Minced Meat with Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Filling:

• In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes soft and translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
• Add the minced meat to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
• Season with oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure the meat is evenly coated with the spices.
• Once the meat is fully cooked, remove from heat and let it cool slightly. This step is important so that the filling doesn’t melt the puff pastry when you roll it up.

2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. If it’s too thick, you can roll it out to make it slightly thinner, which will give your pinwheels a crispier texture.

3. Assemble the Pinwheels:

• Evenly spread the minced meat mixture over the entire surface of the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
• Sprinkle a generous amount of cheese over the meat mixture. You can use mozzarella for a gooey texture or cheddar for a sharper, more flavorful bite. Feel free to mix both cheeses for a well-rounded taste.
• Starting from one edge, carefully roll the puff pastry into a log or cylinder shape. Make sure it’s tightly rolled but not too tight to avoid squeezing out the filling.

4. Cut into Pinwheels:

• Once rolled up, slice the log into about 1-inch thick pinwheels. Be gentle when cutting to avoid squishing the filling.

5. Bake:

• Arrange the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them out so they have room to expand as they bake.
• Brush the tops of the pinwheels with a beaten egg to give them a golden, glossy finish.
• Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the cheese is melted inside.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

• Once baked, remove the pinwheels from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
• Garnish with some fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired.
• Serve warm as an appetizer, snack, or part of a meal.

Tips for Success:

• Customize the Filling: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different meats and cheeses. Ground turkey, chicken, or lamb can provide unique flavors, and you can try different cheese combinations, such as adding parmesan for extra depth.
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the pinwheels in advance and store them in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply brush with egg wash and bake as instructed.
• Dipping Sauces: These pinwheels pair wonderfully with a variety of sauces. You can serve them with ketchup, ranch, or even a tangy BBQ sauce for an added layer of flavor.

Conclusion:

Minced Meat with Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels are the ultimate comfort food, offering a mix of flaky pastry, savory meat, and gooey cheese that will leave everyone wanting more. Whether you serve them as an appetizer at your next party, pack them in your lunchbox, or simply enjoy them as a quick snack, these pinwheels are guaranteed to be a hit. Their simple yet delicious nature makes them an excellent addition to your culinary repertoire, and they’re so easy to customize based on your preferences.

Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the mouthwatering flavors of these delightful pinwheels!