These savory puff pastries are a delightful appetizer, snack, or light meal. Flaky puff pastry is filled with a flavorful mixture of seasoned minced meat and melted cheese, creating a delicious and satisfying treat.
Ingredients:
- For the Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or lamb, chicken, or vegetarian mince)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- For the Pastry:
- 2 sheets (about 1 lb) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in the cumin, paprika, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom.
- Remove from heat, and stir in the chopped parsley or cilantro.
- Let the meat mixture cool slightly.
- Assemble the Puff Pastries:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets.
- Slightly roll out each pastry sheet to even them out.
- Cut each sheet into squares or rectangles, the size is up to your preference.
- Place a spoonful of the minced meat filling in the center of each pastry piece.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the meat.
- To seal, you can fold the pastry in several ways.
- For triangles: Fold one corner diagonally over the filling to the opposite corner, forming a triangle. Press the edges to seal.
- For pockets: Place another square of pastry on top of the filled pastry, and press the edges to seal.
- For rolls: roll the pastry from one end to the other, creating a roll.
- Crimp the edges with a fork to ensure they are sealed.
- Bake the Puff Pastries:
- Place the assembled puff pastries on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
- Brush each pastry with the beaten egg wash.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning, if desired.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and flaky, and the filling is hot.
- Let them cool slightly before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground meat with a vegetarian mince or a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms, lentils, and vegetables.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like feta, Gruyère, or pepper jack for a variety of flavors.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for extra heat.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach into the filling.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble and bake the pastries when ready to serve.
Enjoy your delicious savory puff pastries!