Savory Puff Pastry with Minced Meat and Cheese 🥟🧀

Savory Puff Pastry with Minced Meat and Cheese 🥟🧀

This Savory Puff Pastry with Minced Meat and Cheese is a delicious, flaky, and hearty dish that’s perfect for appetizers, snacks, or even a light meal. The buttery puff pastry wraps around a flavorful filling of seasoned minced meat, aromatic onions, herbs, and gooey melted cheese. It’s easy to make, versatile, and sure to be a hit at any gathering or family dinner.

Let’s dive into how to make this irresistible savory treat step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Flaky & Cheesy : The buttery puff pastry combined with melted cheese creates a decadent base.
2. Versatile Filling : Customize the minced meat (beef, chicken, pork) and spices to suit your taste.
3. Easy & Quick : Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe approachable for any home cook.
4. Perfect for Any Occasion : Great for parties, picnics, or as a quick snack or meal.
5. Make Ahead Friendly : Prep ahead and bake when ready, making it ideal for meal planning.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade ) 🥐
• 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 parsley , chopped ✂️

Optional Add-Ins:

• Garlic powder or fresh garlic (for extra flavor )
• Red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick )
• Sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers (for added texture and nutrition )

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil.
2. Sauté the finely chopped onion until soft and translucent (about 3–4 minutes ).
3. Add the minced meat to the skillet and cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Stir in the dried basil , salt , and black pepper . Cook for another 1–2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
   • Optional : Add garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or sautéed vegetables for extra depth.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley . Let the mixture cool slightly before assembling.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) . Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface if needed. Cut it into squares or rectangles, depending on your desired size.

Step 3: Assemble the Pastries

1. Place a spoonful of the minced meat mixture onto one half of each pastry square or rectangle, leaving a border around the edges.
2. Sprinkle a generous amount of grated cheese over the filling.
3. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling to create a turnover or triangle shape. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal.
   • Tip : Use a little water along the edges to help seal the pastry if needed.
4. Transfer the assembled pastries to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with melted butter or an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tsp water ) for a golden finish.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes , or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
   • Tip : Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even browning.

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove from the oven and let the pastries cool for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.
3. Serve warm and enjoy the flaky, cheesy goodness!

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Ingredients : Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.
2. Add Vegetables : Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or diced bell peppers to the filling for extra nutrition and flavor.
3. Make Ahead : Assemble the pastries ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate for up to 1 day . Bake just before serving.
4. Freeze for Later : Freeze unbaked pastries in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to the cooking time.
5. Switch Up the Protein : Substitute minced meat with cooked lentils, chickpeas, or shredded chicken for a vegetarian or alternative option.

Perfect Pairings

This Savory Puff Pastry with Minced Meat and Cheese pairs beautifully with:

• Side Salad : Serve with a crisp green salad or coleslaw for balance.
• Dipping Sauces : Pair with marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or hot sauce for dipping.
• Sparkling Beverages : Pair with sparkling water, lemonade, or a cold beer for refreshment.
• Soup or Stew : Serve alongside a bowl of tomato soup or creamy mushroom soup for a comforting meal.

Nutritional Information (Per Pastry, Approx.)

(Based on 8 pastries)

• Calories : ~300 kcal
• Protein : ~12g
• Carbohydrates : ~20g
• Fat : ~20g
• Fiber : ~2g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Savory Puff Pastry with Minced Meat and Cheese is a crispy, cheesy, and indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, snack, or light meal, this recipe delivers on flavor and satisfaction. The combination of flaky pastry, savory filling, and melted cheese creates a dish that’s as comforting as it is impressive.

The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the filling, adjust the seasonings, or pair it with different sauces to make it your own. So grab your puff pastry, whip up that filling, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as fun to share as it is to eat.