Minced Meat with Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Minced Meat Filling

• Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onions turn translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add the minced meat to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes.
• Season with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add any extra herbs or spices you enjoy. If you like a bit of extra texture, stir in the breadcrumbs to absorb excess moisture and create a firmer filling.
• Once the mixture is fully cooked and seasoned, remove from heat and let it cool slightly before mixing in the grated cheese. The cheese should melt and blend into the warm meat, creating a deliciously gooey filling. Set this aside.

2. Prepare the Puff Pastry

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Roll out the sheet of puff pastry on a clean, flat surface. If your puff pastry is frozen, make sure to thaw it according to package instructions.
• Lightly flour your rolling surface to prevent sticking, and roll the puff pastry to even out any creases.

3. Assemble the Pinwheels

• Once the puff pastry is laid flat, spread the cooled minced meat and cheese mixture evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
• Carefully roll the pastry into a tight log, starting from one edge and rolling it to the other. Ensure that the filling stays inside and doesn’t spill out as you roll.
• After rolling the pastry, use a sharp knife to slice it into 1-inch wide pinwheels. Be gentle as you cut to maintain the circular shape of the pinwheels.

4. Prepare for Baking

• Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced evenly apart.
• Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush the tops of the pinwheels with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
• Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the top of each pinwheel for extra flavor.

5. Bake the Pinwheels

• Bake the pinwheels in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is bubbling and melted.
• Keep an eye on the pinwheels towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-browning. If the edges are getting too dark, you can cover them loosely with aluminum foil.

6. Serve and Enjoy

• Remove the pinwheels from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve them warm as an appetizer, snack, or even as a main dish alongside a light salad or dipping sauce.
• These pinwheels pair wonderfully with a tangy dip, such as sour cream, yogurt, or a tomato-based sauce. For a spicy kick, try serving with a sriracha mayo or harissa sauce.

Variations and Tips:

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the minced meat with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or crumbled tofu to create a delicious vegetarian version. Season with your favorite spices for extra flavor.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese for your filling. Gouda, Swiss, feta, or goat cheese all offer distinct flavors that can elevate your pinwheels.
• Add Veggies: You can mix in some finely chopped spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini into the filling to add extra veggies and nutrition.
• Make-Ahead: These pinwheels are perfect for making ahead. You can prepare and roll the pastry, then refrigerate or freeze them until ready to bake. Just make sure to adjust the baking time if baking from frozen.

Why You’ll Love These Minced Meat with Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels:

• Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients, these pinwheels come together quickly, making them a great choice for a last-minute snack or a simple dinner.
• Versatile: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether you like spicy, cheesy, or veggie-packed, these pinwheels are adaptable.
• Impressive: Despite being easy to make, these pinwheels look and taste impressive, making them perfect for parties, gatherings, or family meals.

Conclusion:

Minced Meat with Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels are a crowd-pleasing, flavorful treat that everyone will love. The combination of savory minced meat, melted cheese, and flaky pastry is irresistible. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a quick meal, these pinwheels are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy these deliciously easy bites!