Cheese packages

Delicious Cheese Pockets - A Simple and Tasty Recipe

If you're looking for an enticing recipe that combines the flavor of cheese with a fluffy dough that's easy to prepare, you've come to the right place! These cheese pockets are perfect for a hearty breakfast or as a delightful dessert. I invite you to discover the necessary steps to create these wonders, full of flavor and texture, that will impress any guest.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 9 pockets

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 80 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 50 g butter (at room temperature)
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons dry yeast
- 2 eggs
- 150 ml milk (warm)
- 4 tablespoons oil
- 1 sachet of vanilla sugar or vanilla extract

For the cheese filling:
- 500 g cheese (ideally cottage cheese or ricotta)
- 200 ml liquid cream
- 200 g sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1-2 tablespoons rum essence (optional)

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the starter:
In a small bowl, combine 100 g of flour with the dry yeast and honey. Add 75 ml of warm milk and mix well. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the starter rise for 15-20 minutes, until bubbles form on the surface. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy and airy dough.

2. Preparing the dough:
In the bread machine bowl or a large bowl, add the risen starter, eggs, sugar, butter, oil, vanilla, and the remaining milk. Begin to gradually add the flour, mixing until all the ingredients are well incorporated. If using a bread machine, set it to the dough program. If not, knead by hand until you obtain an elastic and homogeneous dough.

3. Letting it rise:
Cover with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume. This process is essential for getting fluffy pockets.

4. Preparing the cheese filling:
In a large bowl, mix the cheese with the sugar, eggs, and liquid cream. Use a mixer to obtain a fluffy but firm cream. If you desire a more intense flavor, add the rum essence. This cream will add extra flavor to the pockets.

5. Forming the pockets:
After the dough has risen, divide it into 9 balls. Roll each ball into a rectangle. Draw a line in the middle to guide your filling. On one side, add the cheese cream, and on the other side cut it into strips. Roll the side with the cream, then form a roll with the cut strips. This step is inspired by a technique I discovered that adds a spectacular look to your pockets.

6. Packing and letting it rise:
Place the pockets on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them. Cover with a cloth and let them rise again until they double in volume, about 30 minutes.

7. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Before placing them in the oven, brush the pockets with a mixture of egg yolk and a few tablespoons of milk to achieve a golden crust. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if you desire extra flavor and texture. Bake the pockets for 25-30 minutes or until they become golden and fluffy.

8. Serving:
Let the pockets cool slightly before enjoying them. They are delicious warm, but also at room temperature. You can serve them with a fruit sauce or a cup of aromatic tea for a complete experience.

Practical tips for a perfect result

- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to facilitate the kneading and rising process.
- If the dough doesn’t rise well, check if the yeast is active by adding it to warm water with a teaspoon of sugar. If it forms bubbles in 5-10 minutes, it’s ready to use.
- You can add various flavors to the cheese filling, such as lemon or orange zest, for a fresh and aromatic taste.
- If you want to try a lighter variant, you can replace the cheese with a mix of vegetables or ground meat.

Nutritional information

Each cheese pocket contains approximately 250 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the serving size. These pockets provide a good source of protein from cheese and eggs, as well as carbohydrates from flour, making them a balanced dish for a hearty meal.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with feta cheese or goat cheese to achieve a different taste.

2. How can I store the pockets?
They store well in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or you can freeze them for later consumption.

3. Can I make the dough by hand?
Sure! Use a spatula or your hands to knead the dough vigorously until it becomes elastic.

These cheese pockets are not only a delight but also a perfect way to bring family and friends together around the table. Whether you choose to make them for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, I'm sure they will make you feel like a true professional chef. Enjoy your meal!