Savory Puff Pastry with Minced Meat, Cheese & Egg

Savory Puff Pastry with Minced Meat, Cheese & Egg

Table of Contents

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

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
  2. Add the onion and sauté until soft and golden, about 5–6 minutes.
  3. Add the minced meat, basil, salt, and pepper.
  4. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 8–10 minutes).
  5. Remove from heat. Stir in:
    • Chopped boiled eggs
    • Grated cheese
    • Fresh parsley
  6. Let the mixture cool slightly so it doesn’t melt the pastry.
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🔹 2. Assemble the Puff Pastries

  1. Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F).
  2. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
  3. Cut into squares, rectangles, or circles (you’ll get 6–8 pieces).
  4. Add 1–2 tablespoons of the filling to the center of each piece.
  5. Fold over and press the edges with a fork or pinch to seal.
  6. Place on a parchment-lined baking tray.
  7. 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

  1. In a small bowl, combine:
    • Chopped pickles
    • Minced garlic
    • Yogurt
    • Salt and pepper
  2. 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.

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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.