Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish

There’s nothing quite like starting your morning with a freshly baked cheese Danish. Imagine biting into a warm, flaky puff pastry filled with a rich, creamy cream cheese filling – it’s the ultimate indulgence for breakfast. But here’s the best part: you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy this delightful pastry. With just a few simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow recipe, you can make a delicious cheese Danish that rivals anything you’d find at a bakery.

For more breakfast ideas that are quick and easy, explore Serious Eats’ Valentine’s Day Breakfast Recipes, perfect for cozy mornings, or check out Simply Recipes’ Breakfast Rolls for other baked goods you can enjoy in minutes.

Why You Should Try an Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish

An easy breakfast cheese Danish is perfect for anyone who craves a delicious, comforting pastry without spending hours in the kitchen. The flaky puff pastry combined with the smooth, rich cream cheese filling creates a delightful contrast in both texture and flavor. Plus, these pastries are incredibly versatile—you can customize them with various fillings, toppings, and flavors to suit your taste. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory, this recipe is a winner.

If you want a broader range of easy breakfast ideas, head over to EatingWell’s 5-Minute Breakfast Recipes for more quick and simple meal options that require minimal ingredients.

Benefits of Making Your Own Cheese Danish

Making your own cheese Danish has several benefits:

• Cost-Effective: Making these pastries at home is often cheaper than buying them from a bakery.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the filling or pastry to your personal preference.
• Faster than You Think: Despite what you may think, this recipe is quick to prepare and bake—taking less than 45 minutes in total!
• Freshness: There’s nothing like the smell of freshly baked pastries filling your kitchen in the morning.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Your Cheese Danish

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s go over the essential ingredients you’ll need to make this simple yet satisfying breakfast treat:

• Puff Pastry – The key to achieving a flaky and crispy texture. You can use store-bought puff pastry for convenience, or you can make your own if you prefer.
• Cream Cheese – The main component of the filling, cream cheese adds a smooth, creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the puff pastry.
• Sugar – Sweeten the filling to taste. You can adjust the amount depending on how sweet you like your pastry.
• Vanilla Extract – A hint of vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the cream cheese filling, making it even more delicious.
• Egg Wash – Brushed over the pastry before baking, an egg wash gives the pastry a beautiful golden color and glossy finish.

Tips for Choosing Ingredients

• Quality Puff Pastry: The key to achieving a light and flaky cheese Danish lies in the quality of the puff pastry. Opt for high-quality store-bought puff pastry for the best results.
• Room Temperature Cream Cheese: For a smoother, lump-free filling, make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Cheese Danish

Making an easy breakfast cheese Danish is simple. Follow these steps to create a mouthwatering treat:

1. Preparing the Pastry

First, get your puff pastry ready:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Roll out the puff pastry onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Ensure it’s spread out evenly so the pastries bake uniformly.
• Cut the puff pastry into 4-5 inch squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
• Gently score a small border around each square using a sharp knife. This will create a little “frame” around the filling.

2. Making the Cream Cheese Filling

Now, let’s make the creamy filling:

• In a mixing bowl, combine your softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy.
• Adjust the sugar to taste, depending on how sweet you like your filling.

3. Assembling the Danish

Now comes the fun part—assembling your cheese Danishes:

• Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese filling into the center of each puff pastry square.
• Carefully fold the edges of the pastry over the filling, creating a small pocket or an open-faced look. This can be done by folding up all four corners or simply folding two opposite edges in.
• Brush the edges of the pastry with egg wash for that perfect golden, glossy finish.
• Optional: Sprinkle with a little cinnamon or sugar on top for extra flavor.

4. Baking the Danish

Now it’s time to bake:

• Bake the assembled cheese Danishes in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy.
• Once done, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Flavor Variations for Your Cheese Danish

While the classic cheese Danish is delicious on its own, you can customize it in many ways. Here are some ideas to help you experiment:

Adding Fruit to Your Danish

For a fresh twist, try adding fruit to the cream cheese filling. You can fold in:

• Fresh raspberries or blueberries for a burst of color and sweetness.
• Sliced strawberries or cherries for a more tart and tangy flavor.
• Citrus zest (such as orange or lemon) for a refreshing, aromatic touch.

Spice It Up

Incorporating a little spice can elevate your cheese Danish:

• Add a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even pumpkin spice for a warm, cozy flavor.
• Try ginger or cardamom for an exotic twist.

Toppings and Glazes

Finish your cheese Danish with one of these delicious toppings:

• A light vanilla glaze drizzled over the top adds a sweet and shiny finish.
• Chocolate ganache can be poured over the pastries for a richer, more indulgent treat.
• Sprinkle with powdered sugar or chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for added texture.

Serving Your Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish

Once your cheese Danishes are out of the oven, it’s time to enjoy them. These pastries are perfect on their own, but you can elevate your breakfast by pairing them with:

• A hot cup of coffee or tea – perfect for dipping.
• Fresh fruit like citrus slices, berries, or melon for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cream cheese filling.
• A side of yogurt or scrambled eggs to balance out the sweetness.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (which might be rare), don’t worry – these pastries store well:

• Store leftover cheese Danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
• For longer storage, freeze the unbaked Danishes on a baking tray, then transfer to a ziplock bag or airtight container. You can bake them directly from frozen—just add a few more minutes to the baking time.
• To reheat, place the Danishes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their flakiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions people have when making an easy breakfast cheese Danish:

Can I use store-bought puff pastry?

Yes, using store-bought puff pastry is completely acceptable and helps save time. Make sure to thaw the pastry according to the package instructions before using.

How can I make the filling less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet filling, simply reduce the amount of sugar you add to the cream cheese. You can also opt for a light cream cheese version to reduce sweetness.

Can I freeze the assembled but unbaked Danishes?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled cheese Danishes before baking. Freeze them on a tray, and once frozen, transfer to a ziplock bag. When ready to bake, simply bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish

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• Author: iyma hernandes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Start your morning with a warm, flaky cheese Danish! This easy-to-follow recipe uses puff pastry and a creamy cheese filling for a delicious breakfast treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp milk
• Optional toppings: fruit, powdered sugar, glaze

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry and cut into 4-inch squares.
3. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Spoon a small amount of filling onto the center of each pastry square.
5. Fold corners towards the center or leave open for an open-faced Danish.
6. Beat the egg with milk and brush edges of the pastry.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Let cool slightly and top with fruit, powdered sugar, or a simple glaze.

Notes

For added flavor, try incorporating lemon zest into the filling or drizzle with a vanilla glaze after baking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 Danish
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: cheese Danish, breakfast pastry, puff pastry, easy baking