Savory cheese roll

Cheese Roll: A Simple and Tasty Delicacy

If you're looking for an appetizer recipe that will impress your guests or simply delight you and your family, a cheese roll is the perfect choice. This delicious, easy-to-make recipe combines the crispy texture of the pastry with the creamy cheese filling, resulting in an appetizer that is sure to become a favorite. Whether you serve it at a party, a holiday meal, or simply as a snack, stay with me to discover each step of this recipe.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 slices

Necessary ingredients:
- 400 g puff pastry (you can choose the frozen version)
- 400 g telemea cheese (preferably aged for a more intense flavor)
- 250 g cottage cheese (ricotta can also be used for a finer texture)
- 50 g melted butter (for a rich taste and a golden crust)
- 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds (or cumin, poppy seeds - the choice is yours)
- 100 g grated cheese (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)

Preparing the cheese roll:

1. Thawing the pastry
Start by taking the puff pastry out of the freezer. Let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step is essential to ensure the pastry rolls out evenly and doesn’t tear.

2. Preparing the filling
In a large bowl, add the telemea cheese and cottage cheese. Use a food processor or mixer to blend the two cheeses until you achieve a smooth and creamy mixture. If you prefer a richer taste, add some herbs like dill or oregano.

3. Rolling out the pastry
On a clean surface, sprinkle a little flour to prevent sticking. Place the puff pastry and roll it out with a rolling pin, achieving a thin sheet, about 3-5 mm thick. Make sure the pastry is rectangular to facilitate rolling.

4. Filling the pastry
Use a spatula to evenly spread the cheese mixture over the entire surface of the pastry. Be generous, but don’t overdo it to avoid spillage during baking.

5. Rolling
Carefully start rolling the pastry from one short edge, ensuring you create a tight roll. Once you have finished rolling, make sure the edges are well sealed to avoid any filling leaking during baking.

6. Preparing for baking
Place the roll in a loaf pan lined with baking paper. Brush the surface with melted butter to add extra flavor and achieve a golden crust. Sprinkle the sesame seeds (or other preferred seeds) on top.

7. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the pan in the oven and let it bake for 30-40 minutes or until the roll is golden and crispy. Towards the end, you can add the grated cheese on top to let it melt and brown.

8. Cooling and serving
Once baked, remove the roll from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes in the pan. This will help stabilize its shape. I recommend lightly pricking the top before removing it to prevent it from puffing up. Then, take the roll out of the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack. When cool, slice thick pieces and serve.

Serving suggestions
The cheese roll is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it alongside a fresh vegetable salad or with a cold beer, as I like it. It also pairs perfectly with a garlic yogurt sauce or a flavorful mayonnaise.

Nutritional benefits
Telemea cheese is a good source of calcium, essential for bone health, while cottage cheese provides a significant amount of protein. Although puff pastry is higher in calories, it offers a crispy and savory texture, and sesame seeds are full of healthy fats and antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with feta cheese, goat cheese, or even a mix of cheeses. Choose what you like best!

- Can the roll be frozen?
Yes, the roll can be frozen before baking. Try to wrap it well in plastic wrap, and when you want to cook it, let it thaw completely before baking.

- What other ingredients can I add?
For a more interesting variation, you can add olives, bell peppers, or even spinach.

Possible variations
To diversify the recipe, you can use herb-infused puff pastry or add flax or sunflower seeds to the filling. A dash of chili or hot pepper can add a spicy note!

This cheese roll will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. So, I wish you good luck in preparing this delicious recipe! Enjoy your meal!