Puff pastry is a light, flaky pastry made from layers of dough and butter. It is used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes, such as pastries, tarts, and pies. Making puff pastry from scratch can be a bit time-consuming, but the results are well worth it. Here’s a basic recipe for homemade puff pastry.
Homemade Puff Pastry Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- ¾ cup cold water
Instructions
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Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some larger pieces of butter remaining.
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Add Water:
- Gradually add the cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix; it should be slightly shaggy.
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Form the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a rectangle. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
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Roll and Fold:
- After chilling, remove the dough from the refrigerator. On a floured surface, roll it out into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
- Fold the dough into thirds (like a letter) to create layers. This is called a “turn.” Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for another 30 minutes.
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Repeat the Process:
- Repeat the rolling and folding process two more times, chilling the dough for 30 minutes between each turn. This will create the flaky layers characteristic of puff pastry.
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Final Roll:
- After completing the turns, roll the dough out to your desired thickness for your recipe.
Tips for Using Puff Pastry
- Keep Everything Cold: Ensure that your butter and water are very cold to achieve the best flakiness.
- Use a Light Touch: When rolling out the dough, use a light touch to avoid compressing the layers.
- Chill Between Uses: If the dough becomes too warm while working with it, return it to the refrigerator to chill before continuing.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Puff pastry can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Uses for Puff Pastry
- Savory Dishes: Use it for making pot pies, turnovers, or as a crust for quiches.
- Sweet Dishes: Create pastries filled with fruit, cream, or chocolate, or use it for tarts and galettes.
Enjoy your homemade puff pastry!