SAVORY CHEESE PASTRIES (CHEESE TURNOVERS): EASY AND DELICIOUS RECIPE
Savory cheese pastries are a delicious option for cheese lovers and fans of savory pastries. Easy to prepare and perfect for appetizers, starters, or even a snack, these turnovers are both crispy and creamy, filled with a generous amount of flavorful cheese. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe will help you make delicious savory cheese pastries that will delight your guests or family.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED
Before you begin preparing, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients to make these tasty savory cheese pastries. Here’s the list of ingredients:
THE DOUGH:
- 250 g puff pastry (you can also use shortcrust pastry if you prefer a firmer texture)
- 1 egg yolk (for glazing)
THE FILLING:
- 150 g grated cheese (Gruyère, Emmental, or Mozzarella)
- 50 g goat cheese (optional, for a more pronounced flavor)
- 2 tablespoons thick cream
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives (or any other herb of your choice, such as thyme or basil)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon mustard (optional, for added flavor)
HOW TO PREPARE SAVORY CHEESE PASTRIES
Making savory cheese pastries is simple and quick. Follow these steps to create these delicious pastries.
1: PREPARE THE CHEESE FILLING
- Mix the cheeses: In a large bowl, combine the grated cheeses (Gruyère, Emmental, or Mozzarella) with crumbled goat cheese. You can also add pieces of blue cheese or Parmesan if you like a stronger flavor.
- Add the cream: Add the thick cream to the cheese mixture to make the filling creamy. Mix well.
- Season: Add the chopped chives, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also add a tablespoon of mustard for an extra flavor boost, but this is optional.
- Set aside the filling: Stir well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined, and refrigerate the filling while you prepare the dough.
2: SHAPE THE SAVORY CHEESE PASTRIES
- Preheat the oven: Before you start shaping your pastries, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a large rectangle or circle, depending on the shape you want for your turnovers. Use a rolling pin to roll it evenly.
- Cut circles or squares: Use a round cookie cutter or a simple knife to cut circles or squares from the dough. The size of the pieces is determined by the desired size of each pastry (each turnover should have a diameter of about 8 to 10 cm).
- Add the filling: Spoon about a tablespoon of cheese filling onto the center of each piece of dough. To prevent the cheese from overflowing when baking, take care not to overfill.
- Seal the turnovers: Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-circle or triangle, depending on the shape you prefer. Press the edges to seal them, and you can use a fork to press down the edges and create a decorative pattern.
- Glaze the turnovers: Brush the top of each pastry with the beaten egg yolk for a golden finish after baking.
3: BAKE
- Place on a baking sheet: Place the turnovers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure to leave some space between each one so they can puff up properly.
- Bake: Bake the savory cheese pastries in the preheated oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Cool a little: After baking, take the pastries out of the oven and allow them to cool a little before serving.
TIPS FOR MAKING PERFECT SAVORY CHEESE PASTRIES
Here are a few tips to ensure your savory pastries turn out perfectly:
TIP 1: VARY THE CHEESES
Feel free to mix different types of cheese to vary the flavors. For example, you can use grated cheese (like Emmental) and add some goat cheese or Roquefort for a stronger taste.
TIP 2: USE PUFF PASTRY
Puff pastry is ideal for savory cheese pastries because it gives a light and crispy texture. If you prefer a thicker and less airy pastry, you can use shortcrust pastry instead.
CONCLUSION: A DELIGHT TO SHARE
Savory cheese pastries are a delicious and easy option for all cheese lovers. Whether you serve them as a starter, appetizer, or even as a main course, these turnovers are just as tasty warm or at room temperature. Their combination of crispy exterior and creamy interior makes them a true treat for the taste buds. Follow this simple recipe and enjoy a moment of indulgence with your loved ones!