Savory Puff Pastry with Minced Meat and Cheese
Here's a detailed and irresistible **Savory Puff Pastry with Minced Meat and Cheese** recipe blog post — perfect for casual dinners, parties, or as a hearty snack. Let's dive in!
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## 🥐 Savory Puff Pastry with Minced Meat and Cheese: Flaky, Meaty, Melty Perfection
Imagine the buttery crunch of golden puff pastry, wrapped around a savory mix of seasoned minced meat and gooey melted cheese. That first bite? Pure comfort. This **Savory Puff Pastry with Minced Meat and Cheese** is a crowd-pleaser—quick to prepare, easy to customize, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you're hosting friends, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something indulgent yet simple, this dish delivers.
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## 🧂 Ingredients and Their Roles
### For the Filling:
* **500g (1 lb) minced beef or lamb** – The star of the show, providing rich, meaty flavor. Use a lean blend or mix with a bit of fat for juicier results.
* **1 medium onion, finely chopped** – Adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
* **2 cloves garlic, minced** – Gives the filling aromatic sharpness and complexity.
* **1 tbsp olive oil** – Helps sauté the onions and meat evenly while adding richness.
* **1 tsp ground cumin** – Adds warmth and a slightly earthy tone.
* **1 tsp paprika** – Provides color and a hint of smoky sweetness.
* **½ tsp black pepper and salt to taste** – Enhances all the other flavors.
### Optional Add-Ins:
* **Chopped parsley or coriander** – For a fresh herbal note.
* **Chili flakes** – If you like it spicy.
* **1 tbsp tomato paste** – For richness and acidity.
### Cheese:
* **1 cup grated mozzarella or cheddar cheese** – Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, savory finish.
### Pastry:
* **2 sheets of puff pastry, thawed if frozen** – Light, flaky layers that bake to golden perfection.
### For Assembly:
* **1 egg (for egg wash)** – Brushed on top to give the pastry a shiny, golden finish.
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## 👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
### 1. **Prepare the Filling**
* In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
* Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
* Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
* Add the minced meat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
* Stir in cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper (and any add-ins like tomato paste or chili flakes).
* Cook until the mixture is well combined and moisture has mostly evaporated.
* Remove from heat and let it cool for 10 minutes before adding cheese.
### 2. **Assemble the Pastries**
* Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
* Roll out puff pastry sheets slightly to smooth edges.
* Cut each sheet into 4 equal rectangles (you should have 8 total).
* Spoon the meat mixture onto half of each rectangle, leaving a small border.
* Sprinkle cheese generously over the meat.
* Fold the pastry over to form a pocket or triangle, pressing edges with a fork to seal.
### 3. **Bake to Perfection**
* Place pastries on the prepared baking tray.
* Beat the egg and brush it over the tops of each pastry.
* Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden and puffed up.
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## 💡 Pro Tips for the Best Result
* **Cool the filling** before placing it on the pastry—this prevents soggy bottoms.
* **Don’t overfill!** Too much filling can cause the pastry to burst.
* **Use a sharp knife** to score the tops for a bakery-style finish and to release steam.
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## 🍽️ Serving Suggestions
* Serve warm with a **side salad**, **dipping sauce** (like garlic yogurt or spicy ketchup), or **roasted veggies**.
* Ideal for **lunchboxes**, **brunch spreads**, or a **cozy dinner** with soup.
* These also freeze beautifully—just reheat in the oven for 10 minutes at 180°C (350°F).
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## ❤️ Why Everyone Loves This Recipe
* **Flaky on the outside**, **juicy and cheesy on the inside**
* Customizable with different meats, cheeses, or vegetarian options
* Great for **meal prep**, **entertaining**, or **freezer-friendly make-ahead meals**
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Would you like a version of this wit
h a Mediterranean or Moroccan twist? Or want it made into bite-sized party snacks? Let me know!
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