Sofficini

Sofficini Recipe – The Perfect Treat for the Whole Family

Sofficini is an extremely popular Italian appetizer or snack that combines the crunchy texture of the dough with a delicious filling. Although they are often found frozen, it's easy to make them at home, and the result is much tastier and fresher. I suggest you try this simple recipe that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones, especially the kids.

Total time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients for the dough:
- 1 cup of milk (approximately 240 ml)
- 1 cup of flour (approximately 120 g, ideal for pastries)
- 1 tablespoon of butter (approximately 15 g)
- 1 teaspoon of salt

Ingredients for the filling:
- 200 g of diced ham
- 100 ml of béchamel sauce (or you can choose to buy it)
- 200 g of cheese (I recommend Hochland cheese, but you can also use mozzarella or cheddar)
- 2 eggs (for coating the sofficini)
- Breadcrumbs (to achieve that crispy crust)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the dough:
Start by putting the milk, butter, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture begins to boil. This is the moment when you need to act quickly! When the milk boils, take the saucepan off the heat and gradually add the sifted flour, stirring vigorously with a spatula or whisk. Here, it is crucial not to let the flour form lumps, so mix well!

2. Kneading the dough:
After you obtain a homogeneous mixture, let the dough cool slightly. Then, knead it with your hands for a few minutes until it becomes soft and elastic. Wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step is important because the dough will firm up and be much easier to shape.

3. Preparing the filling:
Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Cut the diced ham and cheese into small pieces. If you choose to use store-bought béchamel sauce, make sure it is of good quality to add extra creaminess. Mix all the filling ingredients in a bowl so that the flavors combine.

4. Shaping the sofficini:
Once the dough has cooled, sprinkle a little flour on a work surface and roll out the dough into a thin sheet of about 3 mm. Using a large cup or a round object, cut circles from the dough. Add a tablespoon of the prepared filling on each circle, then fold the dough to form a half-moon. Press the edges with your fingers to seal the sofficini, ensuring that the filling does not leak during baking.

5. Cooking the sofficini:
In a bowl, beat the two eggs. Dip each sofficino in the beaten egg, then in the breadcrumbs, to achieve a crispy crust. You can choose to fry them in hot oil or bake them in the oven. If you choose the oven, preheat it to 180°C and place the sofficini on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Before baking, drizzle them with a little olive oil for a golden and crispy finish. Bake for 20 minutes or until they are golden and crunchy.

6. Serving:
Once the sofficini are ready, let them cool slightly before serving. You can pair them with a fresh salad or dipping sauces like ketchup, tomato sauce, or even a yogurt sauce with dill. Additionally, a glass of fruit juice or a light white wine can perfectly complement the meal.

Useful tips:
- You can experiment with various fillings, such as grilled vegetables, minced meat, or goat cheese, depending on your preferences.
- If you want to make a healthier version, you can bake the sofficini instead of frying them, using less oil.
- Make sure the ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a more elastic and easier-to-work dough.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
Sofficini are a delicious choice but also relatively balanced, considering they are filled with protein from cheese and ham. A serving of sofficini (2 pieces) can have approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the fillings and cooking method. They provide a good supply of calcium, protein, and carbohydrates, making them perfect as a snack or appetizer.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I freeze sofficini?
- Yes, you can freeze sofficini before baking them. Place them on a tray and put them in the freezer. Once frozen, you can transfer them to a plastic freezer bag. When you are ready to prepare them, just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

2. What sauces are best for serving?
- Sofficini go wonderfully with simple sauces like ketchup, mayonnaise, or yogurt-based sauces. For a more sophisticated touch, you can try a tomato sauce with basil or a sweet mustard sauce.

3. Can I use other types of cheese?
- Absolutely! You can experiment with feta cheese, mozzarella, or even blue cheese, depending on your preferences. Each type of cheese will add a unique flavor to your sofficini.

Sofficini are not only a simple and quick recipe but also an excellent way to bring the family together around the table. Whether you prepare them for a family dinner or a party, they are definitely a treat that everyone will love! So, put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and let’s enjoy cooking!