Spicy Paneer Puffs

5 from 2 votes

Blissfully delicious Spicy Paneer Puffs are the ultimate blend of enticing flavors and distinct textures. With a savory paneer filling draped in flaky and crispy puff sheets and baked to golden perfection, this appetizer recipe is pure delight in every bite!

Prep: 15

Cook: 20

Rest: 30

Total: 1 5

Course: Snacks And Appetizers

Cuisine: Egg-free, Nut-free, Vegetarian

Servings: PATTIES

Calories: 340kcal

Author: Ruchi

Ingredients

PANEER FILLING

2 tablespoons Oil
1 medium Onion finely chopped
2 small Green chilies finely chopped
1 medium Bell Pepper finely chopped
- - Salt to Taste
1 teaspoon Cumin powder
½ teaspoon Haldi (Turmeric powder)
1½ teaspoons Crushed red chili flakes adjust according to taste
1½ cups Crumbled Paneer
1 tablespoon Chopped cilantro leaves
1½ teaspoons Chaat Masala

OTHER INGREDIENTS

2 sheets Puff Pastry

GARNISHES

- - White Sesame Seeds
- - Nigella seeds (kalonji)
- - Butter to brush the patties

Instructions

THAW PUFF PASTRY SHEETS

Thaw the puff pastry sheets in the fridge for 3 to 4 hours. Before using the puff pastry sheets, always read the instructions given on the box and abide by them.
Tip — Frozen pastry sheets may tear away if forcefully unfolded. Therefore, it is best to thaw them completely in the fridge overnight. Thawing will soften them and prevent any cracks when unfolding them.

PREPARE THE FILLING

Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add chopped onions to the pan.
Sauté the onions over medium heat until soft. Add chopped green chilies.
Add bell peppers and mix until well blended.
Stir in salt.
Add the remaining spices to the mixture.
Mix until thoroughly combined.
Lower the heat and add crumbled paneer to the pan. Cook this mixture over medium-low heat until blended.
Once cooked, remove the pan from heat. Add cilantro leaves and chaat masala, and set it aside to cool.
Tip — Keep the filling cool and dry: Before stuffing the puff pastry sheets, ensure the paneer filling is completely cool and dry. If there is too much moisture left in the filling, it will turn the puff pastries soggy.

ASSEMBLE SPICY PANEER PUFFS

Unfold the thawed pastry sheets on a floured surface.
Using the rolling pin, roll the sheet, so it is a bit larger and slightly thinner.
Use a cookie cutter to cut circles out of the rolled puff pastry sheet.
Take a puff pastry dough circle and brush the edges with water.
Add 2 teaspoons of paneer filling to the center of the dough circle.
Place the other dough circle on top of the filling and secure the edges. Gently seal the edges of the puff sheets with lukewarm water when making the paneer puffs. This will secure the stuffing and prevent it from sneaking out and spreading around.
Grease a baking sheet and transfer the uncooked puff pastry patties onto the sheet. Chill the puff pastry rounds in the fridge for 20-30 minutes as cold Puff pastry bakes just perfect.
Tip — Pastry paneer puffs bake their crispiest and flakiest when chilled in the refrigerator for some time before baking. So, do not miss this step.
Tip — Greasing your baking tray with a bit of oil or butter will prevent the puff pastries from sticking to the tray. Greasing also makes it easier to remove the puff pastries when they are baked.
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Bake the puff pastries until they are joyfully puffed up and turn golden brown and crispy - for about 18-20 minutes.
When they are cooked and golden brown, remove them from the oven, and let them sit for about 7-8 minutes. Then, gently loosen the appetizers with a butter knife, and arrange them on a serving tray.
Serve with your favorite dip, and you can devour these spicy paneer patties at any time of the day.

Notes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I store these puff pastry paneer puffs?

Yes, absolutely you can. The leftover cooled pastry sheet appetizer keeps well in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for up to 2- 3 days. When required, you can reheat them and watch them crisping up again to their lip-smacking deliciousness!

How can I serve these puff paneer pastry appetizers?

Puff paneer pastries make an excellent appetizer, and you can devour them in the following ways:

Straight out of the oven, as is!
You can also make them a little smaller in size as cocktail pick-me-up snacks to delight your guests,
Or, you can serve them stylishly plated along with a favorite dipping sauce and some freshly chopped healthy salad on the side!

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, the cooked puff pastry appetizer freezes perfectly. Let them cool completely, and then wrap them in wax paper. Place them on the baking tray and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-lock bag and slide them into the freezer.

They stay good for 2 months! When ready to serve, take them out from the freezer and reheat/bake them at 400° F (200° C) until golden brown and crispy.

Can I make these Puff Paneer Pastry appetizers in an Air Fryer?

Yes, you can indeed! Preheat the Air Fryer and place these puff paneer pastry puffs inside. Air fry them at 350 F for 9 to 10 minutes until golden, puffy, and crispy!

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