Why Make This Recipe
Cheese pastries are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of cheese with a light and flaky pastry. They make for an excellent snack or appetizer, perfect for gatherings or even a cozy family meal. The combination of feta and mozzarella adds a savory depth that’s satisfying and easy to love. Plus, making cheese pastries from scratch allows you to customize the filling to suit your taste. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, these pastries are straightforward to prepare, making them a great project in the kitchen.
How to Make Cheese Pastries
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup water (as needed)
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your pastries will bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown color.
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder. Mix them well with a whisk to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
- Add yogurt and softened butter into the flour mixture. Use your hands or a fork to work the ingredients together until they become crumbly.
- Gradually add water, a little at a time, until the dough comes together. Be careful not to add too much water, as you want the dough to be smooth but not sticky.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth. Cover the dough with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix them thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
Roll Out the Dough:
- After the dough has rested, take it out and roll it out on a floured surface until it is about 1/8-inch thick.
- Use a round cutter or a cup to cut out circles in the dough.
Fill and Shape the Pastries:
- Place about a tablespoon of the cheese filling on one half of each circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the pastries to burst during baking.
- Fold the other half of the circle over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal, and then crimp them with a fork for a decorative touch.
Egg Wash and Bake:
- Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the tops of the pastries. This gives them a beautiful, golden sheen when baked.
- Place the sealed pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced apart to allow for expansion.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the pastries are golden brown.
Cool and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the pastries from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
How to Serve Cheese Pastries
Cheese pastries can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. They make a perfect appetizer for parties or can be served as a delightful snack throughout the day. Pair them with a side of marinara or tzatziki sauce for dipping or serve them alongside a fresh salad for a light meal.
Feel free to garnish the serving platter with fresh herbs or some extra parsley to add color and a touch of freshness to your presentation.
How to Store Cheese Pastries
To store any leftover cheese pastries, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for the best results. If you want to store them for longer, consider freezing them before baking. Wrap each uncooked pastry in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw; just pop them directly into the preheated oven and increase the baking time by a few minutes.
Tips to Make Cheese Pastries
- Customize the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese based on what you have on hand. Cheddar, goat cheese, or even cream cheese can be delicious substitutes or additions.
- Add Extras: For a flavor boost, consider adding herbs like dill or oregano, or spices such as black pepper or paprika to the cheese filling.
- Avoid Overfilling: Make sure not to overfill the dough circles, as this can cause the pastry to break during baking. A tablespoon of filling will be just enough.
- Try Different Shapes: Instead of half-moons, you can also shape your pastries into triangles or pockets for a different look.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling and dough in advance. Keep the dough wrapped in the fridge for up to a day before assembling the pastries.
Variations
- Spinach and Cheese Pastries: Add some cooked spinach to the cheese filling for a delicious twist. It adds a nice color and extra nutrients.
- Meat-filled Pastries: For those who enjoy meat, consider adding cooked ground beef or chicken to your cheese mixture for a heartier version.
- Sweet Cheese Pastries: For a different flavor profile, add a bit of sugar and vanilla to ricotta cheese for a sweet version, perfect for dessert.
FAQs
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can make the dough a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.What can I serve with cheese pastries?
Cheese pastries pair well with a variety of sauces like marinara, garlic butter, or tzatziki. They can also be served with a fresh side salad.How do I know when my cheese pastries are done?
They are done baking when they are golden brown on top and the pastry feels firm to the touch. A golden color indicates a perfectly baked pastry.
Cheese Pastries
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 pastries 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful cheese pastries filled with a savory blend of feta and mozzarella, perfect for snacks or appetizers.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup water (as needed)
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder.
- Add yogurt and softened butter. Mix until crumbly.
- Gradually add water until the dough comes together, then knead for 5 minutes.
- Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix feta cheese, mozzarella, and parsley to prepare the filling.
- Roll out the dough to 1/8-inch thickness and cut out circles.
- Place a tablespoon of filling on one half of each circle, fold, and seal.
- Brush tops with beaten egg and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
Can be customized with different cheeses or additional herbs. Best served warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cheese pastries, appetizer, savory snack, baking, Mediterranean recipes