Baked Cheese Mummies

Introduction

Get ready to delight and spook at the same time with these adorable Baked Cheese Mummies—flaky puff pastry wrapped around melty cheese rounds, decorated to look like little mummy characters ready for your Halloween spread. As they bake, the pastry puffs into golden, crisp layers while the cheese inside melts into gooey deliciousness. With candy eyes or olives peering out from the “bandages,” they’re as fun to look at as they are satisfying to eat. Perfect for a family-friendly gathering or spooky themed snack table, these mummies bring whimsy, warmth, and a snackable size that invites second helpings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Visually fun and festive: The mummy appearance adds charm and playful spirit to a holiday table.
• Simple and quick prep: Minimal ingredients, straightforward steps—great even for beginner hands.
• Cheese-loving indulgence: The combination of crisp outer pastry and molten interior hits comfort-food note.
• Kid-friendly & party ready: Both kids and adults will be drawn in by the fun shape and melty centre.
• Customizable flavour: You can vary the cheese type, add a touch of jam or honey, or pair with dip of your choice.
• Make-ahead potential: Assembling ahead and baking when ready makes your hosting smoother.

Ingredients

• 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)
• 10 – 12 mini cheese rounds (such as Mini Babybel® or similar)
• ½ cup honey or your favourite jam (optional, for a sweet detail)
• 1 large egg + 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
• Candy eyes or mini chocolate chips (for decorating)
• Optional: small slices of pepperoni or other flavour enhancer under the cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 °F (≈ 200 °C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare puff pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll each sheet into roughly an 11-inch square. Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, cut the pastry into squares—enough to wrap each cheese round fully.
3. Add cheese & optional topping: Place each cheese round on a pastry square. If using jam or honey, lightly drizzle or spread a small amount on top of the cheese before placing.
4. Wrap the cheese: Fold the pastry over the cheese to enclose it, pressing the edges gently to seal and creating a neat little bundle. Place each bundle seam-side down on the prepared sheet.
5. Create “mummy bandages”: From leftover pastry scraps, cut thin strips and wrap them lightly around each bundle to mimic mummy wrappings, allowing a bit of cheese or pastry base to show through.
6. Brush with egg wash: Whisk the egg and water together; brush the top of each mummy to ensure a golden brown finish.
7. Bake for about 15–20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden and the cheese inside is melted.
8. Decorate: Remove from oven and immediately press the candy eyes into the top of each mummy while still warm so they adhere.
9. Serve warm: Let cool slightly and then serve while the cheese is still oozy—with or without a side of marinara or dip.

You Must Know

• Seal the pastry well: Ensure edges are pressed and sealed so the cheese doesn’t ooze out during baking.
• Bandage strips need spacing: Don’t overwrap; thin strips spaced leave gaps and help with even baking and that classic “mummy” look.
• Watch baking time: Over-baking will dry the pastry and the cheese may become too firm. Under-bake and pastry may be doughy.
• Use quality cheese rounds: Using pre-waxed mini cheeses makes the wrap easy and the size just right for bites.
• Serve fresh: These are best enjoyed warm; the contrast between crisp pastry and melted cheese is at its peak immediately.

Storage Tips

• Room temperature: Best served immediately. If left out for a couple of hours, the pastry may lose some crispness, but still fine for serving.
• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Reheat in a 325 °F oven for 5-7 minutes to revive crispness.
• Freezer: Not recommended — the pastry texture and cheese melt quality will degrade upon freezing and thawing.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Cheese: Swap mini cheese rounds for small slices of brie, camembert, gouda or any melty cheese cut into ~1–2″ rounds.
• Pastry: If you can’t find puff pastry, you could try a good quality crescent roll dough, though texture will differ.
• Sweet layering: Instead of honey or jam, you could add a thin slice of fig spread or chutney for a flavour twist.
• Eyes decoration: Use mini olive slices, dots of mustard or ketchup for “eyes” if you don’t have candy eyes on hand.
• Dip: Serve with marinara sauce, garlic butter, or a sweet chilli dip depending on your taste profile.

Serving Suggestions

• Garnish: Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives around the platter for a pop of colour.
• Sides: Pair with autumn-spiced roasted vegetables or a crisp arugula salad to balance richness.
• Drinks: Serve alongside a chilled glass of sparkling cider, a light rosé, or a fun Halloween mocktail.
• Presentation tip: Arrange the mummies on a dark tray or slate board, scatter a few faux spider web decorations for spooky fun.

Pro Tips

1. Chill assembled mummies for 10–15 minutes before baking — this helps the pastry keep shape and prevents spreading.
2. Use a pizza cutter for strips — it makes quick and uniform “bandage” pieces of pastry.
3. Brush pastry twice — once before wrapping cheese and once after final bandage layout for extra golden finish.
4. Have dipping sauce warm — a warmed side sauce adds warmth to each bite and elevates serving.
5. Make in batches — If hosting, bake in batches so you can serve warm mummies continuously, rather than all cooling on the tray.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes — you can assemble them, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to a day. Brush with egg and bake when ready to serve.

→ What if I don’t have candy eyes?
You can use mini chocolate chips, small slices of black olives, or even dot on mustard for fun eyes.

→ Can I make a savoury version without sweet honey/jam?
Absolutely — skip the honey/jam and maybe add a pinch of garlic powder or herb seasoning to the pastry for savoury flavour.

→ Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes — provided your cheese choice is vegetarian-friendly and you opt for a vegetarian-based jam or dip.

→ Can these be frozen and reheated later?
Freezing is not ideal for preserving the crisp pastry and melty cheese texture. Best to bake and serve fresh.

This Baked Cheese Mummies recipe is a playful, flavour-packed snack that’s perfect for Halloween entertaining—easy to make, fun to serve, and irresistibly cheesy.