Cheese and ham pastries

Cheese and Ham Pastries - A Delicious Treat for Any Occasion

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Number of servings: 20-25 pastries

A recipe that can turn any meal into a celebration is undoubtedly the cheese and ham pastries. These delicious treats are easy to make and can be enjoyed for breakfast, as appetizers at a party, or even in a lunchbox for school. With a fluffy texture and rich flavor, they are sure to become family favorites.

Pastries have a rich history, being a traditional dish in many cultures. Over time, each region has brought its own variation and specific ingredients, but the essence remains the same: a yeast dough filled with delicious ingredients. In this recipe, we chose the perfect combination of cheese and ham, but feel free to experiment with other fillings you like!

Ingredients

- 500 g flour
- 1 packet (7 g) dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 200 ml lukewarm milk
- 2 eggs
- 100 g butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 egg yolk + 1 tablespoon milk for brushing
- 150 g grated cheese
- 100 g diced ham

Step by Step

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the flour is of good quality and the yeast is fresh for the best results. You can also use smoked ham for a more intense flavor.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, dry yeast, and salt. Mix well to ensure the yeast is evenly distributed.

3. Preparing the wet ingredients:
In a small saucepan, heat the milk together with the sugar and butter, stirring constantly until the butter is completely melted. Let the mixture cool slightly, then add the beaten eggs and mix well.

4. Combining the ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or your hands to combine the ingredients until a dough forms. It is normal for the dough to be a little sticky at first.

5. Kneading:
On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 5 minutes. The dough should become elastic and smooth. If it is too sticky, you can add a little flour, but don't overdo it, as we want a soft dough.

6. Rising:
Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

7. Shaping the pastries:
After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a thick sheet about 1-2 cm thick. Use a round cutter (or a glass) to cut out pastries. If you want larger pastries, use a bowl, and for smaller sizes, a cup or a small glass.

8. Filling:
On each cut pastry, place a teaspoon of cheese and a few cubes of ham, then gently fold the edges to cover the filling. Arrange the pastries on a greased or parchment-lined baking tray.

9. Brushing:
In a small bowl, mix the egg yolk with a tablespoon of milk and brush each pastry to get a golden and appetizing crust.

10. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and bake the pastries for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden and fluffy.

Practical Tip

To achieve pastries with an even more intense flavor, you can add herbs (such as dill or thyme) to the dough or use goat cheese instead of cheese. You can also experiment with different types of ham, such as turkey or even prosciutto.

Serving

These pastries are delicious warm, but can also be enjoyed at room temperature. A great idea is to serve them with a glass of yogurt or milk for a complete meal. They can also be included in appetizer platters alongside olives, cheeses, and fresh vegetables.

Nutritional Information

Cheese and ham pastries are a good source of protein, healthy fats from butter, and carbohydrates from flour, making them ideal for providing energy. Each pastry has about 150-200 calories, depending on size and ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can replace part of the white flour with whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that the texture will be slightly different.

2. How can I store the pastries?
They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the freezer for up to a month.

3. What other fillings can I use?
Instead of ham and cheese, you can experiment with spinach and feta cheese, sautéed mushrooms, or even seafood.

Cheese and ham pastries are more than just a simple appetizer - they are an invitation to enjoy cooking and the moments spent with loved ones. So, put on your chef's attire and enjoy this simple yet extremely delicious recipe! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 500 g flour, 1 packet of yeast, 1 teaspoon salt, 200 ml milk, 2 eggs, 100 g butter, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 egg yolk + 1 tablespoon milk for brushing, 150 g grated cheese, 100 g diced ham

 Tags:  the dishes cheese delaco