Cheese Stars

Name: Cheese Stars - Catalina I.
Ingredients: 200g Baneasa pasta; fusilli type; 1 egg; A pinch of salt; 50 ml of milk; 100g chicken breast pastrama; 100g grated cheese

Pasta/Pizza - Cheese Stars by Catalina I. - Recipia

Cheesy Stars (Savory Muffins with Pasta and Pastrama) If you have kids, you surely have all sorts of shapes and muffin trays around the house. For us, such recipes often appear at breakfast or when I want to pack something different. I usually make extra pasta, and these cheesy stars come together quickly when I want to use up leftovers. They are suitable warm or cold, and if you have pastrama on hand, you can make them with little effort. Quick Info Total time: approx. 1 hour Preparation time: 15 minutes Baking time: 45 minutes Servings: 6-8 muffins (depends on the size of the tray) Difficulty: easy Recipe type: appetizer/savory muffins, breakfast, snack Ingredients 200 g short pasta (like fusilli) 1 egg a pinch of salt 50 ml milk 100 g chicken breast pastrama (or similar, as lean as possible) 100 g grated cheese Preparation Steps 1. Cook the pasta Boil the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. Drain well when ready and let it cool slightly while you prepare the other ingredients. 2. Prepare the filling Beat the egg with a pinch of salt and the milk, just enough to mix. Cut the chicken breast pastrama into small cubes. Grate the cheese if you don’t have it already grated. 3. Assemble in the trays In the muffin trays, place a layer of cooked pasta, about halfway up each mold. Pour half of the egg and milk mixture over the pasta. Add the cubes of pastrama over the pasta layer. Place the remaining pasta on top, distributing evenly. Pour the other half of the egg and milk mixture on top, then sprinkle the grated cheese. 4. Bake the muffins Put the tray in the preheated oven at 180°C (or medium heat). Bake for about 45 minutes, until they are lightly golden on top. The cheese should be melted and have a slightly golden crust. 5. Remove and serve Let the muffins sit for a few minutes, then carefully remove them from the molds. They can be eaten warm or cold. Why I make this recipe often It's useful when I have leftover pasta or if I want a quick appetizer for several people. They are easy to transport, I take them on picnics or pack them. I like that they can be made with whatever you have on hand, and the kids eat them without problems. Tips and Variations Tips - If the pasta is too wet, drain it well before putting it in the molds, so the muffins don’t get too soggy. - When removing the muffins from the tray, let them cool for a few minutes to make it easier to release them. - You can use special muffin paper if the tray is not non-stick. Substitutions - Instead of chicken breast pastrama, you can use lean ham, turkey breast, or for a meatless version, skip this ingredient. - For cheese, any hard grated cheese works (edam, gouda, trappist, etc). Variations - You can add a few pieces of bell pepper or sliced olives if you want a different flavor. - You can use pasta of other shapes (penne, shells), but they should be small and short. - If you want more texture, you can sprinkle a little breadcrumbs on top before baking. Serving Ideas - You can pack them along with sliced fresh vegetables. - For quick snacks, they are good plain, warm, or with a yogurt dip on the side. - They can also be placed on appetizer platters at parties. Frequently Asked Questions Can I use pasta cooked a day before? Yes, if the pasta was cooked simply and stored in the fridge, you can use it directly, just make sure it is well drained. If I don’t have a muffin tray, can I bake in a regular tray? You can put the mixture in a small tray lined with baking paper. In the end, cut into pieces, but the baking time may vary slightly. What do I do if the muffins don’t come out easily from the tray? Before putting in the mixture, grease the molds well with a little oil or butter, or use special muffin paper. Can I freeze the cheesy stars? I do not recommend it, the texture of the pasta and cheese does not remain the same after thawing. Can they be made without eggs? Eggs help bind the mixture, but if you don’t want eggs, the muffins won’t hold together as well. You can try, but the result will be different. Nutritional Values (estimates for one muffin) Calories: ~150-180 kcal Protein: 9-11 g Carbohydrates: 18-22 g Fats: 5-7 g Values vary depending on the type of cheese and pastrama used. The information is indicative, for one muffin from 6-8 obtained from this amount. Storage and Reheating The muffins can be stored in the fridge in a covered container for up to 2 days. You can eat them cold, but if you want to reheat them, put them in the oven for 5-10 minutes or in the microwave for 30 seconds. I do not recommend freezing, as they become too soft after thawing.

Cheese Stars

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