Here is a clean, professional recipe for Savory Puff Pastry with Minced Meat and Cheese — a delicious, flaky appetizer or light meal featuring a seasoned meat filling and melty cheese wrapped in golden pastry.
Savory Puff Pastry with Minced Meat and Cheese
Yield:
12 pastries (depending on size)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound (450 g) ground beef or lamb
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons tomato paste
¼ cup water (if needed, for moisture)
1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
1 egg (for egg wash)
For the Pastry:
1 package puff pastry (usually 2 sheets), thawed
Flour (for dusting surface)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat Filling:
In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil.
Add chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add the ground meat, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through.
Stir in cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Add tomato paste and stir to coat the meat evenly. Add water if the mixture seems dry.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Once cooled, stir in the shredded cheese.
2. Assemble the Pastries:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out puff pastry sheets if needed and cut into squares (about 4×4 inches or desired size).
Place 1–2 tablespoons of the meat and cheese mixture in the center of each square.
Fold the pastry over (into triangles, rectangles, or envelopes), and press the edges with a fork to seal.
Place on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake:
Beat the egg and lightly brush it over the tops of the pastries for a golden finish.
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
4. Serve:
Serve warm as an appetizer, snack, or with a side salad for a light meal.
Notes:
You can add chopped fresh parsley or a dash of chili flakes to the filling for extra flavor.
Substitute the beef with chicken, turkey, or a plant-based alternative if preferred.
These pastries can be frozen before baking and baked from frozen (add 5–7 extra minutes to the bake time).