These savory puff pastry pockets are the perfect combination of crispy, flaky pastry and a flavorful, hearty filling. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying snack or a delicious addition to a meal, these pastries are sure to impress. The filling is made with tender minced meat, aromatic sautéed onions, melty cheese, and boiled eggs, all seasoned with fragrant herbs like basil and parsley. It’s a versatile recipe, allowing you to choose your preferred type of meat and cheese to create the perfect flavor profile.

The preparation is simple yet rewarding, offering the comfort of homemade pastries without the complexity. Puff pastry is used as the base, which elevates the dish with its light, flaky texture. Once baked, the pastries turn golden brown and crisp, providing the perfect contrast to the rich and flavorful filling inside. The egg wash and optional garnish of sesame or black cumin seeds add a lovely finishing touch that makes these pastries as visually appealing as they are delicious.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering, enjoying a family meal, or preparing a snack for yourself, these savory pastries are a delightful choice. They’re easy to make, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a batch of golden, flaky pastries filled with savory goodness that will satisfy any appetite.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

1 sheet of puff pastry (or more as needed)
Butter (for greasing)
1 onion, finely chopped
1 tsp dried basil
300g minced meat (beef, chicken, or pork)
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
100g cheese (grated, such as mozzarella or cheddar)
1 bunch of parsley, chopped
2 boiled eggs, chopped

For the Assembly:

1 egg yolk (for brushing the pastry)
1 tbsp milk (to mix with egg yolk)
Sesame seeds or black cumin seeds (optional, for garnish)

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Sauté the Onions: In a pan over medium heat, melt a small amount of butter and add the finely chopped onion. Sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Cook the Minced Meat: Add the minced meat to the pan and cook until browned, stirring occasionally to break it into small crumbles. Season with salt, black pepper, and dried basil.
Add the Additional Ingredients: Remove from heat and stir in the grated cheese, chopped parsley, and boiled eggs. Mix well and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll Out the Pastry: Lightly flour your surface and roll out the puff pastry to your desired thickness. If using frozen puff pastry, ensure it is fully thawed before rolling.
Cut into Portions: Depending on how you’d like to serve it, you can cut the pastry into squares, rectangles, or circles.

Step 3: Assemble the Pastry

Fill the Pastry: Place a spoonful of the meat and cheese filling onto the center of each pastry piece.
Seal the Edges: Fold the pastry over the filling to form a pocket or triangle. Press the edges with a fork to seal.
Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk, then brush this mixture over the top of each pastry. This will give it a beautiful golden color.
Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle sesame seeds or black cumin seeds over the pastry for added texture and flavor.

Step 4: Bake the Pastries

Transfer to the Oven: Place the pastries onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have space between them.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
Cool Slightly: Let the pastries cool for a few minutes before serving, as the filling will be very hot.

Serving Suggestions

These savory puff pastries pair well with a fresh salad, a yogurt-based dip, or a simple tomato salsa. You can also serve them with a warm bowl of soup for a heartier meal.

Savory puff pastry with minced meat and cheese is a fantastic dish that’s easy to make and sure to impress. The flaky layers of pastry combined with the rich, flavorful filling make it a comforting yet elegant treat. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is highly versatile—you can experiment with different types of cheese, meats, and seasonings to suit your taste. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, these pastries are bound to become a favorite in your household.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious, homemade goodness of crispy puff pastry packed with a savory filling. Happy cooking!