Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the first time I made these breakfast cheese danishes! The smell of flaky pastry baking in the oven is like a warm hug in the morning. I remember waking up early, excited to treat myself to something special, and these beauties did not disappoint. The combination of the crisp, buttery puff pastry and that rich, creamy cheese filling? Absolute bliss! Trust me, once you bite into one of these danishes, you’ll be hooked. They’re perfect for lazy Sunday mornings or when you need a quick but impressive breakfast for guests. And the best part? They’re super easy to whip up, so let’s dive into this delicious recipe together!
Ingredients List
- 1 package of puff pastry (thawed) – This flaky pastry forms the base of your danish, so make sure it’s fully thawed before you start rolling it out.
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened) – The star of the filling! Let it sit at room temperature for a bit to ensure it’s nice and creamy.
- 1/4 cup sugar – This adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the cream cheese.
- 1 egg yolk – This will enrich the filling and give it a lovely color.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla elevates the flavor of the cheese filling beautifully.
- 1 egg (beaten for egg wash) – This will give your danishes that gorgeous golden sheen once they’re baked.
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional) – A light dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a lovely finishing touch if you’re feeling fancy!
How to Prepare Breakfast Cheese Danish
Alright, let’s get into the fun part—making these scrumptious breakfast cheese danishes! I promise, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be whipping these up like a pro. Here’s how to do it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial because you want those danishes to bake up perfectly golden and flaky.
- While the oven is heating, roll out your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. You want it nice and smooth, so take your time here. Just a gentle rolling will do!
- Next, cut the pastry into squares—about 4 inches by 4 inches works well. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect; it’ll all come together in the end!
- Now, grab a mixing bowl and combine your softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix until it’s all creamy and smooth. This filling is what dreams are made of!
- Place a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square. Don’t skimp on the filling; it’s the best part!
- Now comes the fun part: fold the corners of the pastry over the filling to create that classic danish shape. You can pinch the corners together for a secure seal, which helps keep that delicious filling inside.
- Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them that beautiful golden finish. This is where the magic really happens!
- Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re puffed up and golden brown. Oh, the aroma will be heavenly!
- Once they’re done, let them cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar, if you like. Serve warm and watch them disappear!
Tips for Success
- Make sure your puff pastry is completely thawed before rolling it out. This ensures it rolls easily and puffs up beautifully!
- Don’t overmix the cream cheese filling; you want it smooth but still airy. Overmixing can make it dense.
- For a fun twist, try adding a tablespoon of fruit preserves to the cheese filling for a burst of flavor!
- Keep an eye on the danishes while they bake; ovens can be tricky. You want them golden brown, but not too dark!
- Serve them warm for the best texture and flavor. They’re also fantastic reheated in the microwave for a quick treat!
Nutritional Information
These delightful breakfast cheese danishes are not only a treat for your taste buds but also come with some nutritional insights! Each danish is estimated to contain about 250 calories, with 15 grams of fat and 4 grams of protein. You’ll also find around 25 grams of carbohydrates, including 5 grams of sugar. While these numbers can vary based on specific brands and ingredients you use, this gives you a good idea of what to expect. Enjoying one of these pastries is a delicious way to start your day, and they fit nicely into a balanced breakfast!
FAQ Section
Common Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling? Absolutely! While cream cheese is traditional, you can experiment with ricotta for a lighter texture or even a flavored cream cheese for an extra kick. Just keep the overall consistency in mind!
How do I store leftover breakfast cheese danishes? If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven for a few minutes to regain that flaky texture.
Can I freeze these danishes? Yes, you can! Freeze them before baking for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I serve with breakfast cheese danishes? These danishes pair beautifully with fresh fruit, a drizzle of honey, or a cup of coffee. They’re perfect for brunch gatherings or a cozy breakfast at home!
Can I make the filling ahead of time? Definitely! You can prepare the cream cheese filling a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble your danishes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flaky, buttery puff pastry that melts in your mouth!
- Rich and creamy cheese filling that’s simply irresistible.
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy mornings.
- Impressive enough for brunch gatherings or special occasions.
- Customizable with fruit preserves or different cheeses for added flair.
- Great for making ahead of time and reheating for a delicious breakfast treat.
- Each bite is a little piece of heaven that feels like a special indulgence!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your breakfast cheese danish experience, consider serving them alongside some fresh, juicy fruit like strawberries or blueberries. A light fruit salad adds a refreshing touch that balances the richness of the danish beautifully. If you’re in the mood for something warm, a steaming cup of coffee or a rich hot chocolate pairs perfectly with these pastries. For a festive brunch, you could even add a side of scrambled eggs or crispy bacon for a savory contrast. Trust me, these combinations will make your breakfast feel extra special!
For more delicious breakfast ideas, check out this breakfast section or explore creamy garlic butter chicken for a delightful dinner option!
Print
Breakfast Cheese Danish: 7 Blissful Steps to Indulge
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious breakfast cheese danish filled with creamy cheese and flaky pastry.
Ingredients
- 1 package of puff pastry (thawed)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg (beaten for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface.
- Cut the pastry into squares.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Place a spoonful of the cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square.
- Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling to form a danish shape.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Serve warm for best flavor.
- Can be made ahead and reheated.
- Try adding fruit preserves for extra sweetness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: breakfast cheese danish, cheese danish, puff pastry breakfast