Cheesy Meat Puff Roll

🧀🥩 Cheesy Meat Puff Roll (Mediterranean Style)

Description

This Cheesy Meat Puff Roll is a flaky, golden pastry filled with juicy spiced meat, melted cheese, and classic Mediterranean flavors like garlic, parsley, oregano, and olive oil. It’s crispy on the outside, rich and savory on the inside—perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or even a light meal with salad or yogurt dip.

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Filling

• 400 g (14 oz) ground beef or lamb (or mix)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp cumin

• ½ tsp oregano or thyme

• ¼ tsp cinnamon or allspice (optional but very Mediterranean)

• Salt & black pepper to taste

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

• 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, adds richness)

Cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella

• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (for Mediterranean touch)

Pastry

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

• Sesame or nigella seeds (optional)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling
   Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until soft.
   Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

2. Cook the Meat
   Add ground meat and cook until browned. Break it up well.

3. Season
   Stir in paprika, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and tomato paste.
   Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

4. Cool & Add Cheese
   Remove from heat. Let the mixture cool slightly, then mix in parsley, mozzarella, and feta.

5. Assemble the Roll
   Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface.
   Spread filling evenly, leaving a small border.
   Roll tightly like a log and seal the edges.

6. Brush & Bake
   Place seam-side down on a baking tray.
   Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle seeds if using.

7. Bake
   Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes, until golden and puffed.

8. Rest & Slice
   Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve with tzatziki, garlic yogurt, or tahini sauce

• Pair with Greek salad or lemony greens

• Great hot or warm, still tasty cold

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❓ Q & A

Q: Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?

Yes! Use 4–5 layers of phyllo brushed with olive oil or butter. It’ll be crispier but less fluffy.

Q: What meat works best?

Lamb gives the most Mediterranean flavor, beef is milder, and a mix is perfect.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the roll, refrigerate (uncooked) up to 24 hours, then bake fresh.

Q: Can I freeze it?

Yes! Freeze before baking. Bake straight from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes.

Q: How do I prevent a soggy bottom?

Let the filling cool completely and avoid excess liquid before rolling.

Q: Can I make it spicy?

Add chili flakes, harissa, or a pinch of cayenne 🌶️