Save Golden, flaky pastry pockets filled with succulent shrimp, creamy avocado, and sharp cheddar cheese—a perfect appetizer or light meal.
I first served these Shrimp Avocado Cheddar Pockets as a snack for a holiday brunch, and everyone loved the crisp pastry and flavorful filling. They quickly became my go-to party treat.
Ingredients
- Medium shrimp: peeled, deveined, and chopped (225 g, 8 oz)
- Sharp cheddar cheese: shredded (120 g, 1 cup)
- Avocado: diced (1 large ripe)
- Spring onions: finely chopped (2)
- Garlic: minced (1 small clove)
- Fresh cilantro: chopped, optional (2 tbsp)
- Lime juice: juice of 1 lime
- Puff pastry: 1 sheet, thawed (about 250 g)
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
- Ground black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Salt: 1/4 tsp
- Egg: beaten for egg wash (1)
Instructions
- Prepare oven and baking sheet:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make filling:
- In a bowl, combine chopped shrimp, avocado, cheddar cheese, spring onions, garlic, cilantro (if using), lime juice, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Gently mix to combine.
- Prepare pastry:
- Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 8 equal rectangles (approx. 10 x 12 cm each).
- Fill pockets:
- Place 2, 3 tablespoons of filling in the center of each rectangle.
- Seal pockets:
- Fold each rectangle over to form a pocket. Press edges with a fork to seal.
- Egg wash:
- Arrange pockets on the prepared baking sheet. Brush tops with beaten egg.
- Bake:
- Bake for 18, 20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Serve:
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Save My family often requests these pockets for weekend lunches, and my kids enjoy helping fill and seal the pastry—it's a fun kitchen activity for all ages.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, mixing bowl, sharp knife, fork, and pastry brush make preparation simple and quick.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains shellfish, dairy, egg, and gluten. Puff pastry may contain traces of nuts or soy; always check packaging if allergic.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has approximately 250 calories, 15 g fat, 18 g carbohydrates, and 11 g protein.
Save Enjoy these pockets warm with a tangy salsa or a side salad. They make an impressive addition to brunch or party menus.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?
Ensure the shrimp mixture is not too wet and dab excess moisture from the avocado before assembling. Preheating the oven and baking on parchment also helps crisp the base.
- → Can I substitute the shrimp with another protein?
Cooked chicken or crab can be used in place of shrimp for a different flavor, or try sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- → What’s a good dipping sauce for these pockets?
A tangy salsa, zesty aioli, or fresh lime crema all pair beautifully with the savory, creamy filling.
- → How can I make these pockets ahead of time?
Assemble the pockets and refrigerate on a baking sheet covered with plastic wrap. Bake just before serving for best texture.
- → Can I freeze unbaked pockets?
Yes, assemble and freeze them on a sheet, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.