If you’re looking for a fun and cheesy treat, Baked Cheese Mummies are perfect! These little snack mummies are made with gooey cheese wrapped in flaky dough. They make for a tasty and spooky addition to any party!
I love serving these at Halloween; everyone enjoys pulling them apart for that cheesy goodness inside. Plus, they’re super easy to make. Who can resist a little cheesy mummy? 🧀👻
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This flaky pastry is key to getting that crispy, flaky texture. If you’re out of puff pastry, you can use phyllo dough, but be mindful it bakes quicker.
Shredded Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices for a milky, gooey filling. Feel free to swap for gouda, pepper jack, or even a dairy-free cheese if you’re keeping it plant-based!
Edible Candy Eyes: These add a fun touch, but if you can’t find them, try using small dots of cream cheese with a sprinkle of black sesame seeds for the eyes. Or just draw them on with food coloring!
Egg Wash: This gives your pastry that beautiful golden color. If you’re vegan or don’t have eggs, brush with almond or soy milk as a substitute.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Wrapped Mummies?
Wrapping your mummies may seem tricky at first, but it’s all in the technique. Here’s how to get those cute, spooky looks.
- Cut the Strips: After placing cheese, cut thin strips along the sides. Keep them around ½ inch wide for a balanced look.
- Wrapping: Take a strip and fold it over the filling, then alternate sides. Leave gaps to resemble a mummy’s bandages.
- Egg Wash: Don’t skip brushing the egg wash! It helps the mummies get that golden color and nice shine when baked.
It might take a little practice, but soon, you’ll be crafting perfect cheese mummies in no time! Enjoy the process and have fun with it!
Baked Cheese Mummies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Edible candy eyes (or small dots of cream cheese with black sesame seeds or black food coloring for eyes)
- Optional: 1-2 tbsp cream cheese or a bit of mustard for added flavor inside
- Optional: dipping sauce like marinara or ketchup
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and another 15-20 minutes to bake. The total time is around 30-35 minutes, perfect for a quick snack or festive treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready for baking. Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Roll out your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into rectangles measuring about 3×4 inches. You can adjust the size based on how big you want your mummies to be!
3. Fill with Cheese:
Take a small amount of shredded cheese and place it in the center of each rectangle. If you want extra flavor, add a tiny dollop of cream cheese or a bit of mustard on top of the cheese. This makes the filling even tastier!
4. Cut the Strips:
Now, starting from one end, cut thin strips vertically on both sides of each rectangle, but leave the center intact where the cheese is. These strips will become the mummy’s “bandages.”
5. Wrap the Cheese Filling:
Take the strips you’ve just cut and fold them over the cheese filling. Alternate which side you fold over to create a crisscross pattern, leaving a small gap at the top for the mummy’s face.
6. Egg Wash:
Beat the egg in a small bowl, and then use a brush to lightly coat the pastry. This will give your mummies a beautiful golden color when baked.
7. Add the Eyes:
Now, place two edible candy eyes on the exposed section where you’ve left a gap for the face. This adds a fun and spooky touch!
8. Bake the Mummies:
Put your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the pastry is golden brown and puffed, and the cheese inside is melted and gooey!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, carefully take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm with a dipping sauce like marinara or ketchup for extra fun and flavor!
Enjoy your spooky and cheesy Baked Cheese Mummies with friends and family!
Can I Use Store-Bought Cheese Instead of Shredding My Own?
Absolutely! Pre-shredded cheese is convenient and will work just fine for the recipe. Just check the package to ensure it’s a melting cheese so it gets beautifully gooey inside.
How Can I Make These Mummies Vegan?
To make Baked Cheese Mummies vegan, use a plant-based puff pastry and substitute the cheese for your favorite dairy-free cheese. You can also replace the egg wash with almond or soy milk for a golden finish.
What If I Don’t Have Puff Pastry?
No problem! You can use phyllo dough as an alternative. Just layer a few sheets together and follow the same cutting and wrapping instructions, but be sure to watch them closely as they may bake faster.
Can I Prepare These in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the mummies ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just bake them right before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste. They can be kept in the fridge for up to a day before baking!