Mini pastries with salty cheese

Mini savory cheese pastries

If you're looking for a quick and delicious recipe for a festive meal or a savory snack, these mini savory cheese pastries are the perfect choice! With a light puff pastry crust and a creamy salty cheese filling, these delightful appetizers will impress any guest. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12-16 mini pastries

Ingredients:
- 400 g puff pastry
- 200 g salty cheese (preferably cottage cheese or feta)
- 1 egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon of water or milk
- Sesame seeds (for decoration)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by preparing all the ingredients. Grate the salty cheese using a fine grater. This will help to homogenize the filling and achieve a smooth texture. In a bowl, mix the grated cheese with the beaten egg. Make sure the ingredients are well incorporated to obtain a uniform and creamy filling.

2. Preparing the pastry: Unroll the puff pastry and, using a rolling pin, roll it out slightly to thin it. This step will make the pastry even crispier after baking. Cut the pastry in half lengthwise, creating two long, narrow strips.

3. Brushing the pastry: In a small bowl, mix the egg yolk with a tablespoon of water or milk. Use this mixture to brush the edges of the pastry strips, which will help to seal the rolls.

4. Filling the pastry: Place the cheese filling along the edge of each pastry strip, making sure to distribute it evenly. Ensure that the filling does not exceed the edges to avoid leaks during baking.

5. Forming the rolls: Start rolling each pastry strip with the filling, beginning at one edge. Roll tightly but not too tight, to allow the pastry to expand during baking. Place the formed rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

6. Preparing for baking: Brush each roll with the egg yolk and water/milk mixture to achieve a golden and shiny crust. Use a sharp knife to score the rolls halfway, which will allow for even baking and a perfect texture.

7. Decorating: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the rolls for an attractive appearance and delicious aroma.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) and bake the mini pastries for 40-45 minutes or until golden and crispy. You will smell the aroma of salty cheese and puff pastry throughout the house, a true feast for the senses!

9. Serving: Allow the pastries to cool slightly before serving. These mini savory cheese pastries are excellent warm, but can also be enjoyed at room temperature. Serve them alongside a fresh green salad or with a yogurt and dill sauce for a delicious contrast.

Useful tips:
- If you don’t have salty cheese on hand, you can use a combination of cottage cheese with a bit of salt and mozzarella for a creamier texture.
- Try adding chopped fresh herbs (like dill or parsley) to the filling for an extra flavor boost.
- These mini pastries can be frozen before baking. Arrange them on a tray and place them in the freezer. Once they are firm, you can transfer them to a freezer bag. When you want to prepare them, just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

Nutritional benefits:
These mini savory cheese pastries are an excellent source of protein due to the cheese and egg. Additionally, the puff pastry provides carbohydrates, but it is important to consume them in moderation, especially if you are watching your caloric intake. Each pastry contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on size and ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
- Absolutely! Store-bought puff pastry is an excellent choice for saving time and effort.

2. How can I make these pastries crispier?
- Make sure the pastry is well chilled before baking and do not open the oven door in the first 20 minutes of baking to allow steam to develop.

3. Can I add vegetables to the filling?
- Sure! Sautéed vegetables, such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms, can add delicious flavor and vibrant color.

These mini savory cheese pastries are not only a tasty choice but also an opportunity to enjoy cooking and impress your friends and family. Try this simple and quick recipe and turn every meal into a celebration!