remove from the oven and allow the danishes to cool for a few minutes before dusting them with powdered sugar.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Expert Tips for Success
Follow these expert tips to ensure your easy breakfast cheese danishes turn out perfect every time:
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will ensure a smooth and creamy filling.
- For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a teaspoon of almond extract to the cream cheese mixture.
- Don’t overfill the pastries, as this can cause them to leak and lose their shape during baking.
- If you prefer a sweeter danish, sprinkle a little bit of granulated sugar on top of each pastry before baking.
- Feel free to get creative with the fillings! Experiment with different flavors of jam or add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm and cozy twist.
Variations and Substitutions
While these easy breakfast cheese danishes are delicious as is, you can customize them to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:
- Swap out the raspberry jam for strawberry, blueberry, or apricot jam.
- Add a handful of fresh berries on top of the cream cheese filling before folding the pastries.
- For a savory twist, substitute the cream cheese filling with a mixture of cooked spinach and feta cheese.
- Make mini danishes by cutting the puff pastry into smaller squares and reducing the baking time.
Serving Suggestions
These easy breakfast cheese danishes are delicious on their own, but they can also be served with a few accompaniments to create a more substantial meal. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Pair the danishes with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a steaming mug of tea for a cozy breakfast experience.
- Serve them alongside a bowl of fresh fruit salad for a refreshing and balanced meal.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of each danish for an extra indulgence.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these danishes ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the danishes up to the point of baking and then refrigerate them overnight. Simply pop them in the oven in the morning for a fresh and warm breakfast treat.
Q: Can I freeze the baked danishes?
A: While it’s best to enjoy these danishes fresh, you can freeze any leftovers in an airtight container for up to a month. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven for a few minutes until warmed through.
Final Thoughts
These easy breakfast cheese danishes are the perfect combination of simplicity and indulgence. With their flaky pastry and creamy cheese filling, they are sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you enjoy them as a special weekend treat or as a quick weekday breakfast, these danishes are bound to become a favorite in your household. So why not give this recipe a try and experience the joy of homemade pastries?
We hope you enjoy making and savoring these delightful danishes as much as we do. Don’t forget to share your baking adventures with us and let us know how they turned out. Happy baking!
Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish
Delicious breakfast cheese danishes with a buttery pastry and creamy cheese filling, perfect for a special weekend brunch or a quick weekday breakfast.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup raspberry jam (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Directions
-
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases.
-
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, egg yolk, and lemon zest. Mix until well combined and creamy.
-
Using a knife or pastry cutter, cut the puff pastry sheet into 4 equal squares.
-
Place a dollop of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each pastry square. If desired, add a teaspoon of raspberry jam on top of the cream cheese.
-
Take one corner of each pastry square and fold it over the filling, pressing down lightly to seal. Repeat with the remaining corners.
-
Transfer the filled pastries onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
-
Remove from the oven and allow the danishes to cool for a few minutes before dusting them with powdered sugar.
-
Serve warm and enjoy!
