Star-Shaped Cheese Appetizers with Red Hot Pepper Jelly

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:

Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.

Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out star shapes. If you don’t have a star cutter, any other shape will work, or you can make round bite-sized pieces.

3. Make the Cheese Filling:

In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.

4. Assemble the Appetizers:

Arrange the pastry stars on the lined baking sheet.

Add a small dollop of the cheese mixture to the center of each star and spread it evenly, leaving a small border around the edges.

5. Egg Wash for a Golden Finish:

Whisk the egg in a small bowl and brush it lightly onto the exposed edges of the puff pastry.

6. Bake:

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and crisp and the cheese filling is bubbly.

7. Add the Red Hot Pepper Jelly:

Let the baked appetizers cool slightly, then top each with a small dollop of red hot pepper jelly.

8. Garnish and Serve:

Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or chopped chives for a pop of color. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy: These flaky, cheesy appetizers with a sweet and spicy kick from the pepper jelly will be the highlight of your table!