Meat-Stuffed Puff Pastry with Vegetable Side Salad – A Savory Delight
Introduction
Meat-stuffed puff pastry is a delicious, flaky, and golden dish that combines savory seasoned meat with the light, buttery texture of puff pastry. Paired with a fresh vegetable side salad, this dish is perfect for dinner, brunch, or as a party appetizer.
This simple yet elegant recipe is easy to make and delivers restaurant-quality flavors right at home. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or impressing guests, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
—
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Flaky & Buttery Texture – The puff pastry bakes to golden perfection.
✔️ Savory Meat Filling – Rich, juicy, and flavorful ground meat mixture.
✔️ Quick & Easy – Minimal effort, maximum flavor!
✔️ Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve as an appetizer, main course, or snack.
✔️ Pairs with Fresh Salad – A light and refreshing contrast to the rich pastry.
—
Ingredients
For the Meat Filling
2 eggs
200 g ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
30 g breadcrumbs (helps bind the filling)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika (adds depth and color)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for extra umami)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
For the Puff Pastry
1 sheet of store-bought puff pastry (or homemade)
1 egg yolk + 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash, gives a golden crust)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
For the Vegetable Side Salad
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cucumber, diced
1/4 red onion, finely sliced
1/2 bell pepper, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
—
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Filling
1. In a bowl, combine ground meat, eggs, breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and parsley.
2. Mix until well combined. Let it rest in the fridge while preparing the pastry.
Step 2: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
3. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
4. Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.
5. Cut into rectangles or circles (depending on your desired shape).
Step 3: Assemble the Pastry
6. Place a spoonful of the meat filling onto one half of each puff pastry piece.
7. Fold the pastry over the filling and press the edges with a fork to seal.
8. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
Step 4: Bake the Pastries
9. Transfer to a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Prepare the Salad
11. In a bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
12. Toss well and garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
—
How to Serve Meat-Stuffed Puff Pastry
🥂 As an appetizer – Serve with a side of garlic aioli or spicy mayo.
🥗 As a main course – Pair with the fresh salad and a creamy dressing.
🍲 With soup – Serve alongside a warm tomato or mushroom soup.
🧀 With cheese platter – Add a side of cheese and olives for an elegant touch.
—
Pro Tips for the Best Meat-Stuffed Puff Pastry
✔️ Chill the Filling – This helps firm up the meat mixture, making it easier to shape.
✔️ Don’t Overfill – Overstuffed pastries may burst open during baking.
✔️ Use Cold Puff Pastry – Keeps it flaky and prevents shrinkage.
✔️ Score the Top – Lightly scoring the pastry allows steam to escape and prevents sogginess.
✔️ Let Them Cool Slightly – This helps the filling set for the best texture.
—
Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze unbaked pastries for up to 3 months (bake from frozen at 200°C for 30 minutes).
Reheating:
Oven: Reheat at 180°C (350°F) for 5-10 minutes for crispiness.
Air Fryer: Heat at 170°C (340°F) for 5 minutes.
Microwave: Use short 30-second intervals but note that the pastry may soften.
—
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Use Store-Bought Puff Pastry?
Absolutely! Store-bought puff pastry saves time and delivers amazing results.
2. Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Yes! You can use chicken, turkey, or even plant-based meat alternatives.
3. How Do I Keep the Puff Pastry from Getting Soggy?
✔️ Avoid adding too much liquid to the meat filling.
✔️ Bake at high heat (200°C/400°F) to crisp up quickly.
✔️ Let them cool on a wire rack to prevent steam buildup underneath.
4. Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the pastries and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh the next day.
—
Final Thoughts
Meat-stuffed puff pastry is the perfect combination of crisp, flaky pastry and a juicy, flavorful filling. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or main course, this dish is a surefire winner.
🔥 Try this recipe and let us know how it turned out!
📌 Follow for more easy, delicious recipes.
🥐 Enjoy your homemade meat-stuffed puff pastry! ❤️
