There’s something irresistibly delicious about golden, flaky puff pastry filled with a savory mixture of minced meat and cheese. This dish is a perfect appetizer or light meal, ideal for family gatherings, brunch, or even as a party snack. The combination of seasoned minced meat, melted cheese, and buttery puff pastry creates an indulgent yet comforting treat. Easy to prepare, it requires just a handful of ingredients but delivers an explosion of flavors.
In this recipe, we will walk you through the step-by-step preparation, from making the filling to assembling and baking the pastry to golden perfection. Whether you use beef, chicken, or pork, the result will be a crispy, flavorful delight that pairs beautifully with a side salad or dipping sauce.
Preparation Details
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 portions
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (or more as needed)
- Butter (for greasing)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 300g minced meat (beef, chicken, or pork)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 100g cheese (grated, such as mozzarella or cheddar)
- 1 bunch of parsley, chopped
- 2 boiled eggs, chopped
For the Assembly:
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing the pastry)
- 1 tbsp milk (to mix with egg yolk)
- Sesame seeds or black cumin seeds (optional, for garnish)
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Sauté the Onions: In a pan over medium heat, melt a small amount of butter and add the finely chopped onion. Sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook the Minced Meat: Add the minced meat to the pan and cook until browned, stirring occasionally to break it into small crumbles. Season with salt, black pepper, and dried basil.
- Add the Additional Ingredients: Remove from heat and stir in the grated cheese, chopped parsley, and boiled eggs. Mix well and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll Out the Pastry: Lightly flour your surface and roll out the puff pastry to your desired thickness. If using frozen puff pastry, ensure it is fully thawed before rolling.
- Cut into Portions: Depending on how you’d like to serve it, you can cut the pastry into squares, rectangles, or circles.
Step 3: Assemble the Pastry
- Fill the Pastry: Place a spoonful of the meat and cheese filling onto the center of each pastry piece.
- Seal the Edges: Fold the pastry over the filling to form a pocket or triangle. Press the edges with a fork to seal.
- Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk, then brush this mixture over the top of each pastry. This will give it a beautiful golden color.
- Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle sesame seeds or black cumin seeds over the pastry for added texture and flavor.
Step 4: Bake the Pastries
- Transfer to the Oven: Place the pastries onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have space between them.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool Slightly: Let the pastries cool for a few minutes before serving, as the filling will be very hot.
Serving Suggestions
These savory puff pastries pair well with a fresh salad, a yogurt-based dip, or a simple tomato salsa. You can also serve them with a warm bowl of soup for a heartier meal.
Savory puff pastry with minced meat and cheese is a fantastic dish that’s easy to make and sure to impress. The flaky layers of pastry combined with the rich, flavorful filling make it a comforting yet elegant treat. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is highly versatile—you can experiment with different types of cheese, meats, and seasonings to suit your taste. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, these pastries are bound to become a favorite in your household.
Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious, homemade goodness of crispy puff pastry packed with a savory filling. Happy cooking!