Savory Puff Pastry with Minced Meat and Cheese

Flaky and soft, these Savory Puff Pastry with Minced Meat and Cheese are full of flavor. The well-seasoned minced pork and melting cheese make each bite substantial. They are great for parties, meal prep, and warm snacks with a fresh salad or alone.

Ingredients:

Filling: minced meat

1-pound (450g) ground beef or lamb (or both)

1 finely chopped medium onion

2 minced garlic cloves

1 Tbsp olive oil

1-tsp ground cumin

1 teaspoon paprika (smoked for flavor, optional)

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, warms)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tbsp tomato paste

Water or beef broth 1/4 cup

1/2 cup grated cheddar, mozzarella, or mixed cheese

Optional garnish: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

For puff pastry:

1 box (2 sheets) thawed puff pastry

1 beaten egg (for wash)

Instructions:

 Make minced meat filling:

In a large skillet, heat olive oil on medium. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic and simmer for 3–4 minutes until softened and aromatic.

Add ground beef (or lamb) to the pan and break apart with a wooden spoon. Stir occasionally for 6-8 minutes to brown and cook the meat.

Mix in ground cumin, paprika, cinnamon (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to toast and unleash seasonings’ flavors.

Add tomato paste and mix. Add beef broth or water and stir. Simmer 4-5 minutes to decrease liquid and thicken mixture. Filling should be wet but not runny.

Leave filling to cool before adding cheese. Stir in shredded cheese to melt into the heated filling and make it sticky.

 Prepare puff pastry:

Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Roll puff pastry sheets on lightly floured surface. Thaw store-bought puff pastry if frozen. You need two huge pastry rectangles.

Slice each puff pastry sheet into 3-4-inch squares or rectangles, depending on how big you want them.

This yields 6-8 pastries, depending on square size.

 Combine Pastries:

Spread a dollop of chilled minced beef filling in the center of each puff pastry square or rectangle.

You can fold the crust over to enclose the filling in a square, triangular, or cylindrical shape, depending on your preference.

To prevent pastries from opening during baking, fork-seal the edges.

To bake the pastries golden and glossy, brush the tops with beaten egg.

 Bake Pastries:

Place the completed pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet with room between them for expansion.

Bake until pastries are puffy and golden brown, 18–20 minutes. Check them at the end of baking to avoid burning.

After baking, let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

 Serve:

Serve heated puff pastry with minced meat and cheese. To add color, garnish with fresh parsley.

Serve with a side salad, tzatziki or yogurt sauce, or alone.

Notes:

Ground beef and lamb are popular options for these pastries, but you can also use ground chicken, turkey, or lentils or plant-based meat for a lighter version.

Cheddar and mozzarella melt well and have a wonderful flavor-texture balance. You can try feta, goat, or Gruyere for varied flavors.

Spices: Cumin, paprika, and cinnamon give this recipe a warm, delicious flavor, but alter them to your liking. For heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, or dried oregano or thyme for herbiness.

Store leftover puff pastry in an airtight jar in the fridge for 2-3 days. To keep the pastry crisp, reheat them in the oven. Transfer unbaked, assembled pastries to a zip-top bag after freezing on a tray until hardened. When ready, bake frozen items at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.

To avoid egg wash for dietary reasons, brush the pastries with milk or olive oil for a glossy finish.

Serving Ideas:

These pastries make a great snack or appetizer at a party, picnic, or family gathering. They’re great for sharing and hand-eating.

Serve these savory puff pastries with a fresh green salad, roasted veggies, or yogurt dip for lunch or dinner.

Ideal for Dipping Sauces: If you want to get creative, serve these pastries with sour cream, tzatziki, or hot tomato salsa.

Conclusion:

The ideal combination of rich, savory filling and light, flaky pastry makes these Savory Puff Pastry with Minced Meat and Cheese the ultimate comfort meal. The delicious mix of seasoned minced meat and melting cheese enveloped in puff pastry makes this recipe perfect for any occasion. Savory pastries are a crowd-pleaser at parties or as a snack. Enjoy!