🍤 Crispy Shrimp Puff Pastry Bites

🛒 Ingredients

For the Puff Pastry Base

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

For the Shrimp

• 200 g (7 oz) shrimp (peeled & deveined)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt & black pepper
• 1 tsp lemon juice

For the Cream Filling

• 150 g (5 oz) cream cheese (softened)
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp chopped chives
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• Salt & pepper to taste

For Garnish

• Fresh chives or parsley (finely chopped)

🔪 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Puff Pastry

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry slightly and cut into small squares (about 2–3 inches).
3. Place on a lined baking tray.
4. Lightly score the center (don’t cut through) to create a small border.
5. Brush edges with egg wash.

👉 This helps the edges puff up and create a “cup” for filling.

Step 2: Bake Pastry

• Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and puffed.
• Remove and gently press the center down if it rises too much.
• Let cool slightly.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

1. Heat olive oil + butter in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add garlic → sauté briefly.
3. Add shrimp:
   • Season with paprika, salt, and pepper
   • Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through
4. Finish with lemon juice.
5. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Make Cream Filling

1. In a bowl, mix:
   • Cream cheese
   • Sour cream
   • Mayonnaise
   • Chives
   • Lemon zest
2. Season with salt & pepper.
3. Mix until smooth and fluffy.

Step 5: Assemble

1. Spoon or pipe cream filling into each pastry base.
2. Top with one shrimp.
3. Sprinkle chopped chives on top.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

• Party appetizers 🎉
• Holiday finger food ✨
• Wine pairing snacks 🍷

💡 Pro Tips

• Don’t overcook shrimp → becomes rubbery fast
• Use cold puff pastry → better rise
• Pipe filling for a cleaner, more aesthetic look

🔥 Flavor & Texture

• Flaky, buttery pastry
• Creamy, slightly tangy filling
• Juicy, garlicky shrimp
• Fresh herb finish