Savory Puff Pastry with Minced Meat and Cheese is a delicious, hearty snack or appetizer that combines flaky, buttery pastry with seasoned minced meat and melted cheese. This savory treat is perfect for gatherings, lunch, or even as a satisfying dinner. Here’s a simple recipe to make these tasty pockets of goodness:
Savory Puff Pastry with Minced Meat and Cheese
Ingredients:
- 1 package (about 2 sheets) puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for added flavor)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra texture)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional for extra umami)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Olive oil (for cooking)
Directions:
- Prepare the filling:
- In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the soy sauce (if using), oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- If desired, stir in breadcrumbs to help bind the mixture and give it a bit more texture. Allow the filling to cool slightly.
- Prepare the puff pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into squares or rectangles, depending on the size of the pockets you prefer (about 4-inch squares work well).
- Assemble the pastry:
- Place a spoonful of the cooled meat mixture in the center of each pastry square. Top with a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
- Fold the pastry over the filling to form a pocket or triangle. Press the edges together to seal, using a fork to crimp the edges if desired.
- Add an egg wash:
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg and brush it over the top of each pastry to give them a golden, shiny finish once baked.
- Bake:
- Place the filled pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
- Serve:
- Let the savory puff pastries cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm as an appetizer, snack, or even a main dish with a side salad.
Tips:
- Cheese options: Feel free to use different cheeses like feta, gouda, or a spicy cheese like pepper jack for more flavor.
- Veggies: You can add vegetables to the filling, such as diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms, to make it more hearty.
- Freezing: These pastries freeze well before baking. Just assemble them, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze for 30 minutes before transferring to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Spice it up: Add chili flakes, hot sauce, or jalapeños to the filling for some heat!
These Savory Puff Pastry with Minced Meat and Cheese are a flavorful and satisfying treat that will surely be a hit. Enjoy!