Delicious Homemade Cheese Danish with Puff Pastry

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Ingredients
3. Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling
4. Creating the Egg Wash
5. Working with Puff Pastry
6. Assembling the Cheese Danish
7. Baking the Cheese Danish
8. Adding Variations
9. Serving and Enjoying the Cheese Danish
10. Conclusion

Introduction

Welcome to "In the Kitchen with Matt"! In this episode, I will be showing you how to make a delicious cheese Danish. If you love Danish pastries and puff pastry, then you're in for a treat. This cheese Danish recipe is incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients, and I promise that if I can do it, you can too. So let's get started and learn how to make this mouthwatering pastry!

Ingredients

To make the cheese Danish, you will need the following ingredients:

• 8 ounces of cream cheese
• A splash of vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon of citrus juice (lemon, lime, or orange)
• 2 to 4 tablespoons of white granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• Puff pastry
• Flour (for dusting)
• Cinnamon sugar blend (optional)
• Preserves or fruit for variations (optional)

Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling

To begin, ensure that your cream cheese is softened by leaving it at room temperature for a few hours. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, a splash of vanilla extract, a teaspoon of citrus juice (such as orange juice), and 2 to 4 tablespoons of white granulated sugar, depending on how sweet you want the cheese to be. Mix these ingredients together until well combined and set the filling aside.

Creating the Egg Wash

Next, prepare the egg wash by whisking together a whole egg (both yolk and white) with a couple of teaspoons of water. This egg wash will give the pastry a beautiful golden brown texture when baked.

Working with Puff Pastry

Dust your workspace with flour and unfold the puff pastry. Remove any parchment paper that may be attached to it. Cut the puff pastry sheet into four equal squares by making two cuts down the middle, both horizontally and vertically.

Assembling the Cheese Danish

Take one square of puff pastry and fold the corners inward, creating an octagon shape. Use some of the egg wash to secure the corners in place. Place a small amount, around a couple of tablespoons, of the cream cheese filling in the center of the pastry. Apply more egg wash on the exposed edges of the pastry. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar blend on top of the cream cheese filling for added flavor if desired. Repeat this process for the remaining pastry squares.

Baking the Cheese Danish

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking pan with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Place the assembled cheese Danish pastries onto the prepared pan. Bake them in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until they have puffed up and turned golden brown.

Adding Variations

Once baked, you can get creative with different variations of the cheese Danish. Consider adding a spoonful of strawberry preserves or other fruit flavors on top of the cream cheese filling before or after baking. You can also dust the pastries with powdered sugar or drizzle a glaze over them. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to experiment and make it your own.

Serving and Enjoying the Cheese Danish

After you take the cheese Danish out of the oven, allow them to cool for about 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Once cooled, these delectable pastries are ready to be enjoyed. Serve them as a delicious breakfast treat or as a delightful dessert. Have a bite and savor the sweet and creamy goodness!

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to make a scrumptious cheese Danish from scratch. This recipe is simple yet incredibly satisfying. Don't be intimidated by the puff pastry; it's easier to work with than you might think. Feel free to get creative and customize your Danish with various fillings and toppings. Get in the kitchen, and enjoy making this wonderful pastry!