Introduction
Savory Puff Pastry with Minced Meat and Cheese is a golden, flaky pastry filled with a rich and flavorful meat mixture, perfectly melted cheese, and aromatic spices.
Ideal as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course when paired with a side salad, this dish is both comforting and impressive.
Ingredients
For the filling:
250g (½ lb) minced beef or lamb
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup chopped parsley or coriander (optional)
100g (3.5 oz) shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or mix)
For the pastry:
1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade), thawed if frozen
1 egg (for egg wash)
Sesame seeds or nigella seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the filling:
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic. Add the minced meat and cook until browned.
Add cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes.
Stir in parsley (if using), then remove from heat. Let it cool slightly.
Add cheese:
Mix the shredded cheese into the cooled meat mixture.
Prepare the pastry:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
Roll out the puff pastry and cut into squares or rectangles depending on your preferred size.
Fill and fold:
Spoon a bit of the meat and cheese mixture into the center of each square. Fold over into a triangle or rectangle. Press edges with a fork to seal.
Brush and garnish:
Brush the tops with beaten egg. Sprinkle with sesame or nigella seeds if desired.
Bake:
Place on a lined baking tray and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
Description
The crisp layers of puff pastry contrast beautifully with the savory, juicy minced meat and gooey cheese inside. Each bite delivers a balance of textures and bold flavors, making it a crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion.
Tips
Allow the filling to cool completely before adding to the pastry to prevent soggy bottoms.
Don’t overfill, or the pastry may burst during baking.
You can freeze the unbaked pastries and bake directly from frozen—just add 5–7 extra minutes.
Variations
Spicy Kick: Add chopped green chilies or red chili flakes to the meat mix.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or lentils.
Mediterranean Twist: Add chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese.
Correction
If your pastry turns out soggy or doesn’t puff well:
Make sure the oven is fully preheated before baking.
Use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and avoid overstuffing the pastry.
Chill the filled pastries for 10 minutes before baking to help them keep their shape.
Enjoy
Serve warm with a dollop of yogurt, sour cream, or a fresh salad on the side. Perfect for gatherings, lunchboxes, or just a cozy night in. Enjoy every flaky, cheesy bite!
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