Puff Pastry

This classic French pastry is the foundation for countless recipes, ranging from savory tarts and turnovers to sweet treats like mille-feuille and palmiers.

fuxing zhu
December 23, 2024

Dear VERYWELL FOOD Enthusiast,

Welcome back to the 4th issue of VERYWELL FOOD! I hope this newsletter finds you enjoying the flavors of the season and discovering new ways to elevate your meals.

This month, we're diving into the flaky, buttery goodness of Puff Pastry 🍰—a kitchen staple that can elevate any dish, from savory appetizers to sweet desserts.

Ready to impress your guests or treat yourself? Let’s dive into the recipe! 🍪🍩

Recipe of the Week 🍲

Unlike other doughs, puff pastry doesn’t rely on yeast, baking powder, or any chemical leavening agents. Its rise comes solely from the steam generated by the moisture in the dough and butter, making it both an art and a science to prepare.

📝 Ingredients:

2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 cup (225g) cold unsalted butter, divided
¾ cup (180ml) cold water

📝 Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut ¼ of the butter into small cubes and rub it into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs. Slowly add the cold water and mix until a rough dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
Shape the remaining ¾ cup (170g) butter into a rectangle about 5×8 inches by flattening it between two sheets of parchment paper. Chill the butter block until firm but pliable, about 20-30 minutes.
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle approximately 10×16 inches. Place the butter block in the center and fold the dough over it like a letter. Roll it out gently into another rectangle. Fold it into thirds again, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
Repeat the rolling and folding process five more times, ensuring the dough stays cold between each turn. After the final fold, chill the dough for at least 1 hour before using.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the dough to your desired thickness, cut into shapes, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.

Meal Prep Tips ⏱️

Keep the dough and butter as cold as possible to maintain the distinct layers. If the dough becomes warm, refrigerate it before proceeding.
Use a light hand when rolling to avoid pressing the layers together too much, which can prevent the pastry from puffing.
Rotate the dough 90 degrees after each roll-and-fold session to ensure even puffing.
Bake puff pastry on parchment paper to prevent sticking, and place a baking sheet on top if you want evenly flat pastries.