1. Preheat and Prep:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the crispy bacon, grated cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated. The cream cheese will help bind the filling, ensuring it stays inside the turnovers.
3. Roll Out the Puff Pastry:
- Lightly flour your work surface and unfold the thawed puff pastry. Using a rolling pin, gently roll out the pastry to smooth out the seams, aiming to keep the square shape intact. Cut each sheet into four equal squares, giving you eight squares in total.
4. Assemble the Turnovers:
- Spoon a generous amount of the cheese and bacon mixture onto one half of each pastry square, leaving a small border around the edges. Be careful not to overfill.
- Fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangle. Use a fork to press and seal the edges, creating a decorative crimp that also ensures the filling stays enclosed during baking.
5. Apply Egg Wash:
- Beat one egg in a small bowl. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the top of each turnover with the egg wash. This will give your turnovers a beautiful golden sheen.
6. Bake to Perfection:
- Arrange the turnovers on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the turnovers are puffed up and golden brown.
7. Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
- While the turnovers are baking, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This tangy and slightly spicy sauce is the perfect complement to the rich and savory turnovers.
8. Serving:
- Allow the turnovers to cool for a few minutes before serving. They are best enjoyed warm, with the dipping sauce on the side for an extra flavor kick.
Tips for Success:
- Keep the Puff Pastry Cold: Work quickly with the puff pastry to prevent it from becoming too soft. If it warms up, the butter in the pastry will melt, and you won’t get that beautifully flaky texture.
- Customize Your Filling: Feel free to add other ingredients to the filling, such as diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or different types of cheese, to suit your taste.
- Watch the Oven: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking the turnovers around the 15-minute mark to prevent over-browning.
These Cheese and Bacon Turnovers are more than just a recipe; they’re a celebration of flavor and texture, wrapped in a golden, flaky crust. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, looking for a comforting snack, or simply want to impress your guests, these turnovers are sure to delight. So, roll out that puff pastry and let the magic begin. Happy baking!