Cheese Pastries by Mitinita

Cheese Pogăcele: The Perfect Delight for Any Occasion

Cheese pogăcele are those treats that remind you of warm moments spent around the table, where the freshly baked aroma of cheese delights your senses. These fluffy snacks are ideal for a quick bite, a delicious appetizer, or simply to be enjoyed alongside a glass of milk or beer, depending on your preferences.

In this captivating recipe, I will guide you step by step to prepare the most delicious cheese pogăcele, just as I learned from Adina. I promise that the result will surprise you and make you come back to this recipe again and again!

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Number of servings: 20-25 pogăcele

Necessary ingredients:

- 350 g flour
- 130 ml warm milk
- 50 ml oil
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 200 g fine cream cheese from Delaco
- 250 g goat cheese
- 1 egg white for brushing

Step 1: Preparing the dough

1. Start by gently warming the milk until it becomes warm, not hot. It is essential not to exceed this temperature, or the yeast will not activate properly.
2. In a bowl, add the warm milk, sugar, and the cube of yeast. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until a foam forms on the surface. This means the yeast is active and will help the dough rise.
3. Once the yeast is activated, add the flour, salt, oil, and egg yolk. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix the ingredients until you obtain a homogeneous dough.
4. Begin kneading the dough on a working surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough sticks, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it, as your pogăcele will become too hard.

Step 2: Let the dough rise

1. 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 an hour or until it doubles in volume.
2. While the dough is rising, you can prepare the filling. Grate the goat cheese and mix it with the cream cheese in a bowl. You can use a fork to combine the two types of cheese until you achieve a smooth and creamy mixture.

Step 3: Shaping the pogăcele

1. After the dough has risen, transfer it to a floured working surface. Roll it out with a rolling pin into a sheet about 1 cm thick.
2. Evenly spread the cheese mixture over the entire surface of the dough sheet. Then, fold the sheet in half, bringing one half over the other, and repeat the folding operation 3 times. This technique will give your pogăcele that fluffy, layered texture.
3. After the last fold, roll out the dough again and cut it into your desired shapes, whether you prefer squares, triangles, or circles. Place the pogăcele on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Step 4: Finalizing and baking

1. Let the pogăcele rise for 15 minutes, covering them with a towel. This will add an extra touch of fluffiness.
2. Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius.
3. Beat the egg white with a fork and brush the pogăcele with this mixture to give them a golden and appetizing crust.
4. Optionally, you can sprinkle poppy seeds or grated cheese on top for added flavor.
5. Bake the pogăcele in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they become golden and fluffy.

Step 5: Serving

1. Once baked, remove the pogăcele from the oven and let them cool slightly on a rack. They are delicious both warm and cold.
2. You can serve them alongside a glass of fresh milk, tea, or even a cold beer, depending on your preferences. These pogăcele are excellent as an appetizer at a party or as a quick snack throughout the day.

Practical tips:

- If you want fluffier pogăcele, make sure the dough sheet is 1 cm thick. Also, do not skip the rising stage, as it influences the final texture.
- You can experiment with different types of cheese in the filling, such as feta or mozzarella, to add a personal and unique touch.
- These pogăcele can be frozen. After they have completely cooled, you can place them in freezer bags. When you want to serve them, just take them out and let them come to room temperature or quickly heat them in the oven.

Nutritional benefits:

These cheese pogăcele are a good source of protein and calcium, thanks to the cheese, and provide a dose of carbohydrates from the flour, making them a perfect snack to give you energy throughout the day. Whole wheat flour can be used instead of white flour to add extra fiber.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
- Yes, you can use dry yeast, but you will need to use about 8 g (1 packet) of dry yeast.

2. How can I tell if the dough has risen properly?
- The dough should double in volume and have a fluffy texture when touched.

3. How can I keep the pogăcele fresh?
- Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness for 2-3 days.

In conclusion, these cheese pogăcele are an excellent choice for any occasion, being easy to prepare and delicious. Don't hesitate to try them and customize them to your taste! I invite you to share your impressions in the comments and share your variations. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 350 g flour, 130 ml warm milk, 50 ml oil, 1 cube (25 g) yeast, 1 egg yolk, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon sugar, 200 g Delaco fine cream cheese, 250 g goat cheese, 1 egg white for brushing.

 Tags:  cheese pastries pasta delaco