Introduction:
Savory puff pastry with minced meat and cheese is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a quick snack, appetizer, or even a main course.
The flaky layers of puff pastry create a perfect contrast to the savory, juicy filling of spiced minced meat and melted cheese.
This dish can be made in various ways, and it’s great for a crowd or a family meal. You can customize the flavor profile by adjusting the type of meat or cheese to suit your preferences.
Ingredients:
1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
300g (about 10 oz) minced beef or lamb (or a mix of both)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix of your choice)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 egg (for egg wash)
Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro) for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the filling:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and golden, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the minced meat to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
Stir in cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to let the spices blend with the meat.
Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Assemble the puff pastry:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. If you’re using a large sheet, you can cut it into smaller squares or rectangles.
Spoon the cooled meat mixture into the center of each pastry square, leaving some room around the edges for sealing.
Sprinkle grated cheese over the meat mixture.
Seal the pastries:
Fold the pastry over the filling to form a pocket or rectangle. Press the edges down firmly to seal.
Brush the top of each pastry with a beaten egg to give it a golden, glossy finish.
Bake:
Place the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Description: Savory Puff Pastry with Minced Meat and Cheese is a delightful pastry that combines the richness of minced meat, the aromatic spices, and the gooey goodness of melted cheese, all wrapped in flaky, buttery puff pastry. The layers of the pastry rise beautifully in the oven, creating a deliciously crisp exterior that contrasts with the tender, flavorful filling. It’s perfect for any occasion, from a casual snack to a more elaborate dinner.
Tips:
Meat options: You can use ground chicken, turkey, or even pork as alternatives to beef or lamb.
Cheese variations: Try feta cheese, goat cheese, or a spicy cheese like pepper jack for a different flavor twist.
Spices: Feel free to add more spices like ground cinnamon, coriander, or chili flakes for an extra kick.
Freezing: These pastries freeze well! You can freeze them after assembling and bake directly from frozen. Just increase the baking time by a few minutes.
Vegetarian version: For a vegetarian version, replace the minced meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or lentils for a hearty filling.
Variations:
Mushroom and cheese filling: Substitute the minced meat with finely chopped mushrooms, onions, and spinach for a delicious vegetarian version.
Spicy version: Add some chili powder or chopped fresh chilies to the filling for an extra kick.
Herb-infused filling: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the meat mixture for additional flavor.
Corrections:
Make sure to let the filling cool slightly before adding it to the pastry to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.
If using frozen puff pastry, ensure it’s fully thawed before assembling to avoid cracking.
Enjoy! Once baked to a golden perfection, these savory puff pastries will become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy them warm with a side of fresh salad or a dip of your choice. Perfect for sharing with friends and family!