Savory Puff Pastry with Minced Meat and Cheese

🥐 Savory Puff Pastry with Minced Meat and Cheese (Mediterranean Style)

📖 Description

This savory puff pastry with minced meat and cheese is a golden, flaky Mediterranean-inspired dish filled with juicy seasoned ground meat, aromatic herbs, and melted cheese. It’s perfect as a snack, appetizer, or light dinner. The crispy layers of puff pastry paired with the rich filling make it incredibly satisfying and ideal for gatherings or family meals.

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🧾 Ingredients

For the filling

• 400 g (14 oz) ground beef or lamb

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• Salt to taste

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or grated cheese

• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese

• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

For the pastry

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds or nigella seeds (optional)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the filling
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

2. Add the meat
   Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.

3. Season
   Add paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

4. Add cheese and herbs
   Mix in mozzarella, feta, and chopped parsley.

5. Prepare the pastry
   Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.

6. Fill the pastry
   Place the meat mixture in the center or divide into portions for small pastries. Fold or roll the pastry over the filling and seal the edges.

7. Egg wash
   Brush the top with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame or nigella seeds.

8. Bake
   Bake for 20–25 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.

9. Serve
   Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

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🍽 Serving Suggestions

• Serve with Greek yogurt garlic sauce.

• Pair with a fresh cucumber and tomato salad.

• Great alongside Mediterranean olives and dips.

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❓ Q & A

Q: Can I use chicken or turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground chicken or turkey works perfectly and makes the dish lighter.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the pastry and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze the unbaked pastry and bake directly from frozen, adding 5–10 extra minutes.

Q: What other cheeses can I use?
Cheddar, ricotta, or halloumi can also work well in this recipe.

Q: How do I keep the pastry crispy?
Allow the filling to cool slightly before adding it to the pastry so it doesn’t make the dough soggy.