These Savory Puff Pastries with Minced Meat and Cheese are golden, flaky, and bursting with flavorful filling. Perfect for appetizers, snacks, or a hearty meal, these pastries are easy to make and endlessly customizable. Ready in under an hour, they’re a crowd-pleaser for any occasion!

Ingredients

Makes: 12 pastries
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes

For the Filling

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 300g (10 oz) ground beef or lamb
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

For the Pastry

• 1 package puff pastry sheets (2 sheets), thawed
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Sesame seeds or nigella seeds (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Filling:

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
• Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add ground beef or lamb, breaking it apart, and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
• Stir in paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and tomato paste (if using). Cook until the mixture is dry.
• Remove from heat, stir in parsley, and let cool slightly. Mix in shredded cheese.

1. Prepare the Pastries:

• Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
• Roll out puff pastry sheets and cut each into 6 rectangles or squares (12 total).
• Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each piece.
• Fold into triangles or rectangles, pressing edges with a fork to seal.

1. Bake:

• Brush pastries with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame or nigella seeds, if desired.
• Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and puffed up.

Optional Variations

• Creamy Twist: Add a tablespoon of cream cheese or ricotta to the filling for extra richness.
• Protein Swap: Use ground chicken, turkey, or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of tangy yogurt dip or spicy ketchup.
• Pair with a fresh salad for a light meal.
• Perfect for parties, picnics, or meal prep!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour with minimal prep.
• Versatile: Customize the filling to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Flaky, cheesy, and savory—these pastries are irresistible!

Try these Savory Puff Pastries with Minced Meat and Cheese and let us know how they turned out! Share your creations in the comments or tag us on social media. #PuffPastry #SavorySnacks #MeatAndCheese