Cheesy Meat Puff Roll

Cheesy Meat Puff Roll

Description

Golden, flaky puff pastry wrapped around a savory filling of spiced ground meat and melted cheese. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or party treat. The combination of juicy meat, melted cheese, and buttery pastry makes it irresistible. Serve warm with a side of yogurt dip or tomato chutney.

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Ingredients (Makes 4–6 rolls)

• 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed if frozen)

• 250 g (½ lb) ground beef or lamb

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp cumin powder

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

• Optional: chopped parsley or coriander for garnish

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Method

1. Preheat oven:
   Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

2. Cook the filling:

   • Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

   • Sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and cook for another minute.

   • Add ground meat, salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin. Cook until meat is browned and cooked through.

   • Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Stir in the shredded cheese and herbs if using.

3. Prepare the puff pastry:

   • Roll the puff pastry sheet lightly on a floured surface to smooth edges.

   • Spread the meat mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1–2 cm border.

4. Roll and seal:

   • Carefully roll the pastry from one end to the other to form a log.

   • Seal the edges by pinching the pastry together.

5. Egg wash and bake:

   • Place the roll seam-side down on the baking tray.

   • Brush the top with beaten egg for a golden finish.

   • Bake for 20–25 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.

6. Serve:
   Slice into 2–3 cm thick pieces and serve warm.

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Tips & Q&A

• Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
  Yes! Store-bought works perfectly. Just thaw it properly before rolling.

• Can I freeze before baking?
  Absolutely. Wrap the unbaked roll tightly in plastic and freeze. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to the baking time.

• Can I make it vegetarian?
  Yes, replace meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cooked lentils.

• Cheese options:
  Cheddar adds sharpness, mozzarella adds stretchiness. You can also mix feta for a Mediterranean twist.

• Spice it up:
  Add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika to the meat filling for extra flavor.