Mini pastries with cream cheese and roasted cherry tomatoes

Mini Pastries with Cream Cheese and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Discover the delight of these mini pastries filled with cream cheese and roasted cherry tomatoes, a simple yet flavorful recipe perfect for appetizers or snacks at parties. These little treats are crispy on the outside and filled with a rich cream cheese mixture and sweet, oven-roasted tomatoes. Plus, they are very easy to make, making them ideal even for those with little kitchen experience.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12 mini pastries

Ingredients needed:

For the dough:
- 225 g flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 50 g butter, diced and at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon basil-flavored olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 125 ml sour cream
- 1 egg

For the filling:
- 200 g cream cheese (preferably Philadelphia or similar)
- 200 g cherry tomatoes

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (350°F). This is the ideal temperature for achieving a crispy, golden crust.

2. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Then, add the diced butter. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour until you achieve a crumbly texture. It's essential not to overwork the dough to maintain its lightness.

3. Add wet ingredients: Incorporate the basil-flavored olive oil and dried basil. Then, add the sour cream and egg. Mix well until all ingredients are combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make the dough tough.

4. Shape the mini pastries: On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, use a teaspoon to form small balls of dough, leaving space between them. They will expand while baking, so make sure they're not too close together.

5. Bake the dough: Place the tray in the oven and bake the mini pastries for 15-20 minutes, or until they have risen and are beautifully golden. Allow them to cool slightly.

6. Prepare the cherry tomatoes: While the pastries are baking, prepare the cherry tomatoes. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Wash the cherry tomatoes and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 30-45 minutes, until they are tender and caramelized.

7. Assemble the mini pastries: Once the pastries have cooled, cut a small lid off the top of each mini pastry with a knife. Use a teaspoon to add cream cheese to each pastry, then top with a few roasted cherry tomatoes. Replace the lid.

Serving suggestions: These mini pastries are delicious warm but can also be served at room temperature. I recommend pairing them with a dry white wine or a fruit cocktail for a special appetizer. You can also add a few fresh basil leaves on top for a more elegant presentation.

Practical tips:
- For an even fluffier dough, you can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- If you want a vegetarian option, consider adding black olives or roasted bell peppers to the filling.
- These mini pastries can be frozen, allowing you to prepare them in advance. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container.

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 150 kcal
- Fat: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Protein: 4 g

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with feta or ricotta cheese to change the flavors.
- What other ingredients can I add? You can add olives, bell peppers, or even mushrooms to diversify the filling.
- Can I prepare the dough in advance? Yes, you can make the dough a day ahead and keep it in the fridge.

These mini pastries with cream cheese and roasted cherry tomatoes are not just a treat but also a wonderful way to impress your guests with something simple yet sophisticated. Enjoy every bite and cherish your time spent in the kitchen!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 225 g flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, a pinch of salt, 50 g butter, 1 tablespoon olive oil with basil flavor, 1 teaspoon crushed basil, 125 ml sour cream, 1 egg. For the filling: cream cheese, roasted cherry tomatoes (take cherry tomatoes, drizzle with olive oil and roast for 30-45 minutes at 200°C).

 Tags:  pastries cream cheese tomatoes delaco