Cheese Hearts

If you are looking for a captivating and delicious recipe to treat your family or friends over the weekend, I invite you to discover the wonderful world of cheese hearts! These little delights are not only a perfect snack but also a way to add a touch of love and creativity to any meal. Each heart is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and the intense flavor of cheese will surely win you over!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rest time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Number of servings: approximately 30 hearts

Ingredients

- 200 g flour
- 125 g butter (at room temperature)
- 5 g (half a packet) baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 100 g family cheese (recommended Delaco)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 egg (for brushing)
- Grated cheese (for sprinkling on top)
- Oil (for greasing the work surface)

Necessary utensils

- Large mixing bowl
- Work surface
- Rolling pin
- Heart-shaped cutter
- Baking tray
- Baking paper
- Kitchen brush

Short history

Cheese hearts are a recipe that has gained popularity due to their versatility and savory taste. These snacks are perfect for parties, picnics, or simply to be enjoyed with family. They can be customized with various cheeses or spices, turning them into a true delicacy that suits everyone’s taste.

Step by step

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour with the soft butter. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture is homogeneous and has a texture similar to fine sand. This technique helps achieve a flaky dough.

2. Enriching the dough: Add the baking powder, salt, and grated cheese to the mixture. Mix gently to evenly distribute the ingredients. Finally, add the sour cream and continue to knead lightly until you obtain a dough that can be rolled out but is not too soft. It is very important not to over-knead to keep the flaky texture.

3. Resting the dough: Form a ball from the dough, wrap it in cling film, and leave it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step will help firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out later.

4. Preparing the oven: Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). Make sure you have all the ingredients prepared and at hand.

5. Rolling out the dough: After the dough has been in the refrigerator, take it out and place it on the greased work surface. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a sheet about 5 mm thick. Remember to turn it occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Cutting the hearts: Using the heart-shaped cutter, cut out hearts from the dough and place them on a greased baking tray lined with baking paper. This step is perfect for involving the little ones; cutting out hearts can be a fun activity!

7. Brushing and sprinkling: In a small bowl, beat the egg with a pinch of salt. Using a kitchen brush, brush each heart with the beaten egg, then sprinkle grated cheese on top. This step will give the hearts a golden and appetizing appearance.

8. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the hearts are golden and crispy. It is important to keep an eye on them to avoid burning, as every oven can bake differently.

9. Cooling and serving: Once baked, remove the hearts from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on a cooling rack. They are delicious both warm and cold, and can be served as an appetizer or snack alongside a refreshing drink or a glass of white wine.

Practical tips

- Types of cheese: Although I used family cheese, you can experiment with other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, to add another level of flavor.
- Customization: Add spices or herbs to the dough, such as oregano or dill, to diversify the taste.
- Vegetarian option: If you want to make a healthier version, you can replace some ingredients, such as butter, with a mix of olive oil and avocado puree.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use whole wheat flour?: Yes, but keep in mind that the texture will be different. The dough may need a bit more moisture, so adjust the sour cream accordingly.
- How can I store the hearts?: They can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat them slightly in the oven to restore their crispy texture.
- Can I freeze the hearts?: Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Place them on a tray to cool, then transfer them to an airtight container. When you want to bake them, there is no need to thaw them; you can bake them directly from the freezer, adjusting the baking time.

Delicious combinations

These cheese hearts pair perfectly with a fresh vegetable salad or a yogurt and dill dip for an explosion of flavors. Additionally, a glass of dry white wine or fresh lemonade will wonderfully complement this snack.

I hope this cheese hearts recipe brings you joy and delicious moments in the kitchen! Feel free to experiment and add your own touches to make this dish even more special. Enjoy!