Puff pastry with a savory minced meat filling is a delicious and satisfying dish that can be served as a snack, appetizer, or even as a light main course. This recipe features a flavorful mixture of minced meat, sautéed onions, garlic, boiled eggs, fresh greens, and cheese, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. The result is a perfect balance of crunchy pastry and rich, savory filling, with each bite offering layers of taste and texture. Whether you’re hosting a party or preparing a family dinner, this dish is sure to impress.
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 servings
Ingredients
For the Puff Pastry Filling:
- 400 g puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 400 g minced meat (beef, lamb, or chicken)
- 2 boiled eggs, chopped
- Fresh greens (parsley, dill, or cilantro), chopped
- 100 g cheese, grated (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Smoked paprika, to taste
- Oil, for sautéing
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- In a large pan, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the minced meat to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to taste.
- Once the meat is fully cooked, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Stir in the chopped boiled eggs, fresh greens, and grated cheese. Mix until well combined. Set the filling aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry 7. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). 8. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness (usually about 1/8 inch thick). 9. Cut the pastry into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference for serving sizes.
Step 3: Assemble the Puff Pastry 10. Spoon a generous amount of the filling onto the center of each pastry square or rectangle. 11. Fold the pastry over the filling, forming a triangle, square, or rectangle, depending on the shape you prefer. 12. Press the edges of the pastry together to seal, using a fork to crimp the edges if desired.
Step 4: Bake the Puff Pastry 13. Place the filled pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 14. Brush the tops of the pastries with a little bit of egg wash (beaten egg mixed with a little water) for a golden, glossy finish. 15. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed up.
Step 5: Serve 16. Let the puff pastry cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, with a side of fresh salad or your favorite dipping sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Fresh Salad: Serve these savory puff pastries alongside a light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette for a well-rounded meal.
- As a Snack or Appetizer: These mini pastries make excellent snacks or appetizers for parties or gatherings. Serve them with a creamy dipping sauce such as ranch or aioli.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to balance out the richness of the pastry and filling.
- Serve with Yogurt: A dollop of yogurt or a yogurt-based dip can complement the savory filling and add a refreshing touch.
- With a Side of Rice: These puff pastries can be served with a side of rice or couscous for a more substantial meal.
Cooking Tips
- Use Quality Puff Pastry: If using store-bought puff pastry, make sure it is of good quality to ensure a crisp, flaky texture.
- Don’t Overfill: Be sure not to overfill the pastries, as this can cause the filling to spill out during baking. Leave enough room to fold and seal the pastry.
- Customizable Filling: Feel free to customize the filling by adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or peppers for added texture and flavor.
- Freezing Option: These puff pastries freeze well. You can assemble them and freeze them uncooked. When ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutritional Benefits
- Minced Meat: Provides a good source of protein, iron, and essential amino acids for muscle building and overall body function.
- Cheese: Adds calcium, protein, and fat for a creamy texture and flavor.
- Fresh Greens: Herbs like parsley, dill, or cilantro add flavor and are packed with vitamins and antioxidants that support your immune system.
- Eggs: Provide protein and essential nutrients like vitamin D and choline, important for brain health.
Dietary Information
- Contains gluten, dairy, and eggs.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free puff pastry or a pastry made from almond flour or rice flour.
- For a dairy-free option, use a dairy-free cheese substitute and ensure the pastry is free from dairy.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Puff Pastry with Savory Minced Meat Filling is a deliciously easy and customizable dish. The crisp puff pastry provides the perfect contrast to the savory and flavorful beef filling, while the melted cheese and fresh herbs bring everything together. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party, making a family dinner, or simply craving something warm and comforting.
Conclusion
These Puff Pastry with Savory Minced Meat Fillings are a fantastic way to enjoy a satisfying, hearty meal with minimal effort. The combination of tender, flavorful beef, gooey cheese, and the crispy, flaky pastry creates a dish that’s both comforting and delicious. Customize it with your favorite ingredients, serve with a fresh side dish, and enjoy a meal that will please everyone at the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?
Yes, you can substitute the minced beef with minced chicken, lamb, or even a vegetarian option like lentils or mushrooms for a plant-based filling. -
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, the filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the pastries. -
Can I freeze the assembled pastries?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked pastries. Just bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. -
Can I make the puff pastry from scratch?
Yes, if you have the time, you can make your own puff pastry. Store-bought puff pastry is a quick and easy option, but homemade puff pastry offers an even flakier texture. -
What if I don’t have mozzarella cheese?
You can substitute mozzarella with any cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, gouda, or provolone. -
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Yes, you can add vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the filling to make it more nutritious and flavorful. -
How do I keep the pastries from getting soggy?
Ensure the filling is not too wet, and let it cool slightly before adding it to the pastry. This will help prevent sogginess. -
Can I bake these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pastries and bake them ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container and reheat them in the oven before serving. -
How do I know when the puff pastry is done?
The puff pastry is done when it’s golden brown and puffed up. If the filling is hot and the pastry is golden, it’s ready. -
Can I use a different type of cheese in the filling?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, or feta for added flavor.