Savory Puff Pastry with Minced Meat, Cheese & Egg
Golden, flaky pastry filled with seasoned meat, herbs, cheese, and egg—served with a cool, tangy yogurt-cucumber dip.
⏱ Time Breakdown:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Serves: 4–6 (about 6–8 pastries depending on size)
🧾 Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed if frozen
- 1 tbsp butter (for sautéing)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 300g (about 10 oz) minced meat (beef, chicken, or pork)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 100g (about 1 cup) grated cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix)
- 1 small bunch fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg yolk, beaten (for brushing)
For the Yogurt Dip:
- 2–3 pickled cucumbers, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 3–4 tbsp plain white yogurt
- Salt and pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Instructions:
🔹 1. Prepare the Filling
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the onion and sauté until soft and golden, about 5–6 minutes.
- Add the minced meat, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 8–10 minutes).
- Remove from heat. Stir in:
- Chopped boiled eggs
- Grated cheese
- Fresh parsley
- Let the mixture cool slightly so it doesn’t melt the pastry.
🔹 2. Assemble the Puff Pastries
- Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F).
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut into squares, rectangles, or circles (you’ll get 6–8 pieces).
- Add 1–2 tablespoons of the filling to the center of each piece.
- Fold over and press the edges with a fork or pinch to seal.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg yolk for shine.
🔹 3. Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until golden and puffed.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
🔹 4. Make the Yogurt Dip
- In a small bowl, combine:
- Chopped pickles
- Minced garlic
- Yogurt
- Salt and pepper
- Stir well. Chill until serving.
🔹 5. Serve
Serve warm pastries with a side of the cool, tangy yogurt dip. They’re great as a main dish with a salad or as appetizers for gatherings.
❓ Q&A: Tips, Substitutes & More
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the pastries and refrigerate up to 24 hours ahead. Bake fresh when ready. Or, bake them fully and reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Absolutely. After baking, cool and freeze in an airtight container. Reheat straight from frozen at 180°C (350°F) for 15–18 minutes.
Q: What cheese works best?
A: Cheddar gives flavor, mozzarella adds meltiness, and feta adds tang. You can also combine two!
Q: Can I skip the egg in the filling?
A: You can! It adds texture and protein, but it’s not essential. Try mushrooms or mashed potato for an alternative.
Q: Can I use store-bought dip instead?
A: Yes, but homemade is fresher and more flavorful. You can also sub with tzatziki or a garlic aioli.
Q: What kind of pickles should I use in the dip?
A: Dill or sour pickles are best—avoid sweet ones as they might clash with the savory flavor.
Q: What’s a good side dish for this?
- Simple green salad
- Roasted veggies
- Tomato soup
- Olive tapenade or hummus
📌 Bonus Tip:
Want them more golden and glossy? Add a splash of milk or water to the egg yolk before brushing. For extra crispiness, bake at 180°C (350°F) for the last 5 minutes.