Cheese dough snails

Cheese Dough Snails – a family recipe that brings smiles

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Sometimes, the simplest recipes are the ones that bring us the warmest memories. This is the case with cheese dough snails, a specialty lovingly prepared by my daughter, Beatrice. These fluffy and aromatic snails are perfect for a snack or even as an appetizer for a special occasion. Let’s embark on this culinary journey together!

A few words about the recipe

Cheese dough snails have a well-rooted history in our kitchen, often made in various versions depending on the available ingredients. The dough is soft and easy to handle, while the filling is full of flavors and textures, thanks to the cheese, peppers, and olives. This recipe is not only delicious but also very versatile, allowing you to experiment with different ingredients and combinations.

Ingredients

*For the dough:*
- 120 g cottage cheese – make sure it is fresh for a better taste
- 300 g flour – you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option
- 2 eggs – at room temperature for better incorporation
- 4 tablespoons of milk – whole milk gives a richer texture
- 4 tablespoons of oil – olive oil can be an excellent choice for added flavor
- ½ packet of baking powder – ensures even rising of the dough

*For the filling:*
- 150 g cottage cheese – the same cheese as in the dough, to maintain flavor harmony
- 4 tablespoons of sour cream – choosing one with a higher fat content will add creaminess
- 50 g olives – pitted, diced; green olives bring a fresher taste
- Salt – to taste
- Parsley leaves – fresh and chopped, for added freshness
- 1 bell pepper – diced, adding a crunchy and sweet note

Step by step – Preparation method

1. Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese with one egg, milk, and oil. Use a fork to mix well, ensuring the cheese is well broken down. Then add the flour and baking powder, mixing with a spatula or your hands until you get a homogeneous and slightly sticky dough. Don’t worry if the dough seems a bit soft; it will become firmer as you knead it.

2. Preparing the filling
In another bowl, mix the diced bell pepper and olives with the cottage cheese, the 4 tablespoons of sour cream, the chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Make sure the filling is well seasoned, tasting it to adjust the salt if necessary.

3. Assembling the snails
On a floured work surface, roll out the dough with a rolling pin until you get a thin sheet, about 0.5 cm thick. Evenly distribute the filling over the dough, leaving a margin of about 1 cm on each side. Whip the egg white of the second egg until frothy and brush the edges of the dough sheet with it. Roll the dough tightly, starting from one end, to form a log. Press the edges well to prevent them from coming apart during baking.

4. Cutting and arranging the snails
Using a sharp knife, cut the log into thick slices of about 2 cm. Place the slices cut side up in a baking dish lined with parchment paper and greased with a little butter to prevent sticking. This step is essential to achieve a crispy crust.

5. Baking the snails
Mix the remaining egg yolk with the sour cream and pour the mixture over the snails. This will give them a golden color and an appetizing texture. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the snails for 20 minutes or until they turn golden and fluffy.

Helpful tips:

- If you want to experiment, try adding other ingredients to the filling, such as ham, sautéed mushrooms, or even feta cheese for a more intense flavor.
- For a vegetarian option, you can replace the ham with diced zucchini or courgette.
- Serve the snails warm, alongside a fresh salad or a yogurt sauce with dill, to balance the flavors.

Nutritional benefits

These cheese dough snails are a hearty choice, providing protein from cheese and eggs, as well as fiber from the flour. They can be adapted to include fresh vegetables, thus contributing to the intake of essential vitamins and minerals. Each serving contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of cheese?
Of course! You can experiment with mozzarella, ricotta, or even goat cheese for different flavors.

2. How can I store leftover snails?
They store well in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days. They can be reheated in the oven to regain their crispy texture.

3. Can I freeze the snails?
Yes, it’s an excellent option! You can freeze them before baking. Place them on a tray in the freezer, then transfer them to a freezer container. When you want to consume them, bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

Now that you’ve discovered this delicious cheese dough snail recipe, all that’s left is to try it! Cooking is a wonderful way to create memories with loved ones, and these snails are perfect for bringing a touch of joy to every meal. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 120 g of cottage cheese, 300 g of flour, 2 eggs, 4 tablespoons of milk, 4 tablespoons of oil, 1/2 packet of baking powder. For the filling: 150 g of cottage cheese, 4 tablespoons of sour cream, 50 g of olives, salt, parsley leaves, 1 bell pepper.