Savory Puff Pastry with Minced Meat and Cheese

Here’s a professional, no-emoji recipe for Savory Puff Pastry with Minced Meat and Cheese — flaky, buttery pastry filled with a flavorful meat and cheese mixture. Perfect for snacks, brunch, or as an appetizer.

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Savory Puff Pastry with Minced Meat and Cheese

Ingredients

For the filling:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 lb (250 g) ground beef or lamb

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika or chili flakes (optional)

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste or ketchup

• 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional)

• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, feta, or a mix)

For assembly:

• 1 sheet puff pastry (about 250–300 g), thawed if frozen

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

• Sesame or nigella seeds (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the filling

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.

2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.

3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

4. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.

5. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin (if using).

6. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 1–2 minutes until well blended.

7. Remove from heat, stir in chopped parsley and shredded cheese, and let the filling cool completely before using.

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2. Prepare the pastry

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to smooth any creases.

3. Cut into squares or rectangles (about 4–5 inches each) for individual pastries.

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3. Assemble the pastries

1. Place 1–2 tablespoons of the cooled filling in the center of each pastry square.

2. Fold the pastry over into a triangle or rectangle shape. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal.

3. Arrange the pastries on the prepared baking sheet.

4. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.

5. Sprinkle sesame or nigella seeds on top if desired.

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4. Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.

2. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

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Tips and Variations

• Cheese options: Mozzarella gives a melty texture; feta adds tang; cheddar gives sharp flavor.

• Make-ahead: You can assemble the pastries, freeze them raw on a tray, then transfer to a container. Bake from frozen (add 5 minutes to baking time).

• Other fillings: Try chicken with cream cheese, spinach and ricotta, or spiced lamb with pine nuts.

• Mini version: Cut the pastry into smaller squares for bite-sized party snacks.

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Would you like me to give you a Middle Eastern–style variation (spiced beef, onions, and pine nuts) or a Mediterranean version (with feta and herbs)?