Bacon and sheep cheese pastries

Delicious pastries with cheese and bacon

Today, I present you with a recipe that will not only delight your taste buds but also turn any meal into a celebration. These pastries with cheese and bacon are perfect for pampering a loved one or impressing guests at a party. The good news is that they are quick and easy to prepare, and the final result is simply divine.

A brief history of pastries

Pastries are a culinary tradition that dates back centuries. Their origins are lost in the mists of time, but they have always been a popular choice in various cuisines around the world. The flaky dough that wraps delicious fillings was created to preserve the freshness of the ingredients and provide a crispy texture. The recipe we will explore today combines strong-flavored cheese with salty bacon, creating an irresistible combination.

Preparation time

- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Baking time: 25-30 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
- Number of servings: 16 pastries

Ingredients

- 2 packages of puff pastry (approximately 420 g)
- 200 g cottage cheese
- 500 g cheese
- 4 egg yolks
- 200 g sliced bacon
- 2 egg yolks for brushing
- Sesame seeds for decoration

Steps for preparation

1. Preparing the filling: Start by mashing the cheese in a large bowl. Add the 4 egg yolks and mix well until you get a homogeneous composition. Make sure the cheese is well crumbled so there are no large pieces left.

2. Preparing the dough: Sprinkle a little flour on the work surface to prevent sticking. Open the first package of puff pastry and roll it out until it becomes even. Buy the dough from a trusted store, like LIDL, where you can find quality products.

3. Cutting the dough: Cut the dough into 16 equal pieces. Each piece should be approximately 10x10 cm, but it doesn't have to be perfect - rustic is better!

4. Filling the pastries: On each piece of dough, place half a slice of bacon in the center. On top of the bacon, add a teaspoon of the cheese mixture. Make sure the filling is well distributed, but do not use too much to avoid leaks.

5. Forming the pastries: Wet the edges of each piece of dough with a little egg yolk, then fold the dough in half, forming a pillow. Press the edges with a fork to seal the pastry well.

6. Decoration: Use a fork to make a few diagonal cuts on each pastry. These cuts not only provide an elegant look but also allow steam to escape during baking. Then, brush each pastry with the remaining egg yolk and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added texture and flavor.

7. Baking: Place the pastries on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them to spread. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the pastries for 25-30 minutes or until golden and crispy.

8. Cooling and serving: Once the pastries are ready, let them cool on a rack. They can be served warm, but they are just as delicious at room temperature. You can accompany them with a fresh green salad or a yogurt sauce with dill.

Useful tips

- Choose the cheese: If you don’t have cheese on hand, you can also try other types of cheese, such as feta or ricotta, for a less salty option.
- Variations: You can add herbs like dill or parsley to the cheese mixture for an even stronger flavor. You can also replace the bacon with ham or even vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- Freezing: These pastries can easily be frozen before baking. After shaping them, place them on a tray and put them in the freezer. Once frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer bag and keep them for up to 2 months.

Nutritional information

The pastries with cheese and bacon are, of course, a richer appetizer in calories, but they also offer certain nutritional benefits. Cottage cheese and cheese are excellent sources of calcium and protein, while bacon adds a note of umami and richness. Each pastry contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the size and ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I make the pastries without eggs?
Yes, you can replace the egg yolks with a potato puree or a mixture of water and flour to seal the edge.

- Can I use dough bought from another store?
Sure, just make sure to choose a good quality puff pastry that will hold up during baking.

- How long can I keep the pastries?
The pastries can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days in an airtight container. Reheat them in the oven to regain their crispy texture.

Serving suggestions

These pastries are perfect to serve as an appetizer at parties, but they can also be a quick lunch accompanied by a green salad or a yogurt sauce with garlic. A cold lemonade or a dry white wine will perfectly complement this culinary experience.

The pastries with cheese and bacon are a true culinary indulgence. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply to enjoy a moment of comfort, they will bring smiles and appreciation from loved ones. Enjoy!

The dough is fresh, so it should be worked immediately. The cheese (sheep and cow) is crumbled and mixed with 4 egg yolks. A sheet of dough is placed on a floured work surface and rolled out. It is cut into 16 pieces. In the center of each piece, a half slice of bacon is placed. A heaping teaspoon of cheese mixture is added to each piece. The edges are brushed with egg yolk, folded over, and the edges are pressed with a fork. A diagonal cut is made on each pillow, and they are placed on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. They are brushed with egg yolk and sprinkled with sesame seeds. The same is done with the second sheet of dough. They are baked in a preheated oven at 180 degrees for 25-30 minutes. When they are nicely browned, they are ready. Let them cool. They are good warm. Enjoy your meal! You can also use any cheese you like. You can make half the quantity to yield fewer pieces.

 Ingredients: 2 packs of puff pastry 420g (LIDL) 200g cow cheese 500g sheep cheese 4 egg yolks 200g sliced bacon 2 egg yolks for brushing sesame seeds

 Tags:  bacon and sheep cheese pastries the day i pamper my wife cheese spread cheese appetizer bacon sandwich