Cajun Pork Braid
Discover the bold flavors of the South with this irresistible Cajun Pork Braid, a show-stopping recipe that’s as delicious as it is visually stunning. Wrapped in golden, flaky puff pastry, this dish bursts with a rich, savory filling of seasoned ground pork, sautéed red bell peppers, onions, garlic, and creamy cheeses. The Cajun seasoning adds just the right amount of spice, making every bite tantalizing. Perfectly braided for an elegant presentation, this dish is easy to make yet impressive enough for special gatherings. Serve it as a hearty appetizer, a main course, or an unforgettable addition to your party table. With just 30 minutes of prep, this crowd-pleaser is guaranteed to steal the spotlight!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry sheets
- 1 pound ground pork
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 medium red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for dusting)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, diced red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add the ground pork to the skillet. Break it up into small pieces while cooking. Stir in the Cajun seasoning and cook for 6-7 minutes until the pork is fully cooked and no longer pink.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cream cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Let the mixture cool slightly, then mix in the shredded cheddar cheese.
Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the puff pastry sheets into two rectangles, approximately 12x8 inches. Place one sheet on the lined baking sheet.
Imagine dividing the puff pastry sheet into three vertical sections. Spoon the pork filling down the center third, leaving 1 inch of space at the top and bottom.
Using a sharp knife, cut horizontal strips, about 1 inch wide, on the left and right sections of the pastry. Make sure the strips are even and parallel to each other.
Fold the top and bottom edges over the filling, then begin folding the strips over the filling, alternating sides to create a braided pattern. Repeat with the second puff pastry sheet.
Whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the braid with the egg wash for a golden, shiny finish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and flaky.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm as an appetizer or main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3189 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 229.0 g | 294% | |
| Saturated Fat | 97.4 g | 487% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 874 mg | 291% | |
| Sodium | 5911 mg | 257% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 111.0 g | 40% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.4 g | 44% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.7 g | ||
| Protein | 171.2 g | 342% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 1150 mg | 88% | |
| Iron | 9.8 mg | 54% | |
| Potassium | 920 mg | 20% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
