These Baked Cheese Mummies are super fun and perfect for a spooky snack! With gooey cheese wrapped in flaky pastry, they’re sure to make everyone smile.
I love making these with my kids, and they enjoy being little chefs! The best part? They disappear faster than you can say “mummy”! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star of the show! It puffs up beautifully while baking, creating a flaky texture. If you can’t find puff pastry, you can use crescent roll dough as an alternative. It won’t puff as much, but it will still be tasty!
Shredded Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice, but mozzarella also works great for that gooey texture. Feel free to mix different cheeses for a more complex flavor. If you want a dairy-free option, look for plant-based shredded cheese available in stores.
Candy Eyeballs: These are fun for decoration! If you don’t have them, you could use small pieces of olives or even raisins to make spooky eyes. It allows for creativity and adds a unique touch to each mummy.
Egg Wash: The egg wash gives the mummies a beautiful golden color. If you prefer a vegan option, you can use a mixture of almond milk and a bit of oil instead.
How Do You Cut and Shape Puff Pastry for Mummies?
Cutting and shaping puff pastry might seem tricky, but it’s quite simple! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start by rolling out your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. This prevents it from sticking.
- Use a sharp knife or a round cookie cutter to cut out circles or ovals, about 3-4 inches wide. Don’t worry about making them perfect; a little irregularity adds character!
- For the “bandages,” take the leftover pastry and slice it into thin strips. The thinner you cut these strips, the more they will crisp up and resemble mummy bandages.
- When laying them over the cheese-filled base, create a fun, messy pattern and leave some gaps to let that yummy cheese peek through. It keeps them looking more adorable!
And remember, practice makes perfect, and have fun with it!
Baked Cheese Mummies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce (optional, for dipping)
- 2 small candy eyeballs per mummy (or small pieces of edible decoration for eyes)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Flour, for dusting surface
Time Estimate:
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and another 12-15 minutes to bake, making the total time around 30-35 minutes. Perfect for a quick and spooky snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper; this helps to keep the mummies from sticking to the sheet.
2. Roll Out the Pastry:
Take your thawed puff pastry and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out gently with a rolling pin to smooth it out if necessary. You want it to be about 1/8 inch thick, but don’t stress too much over perfect thickness!
3. Cut the Pastry Shapes:
Using a knife or a round cookie cutter, cut the puff pastry into circles or ovals that are around 3-4 inches wide. These will be the base for your mummies.
4. Fill with Cheese:
Place a small handful of your favorite shredded cheese in the center of each pastry piece. It’s okay to be generous; gooey cheese is a key ingredient!
5. Create the Bandages:
Now, take the scraps of pastry and cut them into thin strips. These will be your mummies’ “bandages.” Don’t worry about making them identical; a bit of variety adds character to your mummies.
6. Assemble the Mummies:
Lay the strips of pastry over the cheese-filled rounds in a crisscross pattern. Aim for a fun, messy look that resembles mummy bandages, leaving some gaps so the cheese can peek through.
7. Add the Eyes:
Grab your candy eyeballs and place two near the top center of each mummy to bring them to life. This is the part that really makes them cute!
8. Egg Wash for Shine:
Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it lightly over the pastry bandages. This will give your mummies a lovely golden brown color when they bake.
9. Bake the Mummies:
Now it’s time to bake! Put your prepared mummies in the oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and golden. Keep an eye on them towards the end; every oven is a bit different.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, allow them to cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm, and you can serve them with pizza sauce or marinara for dipping. Enjoy these cheesy, spooky treats perfect for Halloween or any fun occasion!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar and mozzarella are popular choices, feel free to mix different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for added flavor. Just be mindful of the melting properties; some cheeses may not be as gooey when melted.
How Do I Store Leftover Baked Cheese Mummies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to regain that crunchy texture. Avoid the microwave, as it may make them soggy.
Can I Make Baked Cheese Mummies Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the mummies ahead of time, then cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to apply the egg wash right before baking for that golden finish!
What If I Don’t Have Puff Pastry?
If puff pastry isn’t available, you can use crescent roll dough as a substitute. It won’t puff up quite the same way, but it will still be tasty and give you a similar effect!
