Oven-baked crowns

Baked Crowns – A Holiday Delight

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Number of servings: 8 servings (2 crowns)

Baked crowns are a delightful appetizer that not only adds a touch of originality to the table but is also perfect for impressing guests. This recipe combines tradition with modern taste and offers a customizable option based on individual preferences. It is an excellent choice for family gatherings or special occasions. Let's begin our culinary journey!

Necessary ingredients

For the dough:
- 2 eggs
- 700 g flour (ideally a combination of white and wholemeal flour)
- 250 g melted margarine
- 150 ml warm milk
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt to taste

For filling 1 (meat):
- 500 g minced meat (can be beef, pork, or a combination)
- 2 eggs
- Spices (salt, pepper, paprika, herbs to taste)

For filling 2 (vegetarian):
- 1 jar of eggplant spread (about 400-500 g)
- 100 g grated cheese
- 1 egg

Step by step for a perfect result

1. Preparing the dough:
In a bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk, adding the teaspoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. This step is essential as it ensures the yeast is active.

2. Mixing the ingredients:
In another bowl, combine the flour with salt. Make a well in the center and add the beaten eggs, melted margarine, and the milk-yeast mixture. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. A personal variation is to use wholemeal flour, which will add a hint of flavor and extra fiber.

3. Letting the dough rise:
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy texture.

4. Preparing the filling:
- For the meat filling: In a bowl, mix the minced meat with the 2 eggs and add the desired spices. Taste the mixture to adjust the seasonings to your preference.
- For the vegetarian filling: Combine the eggplant spread with the grated cheese and the egg. This mixture will provide a rich and savory filling.

5. Shaping the crowns:
After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. On a floured work surface, roll each piece of dough into a circle about 30 cm in diameter. Use the back of a tart pan to form the crowns. Grease the pan with oil to prevent sticking.

6. Filling and baking:
Place the chosen filling on the dough circle, leaving a 2-3 cm edge. Fold the edges of the dough inward to form a crown. Using a knife, make decorative cuts along the edge of the crown for an attractive look. Let the crowns rise for another 15-20 minutes.

7. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the crowns for 30-40 minutes or until golden and crispy. You will know they are ready when they emit a delicious aroma and the crust is browned.

Serving and suggestions

Baked crowns are wonderful served warm, alongside a fresh salad or a yogurt dip. If you want to make them even more festive, you can sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top before baking.

Nutritional benefits

These crowns are a good source of protein from the meat and eggs, while the vegetarian option brings vitamins and fiber from vegetables. The wholemeal flour used in the dough contributes to healthy digestion.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other types of flour? Yes, you can experiment with oat flour or almond flour to make a gluten-free version.
- How can I store the crowns? They can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in an airtight container. Reheat them in the oven to refresh their texture.
- Can I freeze the crowns? Yes, you can freeze the uncooked crowns. Place them on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container. Bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

Possible variations

- Cheese filling: Replace the filling with a mixture of feta cheese, dill, and spinach for a delicious option.
- Mushroom filling: Sauté mushrooms with onion and garlic, then add cream for a creamy filling.

These baked crowns are more than just an appetizer. They can become part of your culinary traditions, bringing smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Prepare them with love and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!