Savory Puff Pastry Meat Parcels are a golden, flaky delight filled with a hearty mixture of ground meat, vegetables, and melted cheese. Each parcel is baked until crisp on the outside, with a bubbling, savory filling inside that makes every bite satisfying. The puff pastry provides a buttery crunch, while the meat and vegetables deliver depth and flavor. Topped with cheese and garnished with fresh herbs, these parcels are perfect for family dinners, parties, or as a comforting snack.
This recipe celebrates the art of combining simple ingredients into something elegant. Puff pastry acts as a canvas, wrapping around the filling to create a handheld treat that is both rustic and refined. The balance of textures—crispy pastry, tender meat, and gooey cheese—makes this dish a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 250 g ground beef or chicken
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instruction
- Prepare the filling Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Stir in ground meat and cook until browned. Add diced bell pepper, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes until vegetables soften and flavors meld. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the puff pastry Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut into squares large enough to hold a spoonful of filling.
- Fill the parcels Place a spoonful of meat mixture in the center of each square. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the filling. Fold the pastry corners inward to enclose the filling, pressing edges lightly to seal.
- Apply egg wash Brush the tops of the parcels with beaten egg to give them a golden, glossy finish when baked.
- Bake Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F). Arrange parcels on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
- Garnish and serve Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh chives or green onions. Serve hot, allowing the cheese-filled centers to shine.
Servings
This recipe makes about 6–8 parcels, depending on the size of your pastry squares. Perfect for sharing or enjoying as a main dish with a side salad.
Note
Savory Puff Pastry Meat Parcels are versatile and adaptable. The filling can be customized with different meats, vegetables, or cheeses to suit your preferences. Ground chicken or turkey offers a lighter option, while beef provides a richer flavor. Vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini can be added for extra nutrition and variety.
The key to success lies in balancing the filling with the pastry. Too much filling may cause the parcels to burst, while too little leaves them flat. Ensuring the pastry is sealed properly helps retain the juices and keeps the parcels crisp. The egg wash is essential for achieving a golden finish, while the garnish adds freshness and color.
These parcels are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, when the pastry is at its crispiest and the cheese is still gooey. They can also be prepared ahead of time and reheated, though the texture of puff pastry is always best when freshly baked.
Beyond taste, this recipe embodies comfort and creativity. Preparing the parcels can be a fun, hands-on activity, whether cooking alone or with family. The process of folding pastry, filling it with savory goodness, and watching it puff up in the oven is both rewarding and enjoyable.