Cheese pastries

Cheese Pastries – Simple and Delicious Recipe

A special recipe that you can enjoy at any time of the day, cheese pastries are a true culinary indulgence. These pastry delights, with a crispy puff pastry and creamy cheese filling, are perfect for a quick breakfast, a snack between meals, or even to impress guests at a party. Let's see step by step how you can prepare these wonders!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 50-55 minutes
Number of servings: 12-16 pastries

Ingredients:
- 800 g puff pastry (you can use store-bought or make it at home)
- 200 g cottage cheese
- 200 g cream cheese
- 200 g cheese (or feta cheese for a saltier taste)
- 1 tablespoon semolina
- 2 eggs
- 100 g sugar
- Vanilla essence (or lemon zest for a fresh taste)
- Zest of one lemon (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing)
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (for brushing)

Preparation:

1. Thawing the dough: Make sure the puff pastry is completely thawed. You can leave it at room temperature for a few hours or, for more safety, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. This step is essential for achieving a perfect texture.

2. Preparing the filling: In a large bowl, add the cottage cheese, cream cheese, and grated cheese. Mix well using a spatula or a hand mixer until smooth. Add the semolina, eggs, sugar, vanilla essence, and lemon zest. Mix everything until you obtain a uniform composition. Let the mixture chill for 10 minutes to thicken slightly.

3. Preparing the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a thin sheet. Cut it into squares of about 10x10 cm or, if you prefer, you can cut it into circles for a more classic shape.

4. Filling the pastries: On each square of dough, place a tablespoon of the cheese mixture in the center. You can either roll the dough around the filling or fold it in half, forming a triangle or rectangle. Make sure the edges are well pressed to avoid leaks.

5. Placing on the tray: Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the prepared pastries, leaving a little space between them to bake evenly.

6. Brushing the pastries: In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk with the 2-3 tablespoons of milk. Use a pastry brush to brush each pastry, which will help achieve a golden and appetizing crust.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (or 350°F). Bake the pastries for 25-30 minutes, or until they become golden and crispy. You will know they are ready when they puff up nicely and have an appetizing color.

8. Serving: Let the pastries cool for a few minutes before serving. They are delicious both warm and at room temperature. You can serve them with a yogurt or sour cream dip, which will add a refreshing note.

Practical tips:
- If you want to enhance the filling, you can add fresh herbs like dill or parsley for an even more interesting taste.
- Instead of cheese, you can use feta cheese for a more intense flavor. Or, if you like something sweeter, add some raisins to the filling.
- Cheese pastries can be frozen. I recommend baking them a little less, letting them cool completely, then placing them in an airtight container in the freezer. When you need them, you can bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Nutritional benefits:
These cheese pastries are an excellent source of protein, thanks to the cheese and eggs. Cottage cheese and cheese also contribute to calcium intake, essential for bone health. The added semolina provides a pleasant texture and helps thicken the filling. However, it is good to know that these pastries, being made from puff pastry, can be higher in calories, so consume them in moderation.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use homemade puff pastry? Sure! If you feel adventurous, making puff pastry at home can be a satisfying experience.
- How can I customize the filling? Try adding sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to diversify the recipe.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe using vegan cheese and chia or flax eggs as substitutes for eggs.

Possible variations:
- Cheese and spinach pastries: add fresh or frozen spinach to the cheese mixture for an extra boost of nutrients and flavor.
- Cheese and mushroom pastries: sautéed mushrooms add delicious flavor and interesting texture.

These cheese pastries are more than just a simple culinary dish; they are an invitation to enjoy the simple moments in life, surrounded by loved ones. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, they are sure to become a favorite of yours! Enjoy!