Spicy Horns

Spicy Croissants with Savory Filling

I invite you to discover a delicious recipe for spicy croissants that will quickly become your favorite for breakfast or snacks. These croissants are not only easy to prepare but also extremely versatile, with a filling of rich flavors that will delight your taste buds. Let's begin our culinary journey!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12 croissants

Ingredients

For the basic dough:
- 250 g all-purpose wheat flour
- 6 g dry yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 100 ml lukewarm milk
- 50 g melted butter

For the puff pastry:
- 2 rounds of puff pastry (preferably)

For the filling:
- 200 g thick sour cream (Creme Fraiche)
- 150 g ham, finely chopped
- 150 g cheese, grated

For brushing:
- 1 egg yolk
- 2-3 tablespoons milk

Optional:
- Caraway, sesame, or poppy seeds for sprinkling on top

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the basic dough
Start by dissolving the dry yeast in lukewarm milk. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. In a large bowl, add the flour and salt, making a well in the center. Pour in the beaten egg and the yeast and milk mixture. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. Add the melted butter and continue kneading until fully incorporated.

Step 2: Let the dough rise
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size. This step is crucial as the yeast will activate and make the dough fluffy.

Step 3: Prepare the pastry sheets
Divide the risen dough into two equal parts. On a floured surface, roll each part into round or rectangular sheets between two sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap. This trick will help you avoid sticking.

Step 4: Prepare the filling
In a bowl, mix the thick sour cream with the finely chopped ham and grated cheese. Ensure all ingredients are well combined for a uniform and flavorful filling.

Step 5: Form the croissants
Cut each sheet of dough into triangles of desired size. Place a tablespoon of the prepared filling on each triangle, then roll the dough starting from the base of the triangle, forming the croissant. Place the croissants on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Step 6: Brush and sprinkle
In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk with the milk and brush the croissants with this mixture. You can sprinkle caraway, sesame, or poppy seeds on top for added flavor and an attractive appearance.

Step 7: Bake
Preheat the oven to 180 °C. Place the tray with croissants in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy. The aroma will fill the entire kitchen, and you'll be eager to enjoy them!

Notes and Tips
- Filling variations: You can experiment with different fillings, such as feta cheese and olives, or sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- Make-ahead: You can prepare the croissants up to the egg wash step and keep them in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap. The next day, let them sit at room temperature for 2 hours or place them directly in the unheated oven for even baking.
- Serving: These croissants are delicious warm, but can also be enjoyed cold. They are perfect alongside a fresh green salad or a garlic yogurt dip.

Nutritional Benefits
These croissants are an excellent source of protein due to the ham and cheese filling, while the sour cream adds healthy fats. Whole wheat flour can be used for a healthier option, providing higher fiber content.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use store-bought dough? Yes, store-bought puff pastry is an excellent option for saving time.
- How can I prevent the dough from sticking? Make sure the work surface is well-floured and use parchment paper.
- Can I freeze the croissants? Yes, you can freeze the unbaked croissants. Place them on a tray and put them in the freezer, then transfer them to an airtight container. Bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

These spicy croissants are a true delight, perfect for any occasion! I invite you to try them and share the aroma and joy of cooking with your loved ones. Bon appétit!