Ingredients

For the Dough:

• Water: 700 ml (about 24 fl oz)
• Sugar: 30 g (1 oz) (for a slight touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors)
• Cheese Cream: 50 g (1.8 oz) (adds a creamy texture to the dough)
• Flour: 500 g (17.6 oz) (this forms the base of the dough)
• Baking Powder: 30 g (1 oz) (helps the dough rise and become light and fluffy)
• Soft Butter: 50 g (1.8 oz) (adds richness to the dough)

For the Filling:

• Mozzarella: 200 g (7 oz) (a classic choice for its melt-in-your-mouth quality)
• Parsley: 20 g (0.7 oz) (fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a herby flavor)
• Cheese Cream: 100 g (3.5 oz) (provides a creamy, tangy filling)
• Egg: 1 pc (this helps bind the filling together)
• Sesame Seeds: 5 g (0.2 oz) (adds a delicious crunch on top)

Steps to Make Cheese-Stuffed Savory Pastries

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and baking powder. Stir the mixture to ensure the baking powder is evenly distributed, which will help the dough rise properly when baked.
2. Add Butter and Cheese Cream: Add the soft butter and cheese cream to the flour mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to rub the butter and cheese cream into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs. This step will ensure the dough becomes flaky and tender.
3. Add Water: Gradually add the water, a little at a time, and mix the ingredients until a smooth dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add a tiny bit more water. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.
4. Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and allow it to rest for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll out and help the dough relax, resulting in a more tender pastry.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Prepare the Mozzarella: While the dough is resting, grate the mozzarella into small pieces or chunks. The smaller the pieces, the better they will melt into the dough, creating a gooey filling.
2. Mix the Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the grated mozzarella with the cheese cream and chopped parsley. Add the egg and stir until everything is well-mixed. This creamy filling is the heart of your pastry and will create a luscious center.

Step 3: Assemble the Pastries

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the pastries from sticking.
2. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has rested, divide it into small portions, and roll each portion into a ball. Roll each ball of dough out into a thin, round circle, about 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter.
3. Fill the Pastries: Place a generous spoonful of the mozzarella filling in the center of each dough circle. Be sure not to overfill, as this can cause the filling to spill out during baking.
4. Seal the Pastries: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon or crescent shape. Pinch the edges together firmly to seal the pastry and prevent any filling from escaping. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
5. Brush with Egg Wash: For a beautiful golden finish, lightly beat an egg and brush it over the top of each pastry. This step will give your pastries a lovely sheen when baked.
6. Sprinkle with Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the top of each pastry for added texture and flavor. These tiny seeds add a delightful crunch that complements the creamy filling.

Step 4: Bake the Pastries

1. Bake: Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp on top.
2. Cool: Once baked, remove the pastries from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the filling set, making them easier to handle.

Prep Time

• 45 minutes (including resting time for the dough)

Cooking Time

• 30 minutes

Total Time

• 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories

• Approximately 250 kcal per pastry (depending on portion size)

Servings

• This recipe yields about 12 pastries.

Why This Recipe is Timeless

Cheese-stuffed pastries are a classic, and for good reason. The combination of a tender, buttery dough with a melty, cheesy filling is always a crowd-pleaser. These pastries are easy to make, yet look impressive enough to serve at dinner parties or special occasions. The simple ingredients allow the flavors to shine, making them both satisfying and comforting.

The versatility of cheese pastries is another reason why they’ve stood the test of time. You can easily customize the filling to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, use different cheeses like cheddar or feta, or experiment with herbs and spices for a unique twist. No matter how you make them, cheese-filled pastries are always a hit.

These pastries also have the advantage of being able to be made in advance. Prepare them ahead of time and bake them just before serving for a fresh, warm treat. They can also be stored and reheated without losing their delicious texture.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 150mg

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cheese for the filling?
   • Yes! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Cheddar, feta, or even ricotta can work wonderfully in place of mozzarella. Just be sure to adjust the amount based on the cheese’s moisture content.
2. Can I make these pastries in advance?
   • Absolutely! You can prepare the pastries up to the point of baking, store them in the fridge, and bake them later. You can also freeze the uncooked pastries and bake them directly from the freezer when you’re ready to serve.
3. How do I make these pastries vegan?
   • To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the butter with a plant-based version, use a dairy-free cheese alternative, and replace the egg in the filling with a flaxseed egg or a store-bought egg replacer.

Tips for Making Perfect Cheese-Stuffed Pastries

• Rest the dough: Giving the dough time to rest will make it easier to work with and result in a flakier pastry.
• Don’t overfill: Be sure not to overfill the pastries, as this can make sealing them more difficult and cause the filling to spill out while baking.
• Egg wash for golden color: Brushing the pastries with an egg wash before baking gives them a beautiful golden finish. If you’re vegan, you can use a plant-based milk for the wash.

Storage Tips

• At Room Temperature: These pastries are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
• In the Fridge: If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispy texture.
• Freezing: These pastries freeze well before baking. Freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 5 minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

Cheese-Stuffed Savory Pastries are an irresistible treat that combines comfort with elegance. The crispy, buttery dough complements the creamy, flavorful filling, making every bite a perfect balance of texture and taste. Whether served at a family dinner, a party, or simply as a snack, these pastries will quickly become a go-to recipe for any occasion. With endless customization options, you can easily make these pastries your own and enjoy them time and time again. Their timeless appeal lies in their simple ingredients, easy preparation, and the pure joy they bring to every table.