Minced Meat with Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Directions:

1. Prepare the Minced Meat Filling:

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant. Add the minced meat to the pan, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Stir occasionally, ensuring the meat is browned evenly.

Season the meat with cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for 5–7 minutes until the meat is fully cooked and any excess liquid has evaporated. Remove the pan from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. If your puff pastry is too thick, you can roll it out slightly to make it thinner.

Spread a thin layer of the cooled minced meat mixture over the entire surface of the pastry. Make sure to leave a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the meat filling. You can use a cheese like mozzarella or cheddar, or even a combination of both, depending on your taste preference.

3. Form the Pinwheels:

Carefully roll up the puff pastry sheet into a tight log, starting from one edge. Once you have a tight roll, use a sharp knife to slice the log into 1-inch wide pinwheels. Place the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced a little apart so they don’t stick together while baking.

4. Apply Egg Wash:

To achieve a golden, shiny finish, beat the egg and brush it lightly over the top of each pinwheel. This step will give the pastry its rich color and a nice crispy texture once baked.

5. Bake the Pinwheels:

Place the pinwheels in the preheated oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to make sure they don’t burn. The puff pastry should be crisp and flaky, with the filling perfectly melted inside.

6. Serve:

Once the pinwheels are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and freshness. For extra flavor, you can serve the pinwheels with a side of yogurt or your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips for Success:

• Customize the Filling: You can easily modify the filling to suit your taste. Try adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the minced meat mixture. You could also use different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, for a different flavor profile.
• Make Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the pinwheels ahead of time. Assemble them and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the pinwheels before baking and bake them straight from the freezer when needed.
• Serving Suggestions: These pinwheels are delicious on their own but can be paired with a refreshing salad or served as part of a larger spread for a party or gathering.

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

These Minced Meat with Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels are the perfect balance of crispy, savory, and cheesy goodness. The combination of flaky puff pastry, well-seasoned minced meat, and melted cheese creates a delicious bite-sized treat that everyone will enjoy. Whether you serve them as appetizers at a party, a quick snack for the family, or as a part of a main meal, these pinwheels are sure to be a hit. Easy to prepare, highly customizable, and absolutely scrumptious, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen!