Baked Cheese Mummies are a fun and cheesy treat that kids will love! These little delights are made with gooey cheese wrapped in flaky dough, perfect for snacks or parties.
Who said mummies need to be spooky? 🎉 I love making these with my little ones, and we can’t resist the melty cheese inside. They’re so easy that even a mummy could make them!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This dough is flaky and perfect for mummies! If you don’t have puff pastry, you can use crescent roll dough or even tortillas for a different twist.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella gives that gooey effect. You could substitute with cheddar or a cheese blend if you prefer a sharper flavor!
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess to the filling. If you want to keep it lighter, Greek yogurt can be a good substitute, though it will change the taste a bit.
Seasonings: Garlic powder and oregano are optional but enhance flavor. Feel free to use whatever herbs you like, such as basil or thyme!
How Do You Get Those Pastry “Bandages” Just Right?
Creating the “bandages” can be tricky. Here’s how to perfect this step:
- Roll out the puff pastry thinly without tearing it.
- Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to cut even strips about ½ inch wide.
- Crisscross the strips over the cheese filling, ensuring to leave space for the eyes. Be playful with the pattern!
Take your time with this part; it adds character to your mummies!
Baked Cheese Mummies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package of puff pastry sheets (thawed if frozen)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Candy eyes or small edible eyes for decoration (you can also use small pieces of black olives or peppercorns)
- Marinara sauce or your favorite dip, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun and spooky recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and another 15-20 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’ll be enjoying these cheesy mummies in about 40 minutes. Perfect for a quick snack or a Halloween-themed gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, and oregano. Mix well until everything is nicely blended together into a cheesy goodness.
3. Roll Out the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheets to smooth out any creases. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass that’s about 3 inches in diameter to cut out circles from the dough. You’ll need enough for both the base and the bandages.
4. Fill the Circles:
Take half of the dough circles and place about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture in the center of each one. Be careful not to overfill them!
5. Create the Mummy Wrappings:
From the remaining dough circles, cut thin strips to create the “bandages” for your mummies. You want these to be long enough to wrap around the cheese-filled circles while leaving a gap for the eyes.
6. Assemble Your Mummies:
Place the cheese-filled circles on the prepared baking sheet. Lay the dough strips over the filling in a crisscross pattern, mimicking mummy wrappings. Remember to leave a small space near the top for the eyes!
7. Add the Eyes:
Put the candy eyes or your preferred eye decoration into the space left open. It’s starting to look spooky already!
8. Brush with Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, beat the egg and then brush it lightly over the pastry strips. This will give your mummies a beautiful golden finish when baked.
9. Bake the Mummies:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they puff up and turn golden brown!
10. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove the mummies from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with marinara sauce or your favorite dip for a delightful treat!
Enjoy your adorable and delicious Baked Cheese Mummies!
Can I Use Different Cheese for the Filling?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is great for that gooey texture, you can use cheddar for a sharper flavor or even a mix of your favorite cheeses. Just make sure they melt well!
How Do I Keep Leftovers Fresh?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to revive that crispy texture.
Can I Freeze These Cheese Mummies?
Yes! Assemble them but don’t bake. Instead, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What Can I Serve Instead of Marinara Sauce?
While marinara sauce is a classic pairing, you can serve these mummies with ranch dressing, garlic butter, or your favorite dip! It’s all about what flavors you enjoy the most!