Description
This Chicken and Cheese Jalouise is a flaky, golden-brown puff pastry filled with tender shredded chicken, melted cheese, and a creamy, flavorful filling. Its buttery crust and rich interior make it the perfect dish for lunch, dinner, or even a special brunch. Simple yet impressive, this recipe is easy to prepare and offers endless variations to suit different tastes. Serve it warm with a fresh salad or dipping sauce for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
For the Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, shredded cheddar and mozzarella, cream cheese, and heavy cream.
- Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix until the ingredients form a smooth, well-combined filling. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Pastry
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle.
- Place the prepared filling down the center of the pastry, leaving about 1 inch on each side.
3. Shape the Jalouise
- Use a sharp knife to cut diagonal strips (about 1 inch wide) along both sides of the pastry.
- Fold the strips over the filling, alternating sides, to create a braided pattern.
- Brush the top with beaten egg wash and sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if desired.
4. Bake to Perfection
- Transfer the assembled jalouise to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the jalouise up to 8 hours in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake fresh.
- Freezing Instructions: Wrap the unbaked jalouise in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 5–7 extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free cheese and replace cream with coconut milk.
- Flavor Variations: Try adding sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: chicken and cheese jalouise, puff pastry recipe, cheesy chicken pastry, easy savory pastry